THE skies above Swan Hill are open slather for learner pilots once again.
After being instructor-less since October, the Mid Murray Flying Club (MMFC) has secured two new pilots for aspiring local aviators.
Bridgewater’s Colin Hokin will take the reins as chief flying instructor, while Graham Drage from Warracknabeal will act as senior instructor, active immediately.
MMFC president Daryl Allen said the club were overjoyed to have secured two instructors with such a wealth of combined experience.
“We’re very fortunate,” Mr Allen said.
“They are very sought after senior instructors and we’re lucky to be able to secure them. Between both of them they have substantial background in flying instruction.”
Mr Hokin and Mr Drage will work every Thursday and Friday out at the Swan Hill Aerodrome, and Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
But with seven students already on the books Mr Allen said the club hoped flying lessons could be offered every day of the week.
“We look forward to everyone making enquiries and experiencing the joy of flying a plane,” he said.
Obtaining a pilot’s certificate requires 15 hours flying instruction and 5 hours solo flying, and the club owns two planes kept expressly at the aerodrome for the purpose of teaching.
MMFC secretary Mike Reynolds said the club were trying to shift the image of flying as an elite and expensive pastime.
“If you want to buy you a motorbike it will cost you $15,000,” he said.
“We can get you flying for $5000.”
“Is it better to ask your new girlfriend to jump on the back of a motorbike, or in a plane?”
For more information contact MMFC on 5032 2444.
