Instructors
Our team of instructors are all experienced pilots, who have been trained and approved to teach all aspects of microlight flying.
Murray Hagen
Murray began flying hang gliders in 1971, progressing to motorised hang gliders. In 1979, he imported a Pterodactyl microlight and taught himself to fly it. He has also built two CFM Shadow microlights and currently owns a Dynamic WT-9, a Thruster Gemini and another Shadow, while several other projects lurk in his sheds. Murray has over 2000 hrs of flying experience.
As the longest-serving president, he guided the Fiordland Aero Club to where it stands now with new facilities, strong membership and good training aircraft. He is still active in many supporting roles ranging from instructing to haymaking on the airport land. |
Ian Remnant
George Taylor
A long-time aviator, George flew gliders for many years and got into powered aircraft as well. Always keen to try something new, he once fitted floats to his microlight, so he could fly off quiet backwaters of the Oreti River.
George currently owns a Jodel, Pipistrel and a Pterodactyl. He flies these off the 'one way' airstrip he prepared on his hill farm at Mossburn. |
David Klein
Office Bearers
President
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Club Captain
Committee
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In Memoriam
Chris 'Tussock' Frew
Chris, a past President of Fiordland Aero Club, was a very accomplished pilot. Other pilots were in awe of his ability to gracefully manoeuvre the Piper Cub around the skies.
Russell Baker
Russell Baker was a legend. For many years he flew the skies of Fiordland, being involved in enough stories and adventures to fill a book.
In later years, when he was unable to fly, the club was privileged to have Russell as a ground instructor. His experience and knowledge of aviation theory were valuable resources on offer to students. |
Bill Black
Bill Black, saved countless lives and earned admiration – at times astonishment – for his expertise as a Fiordland helicopter pilot.
In the unforgiving mountains of southern New Zealand, he flew more than 500 search and rescue missions and over 300 mercy flights. These emergency flights, sometimes at night, often in freezing temperatures, hazardous winds, low visibility and at high altitudes were responsbile for saving a great many lives. Frequently his crew were first on the scene at accident sites. In addition, he helped fight fires and recovered more than 100 aircraft and helicopters. He was awarded an MBE in 1977, and also the Jean Batten Memorial Trophy, for his outstanding contribution to New Zealand aviation. |