New Plymouth Aero Club closes leaving students and staff sad

BREAKING NEWS: infonews.co.nz can reveal that the New Plymouth Aero Club also known as New Plymouth Air will be shutting down.

The club operates from the New Plymouth Airport located 8 km north of New Plymouth City.

The club that has taught Taranaki residents and beyond how to fly since 1930.

However an infonews investigation can confirm that the New Plymouth Aero Club just didnt have the money to keep going, Jan Green Finance Officer of the club said in a Facebook post "No students= No money" 

In a Facebook post made by the club it said it would be shutting down. "Unfortunately, the sad decision has been made to close Air New Plymouth Flight Training School."

The New Plymouth Aero Club had been effected by the school shutting down and trading had been stopped as of yesterday.

"Thank you all for your encouragement and support, and may those of you wishing to take up Aviation as a Career, achieve your goal. We are sorry we could not help you." the post said.

This has left staff members wondering what will happen with there jobs.

Every Aero Club in New Zealand runs a Young Eagles group and student Michael Riley, 15 told infonews.co.nz that he was sad about the news. "It is a real shame that this has happened. The club was much appreciated and always will by the students and staff, we all had a great time." 

He added he hopes the programme still continues somehow. 

 

GOING BACK IN TIME

Air New Plymouth is the professional flight training and air charter division of the New Plymouth Aero Club Inc which was incorporated in April 1929.

Although the Club had suitable buildings and an airfield it did not have the funds for an aircraft.

In great Kiwi tradition a small group of residents formed a private company for the purpose of purchasing a plane and hiring it to the Club.

The first plane to be flown by the Club was a Gypsy Moth.

Training began in 1930 and it was not long before around 20 pupils were enrolled.