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Aero club gives up financial battle

Friday 10 May 2013, 5:51PM

By NP Linked Taranaki

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Giving Up: Aero club folds wings, blames NZ dollar
Giving Up: Aero club folds wings, blames NZ dollar Credit: Fairfax NZ

TARANAKI

A battle for the New Plymouth Aero Club to stay open has given up, closing its doors.

The strugglying Aero Club has officially been placed into receivership just after its flight trainging school was grounded last month.

The 80 year old club has members upset however trying to keep it running with not much luck.

The closure was announced to about 60 people at the clubrooms at New Plymouth Airport on Wednesday night.

Over the years the club has taught thousands to fly, provided the region's first air ambulance services and was involved in coastguard and search and rescue operations.

Bruce Richards of Staples Rodway confirmed Thursday the ANZ Bank had appointed his firm as receivers.
As receivers, his firm's job was to realise the assets and repay the bank which was the secured creditor.

It was too early to reveal the full financial situation, Mr Richards said.

Life member Brooke Jolly, a New Plymouth orthodontist who until last year regularly flew his own plane to treat patients at Wanganui, Taupo and Taumarunui, has been a member since 1969.

"There have been good times, it was very sociable. We are all very disappointed but it's a sign of the times. Other clubs around the country are also suffering," he said.


Some of the loyal members were wanting to "keep the old flag flying" with the establishment of a new club, he said.

Mr Budden thanked the ANZ as being very supportive through the years and through the receivership process.


Income streams were hard hit when the Tertiary Education Commission pulled the plug on training for New Zealand pilots, he said.

The loss of that revenue plus reducing income from other streams, such as the Air Ambulance operation and local pilot training, forced the club to cease operations.

The Taranaki Air Ambulance Trust is now operating as a separate entity.


The club had paid back a substantial amount of bank debt over the last two years, Mr Budden said. He was pleased many of the members were strongly supportive of forming another club.

While it would be non-commercial, it would cater for pilot training and have a greater focus on recreational pilots and social activities.


A meeting to form the new organisation would be held in the near future.

In the meantime all was not lost for people wanting to learn to fly, he said.


Thee former aero club instructors, now based at nearby Taranaki Skydivers hangar, are still available for pilot training using privately owned aircraft.

However an infonews.co.nz investigation can confirm much of Taranaki has relied on the club which is now folding its wings and saying goodbye.

One resident of New Plymouth told us that they were sad of the situation "Please, this is a plea. Please donate to the club." she said.

ANZ were not available for comment when infonews.co.nz contacted them.