Our People
Mike Russell - Chief Flying Instructor
Mike started his flying career here at the Club in the late 1990’s and worked as a B Cat before heading to the airlines on the regional route based out of Napier, working for both Air NZ and Jetstar, including as training captain on the Dash 8. Mike has over 11,000 hours total time and several tailwheel ratings and is interested in all the diverse types we have on the airfield.
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Dominik Box-Wilson - Flying Instructor
Dom has been passionate about flying since he was a teenager starting in the Club's Young Eagles program and Hastings #11 Air Training Corps cadet squadron. Following on from there he completed his commercial and instructor qualifications.
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If the weather is good, he wants to get airborne.
Ali Shand - Flying Instructor / Microlight Instructor
Ali has been keen to get in the air for most of his life. He loves everything with wings; tailwheel and vintage aircraft especially, looking to catch as many type ratings as possible. He also runs the Flying New Zealand Young Eagles program for HB&ECAC.
If the weather is bad, he wants to get airborne.
Hamish Ross - Microlight Instructor
Hamish has been a pilot for over 30 years and when not instructing in the Club microlight likes to enjoy flying his Cessna 182 and Stinson Voyager taildragger or chipping away on his Piper Cub restoration project. A past President of AOPA NZ he can also help you with ideas for fly aways and trips around NZ.
Jerry Chisum - Microlight Instructor
Jerry brings over 40 years experience to his instructing with a varied background ranging from international airline and freight flying, to warbirds, GA and vintage aircraft and RC aircraft. He has a keen interest in fostering the next generations interest in flying. When not at the Aero Club or hangar flying he can been seen piloting vintage De havilland Tiger and Gipsy Moth biplanes or working on his next aircraft restoration.
Club Patron
John Holland
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President
Joe Faram
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Vice President
Barry Atkinson
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Treasurer
Steve Shepherd
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​​Club Captain
Thomas Hornblow
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Committee Members
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Reuben Hansen
Terry Longley
Steve Shepherd
Hamish Ross
James Mist
Tony Johnson
Aerodrome Manager
Amanda Baker