The Hauraki Aero Club was formed in 1936 and is a proud member of the Recreational Aircraft Association (RAANZ), the governing body for microlight and ultralight sport aircraft.
The club is situated at the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield just three kms from Thames township, on the western arm of the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula.
Away from controlled and busy airport traffic, the Hauraki Aero Club offers Microlight flight training in a TECNAM P2008 aircraft. The Airfield is operated by the Thames-Coromandel District Council.
Our airfield at Thames with proximity to the surrounding Hauraki Plains provide an excellent environment in which to fly. With Thames as the Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsular, the opportunities for beautiful scenic flights are endless.
Hauraki Aero Club’s Aircraft hire and training rates vary. You pay as you go and the costs can be spread over whatever time period suits you and your budget. We are a not-for-profit organisation. Run by members, for members. All proceeds are put back into the aero club to improve it and make it a more enjoyable place for our members to fly.
Club membership, whether as a pilot, or a student, provides a social basis to interact with like minded people who enjoy flying. Print off an Application for Membership form from the Links Page or contact the Club Secretary by email on info@haurakiaeroclub.co.nz
Fuel available is BP Avgas and JetA1 as listed on the AIP airfield plate.
Our Chief Flying Instructor is available for BFR renewals.
Ask Stu about hangar rental.
Your Committee 2025-2026
| Name | Designation | Phone |
| Stuart Read | President | 027 477 0104 |
| Geoff Furkert | Vice President | 021 833 044 |
| Jocelyn Read | Treasurer & Acting Secretary | 027 477 0105 |
| Cliff McChesney | Chief Flying Instructor | 027 480 5454 |
| John Parker | Flying Instructor | 027 274 6955 |
| Kylie McDuffie | 027 616 1474 | |
| Brian Sharp | 027 563 2126 | |
| Mike Furey | 021 145 9053 | |
| Lesley Weston | Flight Training & Promotion Administrator (non committee) | 027 367 5600 |
“I started flying lessons at Hauraki Aero Club in
December 1995 and two years later gained my PPL licence. I have flown and owned a Cessna 172, a Piper Cherokee and currently a Yak52. I also have an Airtourer and Piper Cub rating. I have been a club committee member since 1998, being Treasurer for several years and latterly President, a position held for over 10 years”
“I’ve been Treasurer since June 2021 after the HAC President (with whom I have a close association) cajoled me into taking on the role as no-one else wanted to do it! I’m the only Committee person who doesn’t have any
flying experience other than as a passenger. I enjoy working with the rest of the team”
“I started my flying career in radio controlled aircraft. One day, a
friend said, “That thing is big enough to sit in! Why don’t you come and fly the real thing?” I didn’t need a second prompting. Gaining my microlight certificate, and later, my private pilot’s license, I found that microlights offered me everything that was available in general aviation at a much reduced cost. I’ve had students ranging in age from 10-84. If you fit into that spectrum
then perhaps you should come and take a trial flight. Maybe you will be hooked on the thrill of flying like I was all those years ago.“
Come and take a seat in our Tecnam Aircraft and let’s see if you have a passion for flying.
Hauraki Aero Club 
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