Kent Anselmi
I’ve always had an interest in flying, but it was during a family OE in Scotland three years ago that I first took the plunge.
I had some spare time, so started training on microlights at a nearby flight school. After moving back to Cambridge, I was keen to carry on with lessons, so I connected with the Matamata Aero Club.
For me, the best things about flying are the sense of freedom and the amazing views.
I have enjoyed the flying training at Matamata Aerodrome and appreciated my instructors’ discipline to following correct processes. The process of learning and learning new things has been really positive.
There is a challenge of fitting flying lessons and study into a busy work and family life schedule. You just need to commit some time to flying and the study time that goes with it.
I’ve found it’s important to do flying lessons regularly, as taking a break can set your progress back.
I’ve almost reached the point of completing the requirement for my pilot certificate. Once that’s under my belt, I’ll get a rating to fly the Hylander microlight I bought. My plan is to fly locally and cross-country with family and friends. It will also be easier and faster to visit a family farm in the King Country. My 13-year-old son has shown a real interest in flying and recently had his first flying lesson at Matamata Aero Club.
Kylah Beattie
I got interested in flying through my uncle. He started flying lessons and thought I might like it, so he got me a youth starter pack at Matamata Aero Club.
I was 15 years old at the time and my first thought was that flying would be scary. But once I started, I found that I loved it. What I like most is taking off and being in the air, looking down on the world below.
I really like the lessons, with a mixture of briefings and flying. Before each flight is a briefing about what we’ll be doing. The time in the plane is an opportunity to practice in the air and the post-flight briefing helps to learn from your mistakes.
I’m a full-time high school student and have a part-time job, so I’m busy, but because I have a passion for flying, I can find the time for flying lessons and aviation study. It’s also a real plus that the lessons are flexible.
My first solo was in June 2025 when I was 16. All my family turned up at the aerodrome which was a nice surprise and made me less nervous for the solo flight.
I’m 17 now and learning more as my solo hours increase.
The flying lessons have helped me to feel more confident, and I feel like I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.
I’m in my last year of high school and am thinking about continuing my flying study with a two-year Diploma in Aviation at Waikato Aviation. I would like to be a commercial pilot, perhaps doing agricultural spraying or a pilot for a small airline and taking people on scenic flights.
I’ve found that the flying lessons have really helped me to focus on what I’d like to do in my future career. So, if you’re not sure whether flying is for you, it’s really worth trying it out.
Chris
(After completing his first solo flight, Chris shakes hands with his instructor Rainer Kunnemeyer)
I became interested in flying after meeting a friend of Dad’s who is building his own plane and belongs to the Matamata Aero Club. He invited me over for a trial flight when I was 15-years-old to see what flying would be like. I loved it and started taking lessons after that.
What I really enjoy about flying is the freedom of being up in the air, of flying the plane, and of course the great views.
There’s a lot to learn with the practical lessons and theory study on topics like Air Law, Radio and Navigation. I’ve found the lessons really good and my instructor is thorough while not pushing too hard.
The flying training is flexible, so I’ve been able to fit it in around my schoolwork. When I started flying I was at high school, but now I’m 17 and studying for an Applied Information Technology degree at Toi Ohomai Polytechnic.
I did my first solo flight a few months ago and my parents were there with me at the airfield. They have been very supportive.
I’m finding Matamata Aero Club is a great club, with a friendly environment where everyone’s there to help.
For the future, I’m looking at career opportunities with the RNZAF.
Mark Fleming
(Left: Mark following his first solo flight in 2025 at Matamata Aerodrome. Right: Pilot instructor George Pirie congratulates Mark following his first solo flight in 2025.)
I got into flying after my wife Vicki bought me a trial flight at Matamata Aero Club as a present for my 64th birthday.
Prior to that I had not thought about flying as a hobby, but now I wish I’d tried it years ago.
After the initial flight I bought a starter pack which covers five lessons and includes your pilot logbook among other things.
I love how peaceful it is up in the air. The views are tremendous and you really get a different perspective on the world. It’s great fun and you feel quite free.
I work as a consulting engineer, designing air conditioning, ventilation, and plumbing systems for large buildings like hospitals.
I do flying lessons during the weekend and study the theory topics in the evenings after work. It can be challenging to find the time, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and to be out of my comfort zone. Flying is also a great way to keep your mind active.
I’ve had lessons with both of the club’s pilot instructors and found them to be very consistent and the training of a high level.
Once I get my pilot certificate and passenger rating, I would like to cross-country fly with my wife. It will be a great way to repay her for that birthday present that got me hooked on flying!