Against fierce competition from other aero clubs around Australia the Central Coast Aero Club (CCAC), which operates at Warnervale Airport, has been awarded the prestigious Aero Club of the Year Award for 2022.
Announced recently by Australian Flying, The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority ( CASA) Wings Award recognises the achievements of pilots, instructors, clubs and services in general aviation.
This is the description given where aerial fire fighting, recreational flying and flight training and scenic flights using light aircraft take place.
“From the moment a pilot first learns to fly, the operation of the airport, the aircraft and the qualification of the instructors all take place within strict rules set out by CASA,” CCAC spokesperson Allan Cooper said.
“So (for commercial aircraft passengers) it’s good to know the pilot will have been trained in that way or will have met the same very high standards required to occupy the Captain’s left hand seat or as a First Officer the right hand seat.”
CCAC operates under the leadership and guidance of CEO and Senior Instructor Andrew Smith.
Fly aways, quiz shows, monthly competitions and successful lobbying have been a large part of the success of the club.
“The club has been driven to modernise, with a focus on arranging Paul Bennet Air Shows, installing concrete pads to flood-proof tie down areas (for aircraft parking), replacing outdated fuel delivery systems and hosting a new CASA-approved simulator,” Cooper said.
“The club has risen from a position of weakness five years ago to a position of strength and credibility.
“By exposing thousands of members plus thousands of the general public to general aviation via air shows, gaining goodwill through free charity flights for disabled children and regaining the full runway length after campaigning for tree removal, the CCAC has placed itself firmly on the WAC (World Aeronautical Chart ) as a solid club.”
Source:
Media release, Feb 4
Central Coast Aero Club