Otago Aero Club

11/06/2026

Big congratulations and well done to our student Neena today after passing her PPL Flight Test. All the hard work has paid off! We wish Neena all the best as she moves on to Christchurch to continue her flying journey.

03/06/2026

# # ✈️ Skyhawk Nostalgia: The Story of 'Dixie' (ZK-DXK) and Air Charter Otago! 🇳🇿🕒

Check out this fantastic blast from the past in the file named For anyone who frequented the Taieri tarmac in decades past, this beautiful **Cessna 172M Skyhawk II** is an incredibly familiar sight. Proudly sporting her **ZK-DXK** registration and classic **"Air Charter Otago"** tail livery, she was known affectionately to club members and local pilots simply as **'Dixie'**.

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# # # 📜 A True Southern Workhorse

First registered in New Zealand back in the mid-1970s, 'Dixie' carved out a massive legacy right here in the south. Whether she was giving local students their very first taste of straight-and-level flight, taking families on scenic tours over Dunedin, or operating dependable charter flights across the region, this trusty Skyhawk was the absolute definition of an aviation workhorse.

While our club’s primary modern flight training has transitioned to high-efficiency, advanced glass-cockpit machines like the **Tecnam P92 and P2008**, looking at photos like DXK reminds us of the incredible stepping stones that built our club's legacy.

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# # # 💯 The Countdown to February 2027 is Moving Fast!

Preserving the stories of the iconic aircraft like 'Dixie' that have called Taieri home is exactly what we are celebrating as the **Otago Aero Club counts down to our Centenary (February 5–7, 2027)!**

As New Zealand’s very first established aero club (1927–2027), we are pulling together an epic 3-day weekend filled with airfield displays, a massive fly-in of vintage and classic aircraft, and an unforgettable Centennial Gala Dinner.

**🚀 Help Us Secure the Next 100 Years:**
To help future aviation students take to the skies, we are actively looking for donations of unique **aviation memorabilia, historic club treasures, or local experiences** to be auctioned off at our Gala Dinner. 100% of the proceeds will go directly into our **Youth Aviation Scholarship Fund**! Let’s turn the rich history of our past into the wings of tomorrow’s pilots.

👇 **Did you log hours in 'Dixie'? Did you take a charter flight or complete a cross-country in ZK-DXK? Share your favorite memories and old photos in the comments below!**

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our friend and Life Member, Corran Gordon Munro, passed away on Wednesday, 27 May, after a short but fierce battle with cancer.

Corran was a valued member of the Otago Aero Club for many years and a good friend to many in our aviation community. His friendship and contributions to the club will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Corran’s family have advised that a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Balmacewen Golf Club on Friday, 5 June at 3:00 pm. All who knew Corran are welcome to attend.

On behalf of the Otago Aero Club, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Corran’s wife, family, and friends during this difficult time.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Corran.

22/05/2026

Big congratulations to Mikayla Evans for her successful Commercial Flight test pass today with examiner Jordan! We are all very impressed by your hard work over the last few weeks and it all paid off today. Well done!!

17/05/2026

Happy International Learn to Fly Day! ✈️🌍

Have you ever looked up at the sky over the Taieri Plains and thought, "I wish I could do that"? There’s no better day to turn that dream into a reality than today!

Whether you want to fly for fun, travel the country, or kickstart an exciting career in commercial aviation, your journey starts right here with the Otago Aero Club.

By training with us, you aren't just joining a flight school—you are becoming part of living history. Founded in 1927, the Otago Aero Club is New Zealand’s very first established aero club.

We are officially on the countdown to a massive milestone: Our Centenary in February 2027! For nearly 100 years, our experienced instructors have been taking everyday locals and turning them into skilled pilots at Taieri Aerodrome. From vintage biplanes to modern trainers, a century of aviation excellence is woven into everything we do.

Ready to take the controls? 🕹️
You don't need any prior experience to take a Trial Flight. Discover the unmatched thrill of aviation and see Otago from a whole new perspective.

👉 Send us a message or visit our website today to book your trial flight and start your aviation journey where NZ aero club history began!

13/05/2026

They made history. You can too.

A hundred years ago, aviation was a daring frontier. Today, it’s a career, a hobby, and a passion. As the Otago Aero Club celebrates its Centennial, we invite you to step off the sidelines and into the cockpit.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith landed here to inspire a nation. A century later, that inspiration is still fueled up and ready to go. Don't just read about the last 100 years—be part of the next 100.

The Centennial Class is now forming. Start your flight journey where legends once landed.

09/05/2026

✈️ HISTORY SPOTLIGHT | November 1947 ✈️
In November 1947, meteorologist J Finkelstein was photographed at Taieri Aerodrome, contributing to the vital weather observations that helped keep aviation safe in the post-war era.
Before modern satellite forecasting and digital systems, aviation meteorologists played a critical role in every flight — monitoring cloud formations, wind patterns, visibility, and rapidly changing southern weather conditions.
As we prepare to celebrate the Aero Club Centennial, we honour the people behind the scenes whose knowledge and dedication supported generations of pilots and aviators.
Do you remember the early days of flying at Taieri? Share your stories or memories in the comments below.

09/05/2026

100 years deserves something special ✨
As Aero Club approaches its centennial celebration, we’re excited to announce that renovations are now underway — refreshing and reimagining the club for the next generation while honouring the history and traditions that define us.
This transformation marks an exciting new chapter for the club, blending timeless character with modern updates to create a space our community can enjoy for years to come.
We can’t wait to share the journey with you as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of Aero Club. 🥂

Follow the journey to 100 years of aviation history.
Visit our website and follow us on Facebook & Instagram for stories, events, photos, and centennial updates.

09/04/2026

Congratulations to our student Ollie for putting in the work and achieving his first solo this morning. An exciting milestone to look back on, well done Ollie!