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 12,000 flight hours and several tailwheel ratings and is interested in all the diverse types we have on the airfield.
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Ali Shand - Flying Instructor / Microlight Instructor
Ali loves everything with wings. He completed his PPL with the Club in 2023 and has recently passed his B-Cat Instructor rating. He has a keen passion for vintage, tailwheel and aerobatic aircraft. He also runs the Flying New Zealand Young Eagles program for HB&ECAC.
When he's not working, Ali can regularly be seen flying for fun in one of the many types available in the Hawke's Bay.
Secret new employee starting 4/2/26
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 and 40,000 hours 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
Hans Doevendans
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Committee Members
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Terry Longley
Steve Shepherd
Hamish Ross
James Mist
Tony Johnson
Stephanie Eilers
Aerodrome Manager
Amanda Baker