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Canterbury Aero Club Established in 1928 at Wigram airfield at what was then the outskirts of Christchurch, Canterbury Aero Club is considered the oldest aero club in New Zealand. Founded by Sir Henry Wigram, an aviation pioneer, the organisation carries a proud history in New Zealand of training pilots for sport & recreation and commercial flying.

Canterbury Aero Club, History

Aircraft Over time types have changed significantly, however, all have been deployed for flight training purposes first. The first aircraft were typically British. Today, the Club operates a fleet of some 24 aircraft used still, primarily for pilot training. Piper Aircraft (variations of which include) Cub, Tomahawk, Cherokee, Warrior, Arrow & Archer. Other types: Cessna 172, Alpha 160a (included for aerobatics experience) and for twin-engine training, the Italian, Partenvaia.

Operations From Wigram airfield, operations moved to Harewood aerodrome after WWII. Harewood, now Christchurch International Airport is home to the CAC base. The current buildings located on the west side were purpose-built for the establishment of the new commercial operation (on the initiative of the then Executive Committee) owned the Club, International Aviation Academy of New Zealand, since 1994. The Academy has provided funding support for Club fleet and staff while producing commercially qualified pilots from across NZ and around the world. Operations continue from the base and are supplemented with training from uncontrolled aerodromes at West Melton [|West_Melton_Aerodrome] and Rangiora [|Rangiora_Airport]