When you think of an aero club, what comes to mind? An old porta-cabin, dead flies on a windowsill, yellowing copies of the crash comic? Or perhaps you think of sausage sizzles, fund raisers and cheap booze at the bar?
Do you imagine an ageing fleet? Aircraft so old they still have ashtrays and peeling patterned carpet sitting out on the grass in the open elements?
Or are you thinking of the swankier aero clubs, the ones with their own cafes, glass-cockpit equipped aircraft and lounges for lazing in whilst telling flying yarns.
And some have virtually nothing, existing as a loose group of enthusiasts without their own buildings, aeroplanes or indeed shared bank accounts. To form an aero club, all you really need is a passion for flight and a desire to share your experiences with others of the same passion.
Aero clubs of all types have played their parts in the general aviation community in Australia, fostering aviation careers both private and commercial; professional and recreational. They have been the bedrock of GA in Australia since the fledgling Federal Government recognised the value of aviation in the early 20th century.
Since then, many clubs have risen and many clubs have fallen. There are still aero clubs around today, but the hurdles they face in a challenging GA environment are threatening their futures.
A look back
Australia’s first civil aviation organisation was an aero club, the Australian Aero Club, affiliated with
