The Rockhampton Aero Club at Rockhampton Airport

Shane T recently spent a very fruitful day of plane spotting at Rockhampton Airport.  He made a lot of new contacts, and had a closer look at several of the local fixed-base operators.  One long-standing operator at Rockhampton Airport that he visited on the day was the Rockhampton Aero Club.

The Rockhampton Aero Club is located on the General Aviation side of Rockhampton Airport, with the Aero Club building situated on the General Aviation access road which is off Canoona Road.

The Rockhampton Aero Club was first formed in 1930 as Rockhampton Aerial Services, and started flight training with a De Havilland Gypsy Moth. Following a period of inactivity during the Second World War, the club was reformed in 1947, and purchased surplus Tiger Moths in 1951.  Today, the club operates a fleet of single and twin-engined aircraft in a variety of roles which includes flight training, general air charter, scenic flights, search and rescue, and aerial advertising.

Operating from of a variety of buildings since it's inception, the Aero Club moved into its current premises in 2003, and it is worth noting for enthusiasts that on the first Friday of each month, commencing at 5pm, the club holds a BBQ, giving people the chance to chat with the local pilots, instructors and committee members

As mentioned, the Rockhampton Aero Club currently operates a variety of single and multi-engined aircraft.  Some of the examples include:

Cessna 150 VH-RZN which has seating for two passengers and a cruise speed of 90kts. It is said to be the ideal plane to introduce people to flying!

A pair of Cessna 172s VH-XUI and VH-OGY which both have seating for four passengers and are capable of cruising at 105kts.

Cessna 206 VH-PGJ which is configured to carry six passengers with an accessible cruise speed of 125kts.

Partenavia P68C VH-XLI which is configured to carry six passengers at a cruise speed of 140kts.

Lastly, Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-8 Islander VH-SLM which will carry a total of eight passengers at a cruise speed of 135kts.

Andy, who was the courteous employee from the Aero Club, and Shane's guide for his visit, commented that VH-SLM (or 'SLIM' to the locals) had in fact been leased by the Rockhampton Aero Club for a period of approximately 20 years - quite remarkable!

For further information about flight training, charter flights and scenic tours, the Rockhampton Aero Club can be contacted on (07) 4922 4596 or 0427 224 596 or by visiting their website at www.rockhamptonaeroclub.org.au

Shane would like to sincerely thank Andy and the Rockhampton Aero Club for their hospitality.