Post by slackie on Dec 14, 2008 6:59:27 GMT 12
As you may know, the Walsh Memorial Flying School will be on again at Matamata from 8th to 22nd January 2009.
For those that aren't familiar with "the Walsh ", it's organised by Scouting NZ for kids from 16yrs of age to spend 2 weeks "under canvas ", learning to fly - in fact most (sometimes all!) will achieve 1st solo, and some will even continue on into aviation careers.
The Walsh is supported by some of the big players in the aviation community (AirNZ, Airways, RNZAF, AirBP, NZALPA, etc), not to mention the time and effort donated by the instructors, controllers, and support staff.
Many of the highlights that the kids (and others!) often reflect on are some of the itinerant aircraft that call in, fly past, or display during the camp. These have included the Red Checkers (and most other RNZAF assets - even the B757!), a 737 apparently (tho' I missed it!), Harvards, Mustang and Thunder Mustang, Hunter, Edge 540, Pitts', Zlin 50, DC3, and many more (sorry to those that I haven't mentioned). The kids love the opportunity to take a closer look at some of these aircraft in the air and on the ground (if possible!), and to speak to their pilots.
All I ask is that if you're in the area that you consider calling past (or into!) Matamata, particularly as many may be ferrying to/from Masterton for the airshow down there. There is BP AVGAS on the field and I can possibly even arrange a bite to eat if you are there over a meal time (if camp food grabs your fancy!!).
Obviously the main aim of the camp is flight training, and as such the airspace is often very busy, but we should be able to organise a few slots to "demonstrate aircraft capabilities". There is a temporary control zone established (and Air Traffic Control in attendance) so that we can pretty much give you unrestricted use of the airspace - obviously we'd need a little notice first!!
So, if you'd like to make a few kids' days (and mine!) then contact me and/or call in!
MA Twr phone: 07 880 9730, fax: 07 880 9731.
Chief Controller: Mike Slack mbl: 021 648 486
PS. Be familiar with AIP Supplement 168/08 and current NOTAMS, and keep your eyes open - it is very busy airspace!
Mike Slack
Senior Air Traffic Controller - Hamilton Tower
Chief Air Traffic Controller - Airshows
Ph: 07 843 4340 (HN Twr)
Mbl: 021 648 486
For those that aren't familiar with "the Walsh ", it's organised by Scouting NZ for kids from 16yrs of age to spend 2 weeks "under canvas ", learning to fly - in fact most (sometimes all!) will achieve 1st solo, and some will even continue on into aviation careers.
The Walsh is supported by some of the big players in the aviation community (AirNZ, Airways, RNZAF, AirBP, NZALPA, etc), not to mention the time and effort donated by the instructors, controllers, and support staff.
Many of the highlights that the kids (and others!) often reflect on are some of the itinerant aircraft that call in, fly past, or display during the camp. These have included the Red Checkers (and most other RNZAF assets - even the B757!), a 737 apparently (tho' I missed it!), Harvards, Mustang and Thunder Mustang, Hunter, Edge 540, Pitts', Zlin 50, DC3, and many more (sorry to those that I haven't mentioned). The kids love the opportunity to take a closer look at some of these aircraft in the air and on the ground (if possible!), and to speak to their pilots.
All I ask is that if you're in the area that you consider calling past (or into!) Matamata, particularly as many may be ferrying to/from Masterton for the airshow down there. There is BP AVGAS on the field and I can possibly even arrange a bite to eat if you are there over a meal time (if camp food grabs your fancy!!).
Obviously the main aim of the camp is flight training, and as such the airspace is often very busy, but we should be able to organise a few slots to "demonstrate aircraft capabilities". There is a temporary control zone established (and Air Traffic Control in attendance) so that we can pretty much give you unrestricted use of the airspace - obviously we'd need a little notice first!!
So, if you'd like to make a few kids' days (and mine!) then contact me and/or call in!
MA Twr phone: 07 880 9730, fax: 07 880 9731.
Chief Controller: Mike Slack mbl: 021 648 486
PS. Be familiar with AIP Supplement 168/08 and current NOTAMS, and keep your eyes open - it is very busy airspace!
Mike Slack
Senior Air Traffic Controller - Hamilton Tower
Chief Air Traffic Controller - Airshows
Ph: 07 843 4340 (HN Twr)
Mbl: 021 648 486
