The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) hosted its annual Dinner and Awards Presentation on Saturday, 7th December 2024, at the club's hangar. This highly anticipated event celebrated the outstanding achievements of student pilots, experienced aviators, and dedicated club members. From first solo flights to lifetime contributions, the evening highlighted the passion and dedication that make HDFC a cornerstone of the aviation community since 1958.
Honouring Our Student Pilots
The presentation kicked off with recognition of the newest milestones in flying:
First Solo Flight:
Eleven students achieved their first solo flight this year, a thrilling milestone in every pilot's journey. Each recipient demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in mastering solo flying and emergency procedures.
Recipients:
Angelia Kesby 14.12.23, Calum Butler 12.1.24, Ben Waters 17.2.24, Ben Tree 28.2.24, Charlie Taylor 23.4.24, Bowen Hansen 23.5.24, Max Hopley 6.6.24, Zaide Jones 12.6.24, Raj Singh 21.6.24, Wilson Hickey 10.9.24, and Sid James 12.9.24.
Pilot Certificates:
Seven pilots earned their wings, completing the rigorous training syllabus and pilot certificate flight tests.
Recipients:
Lucas Bethencourt 12.12.23, Max Pursehouse 6.5.24, Brendan Koivu 3.6.24, Daryl Grace 19.8.24, Ben Tree 31.8.24, Calum Butler 19.9.24, and Max Hopley 16.10.24.
Passenger Endorsements:
Seven pilots gained passenger endorsements, enabling them to share the joy of flight with passengers while ensuring safety and professionalism.
Recipients:
George Worner 20.12.23, Lucas Bethencourt 27.12.23, Michael Day 6.4.24, Ivo Smyly 20.6.24, Brendan Koivu 26.6.24, and Max Pursehouse 19.9.24 and Ben Tree 2.11.24.
Advanced Achievements
Cross Country Endorsements:
Brandon Conway 16.12.23 and Steve Gooch 19.7.24 completed the demanding cross-country training, enabling them to fly across Australia with confidence.
Converting Pilots:
Four experienced pilots transitioned to Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), a testament to their adaptability and pursuit of growth.
Recipients:
Russell Bramley 20.12.23, Peter Cohoe 11.6.24, Ray Winson 28.8.24, and Michael Lohmann 4.10.24.
Senior Instructor Upgrade:
Bruce Dunlop earned his upgrade after successfully training three students to solo standard, demonstrating exceptional mentorship and skill.
Special Recognition Awards
Student Pilot of the Year 2024:
Max Pursehouse was celebrated for his dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievements, from earning his first solo flight to receiving his wings and passenger endorsement.
Pilot of the Year:
Jon Bown received this prestigious award for his exceptional piloting skills, dedication to the club, and invaluable support in ensuring smooth operations.
Club Person of the Year:
Bruce Dunlop was recognised for his unwavering commitment to the club’s success.
Life Memberships:
Steve Smith, Vice-President and Senior Flying Instructor.
David Toulson who is also HDFC's Treasurer.
Bruce Dunlop, Secretary and Senior Flying Instructor
Stirrer Award:
A light-hearted nod to the club's vibrant camaraderie, presented to a deserving member for their humour and energy. John Navin passed the stirrer spoon on to Jon Bown this year.
Tri Club Competition and Monthly Proficiency Days
HDFC’s pilots demonstrated their prowess in the annual Tri Club Competition, held this year at Rutherford Airfield. Although MRAC claimed victory, HDFC's Jon Bown and Steve Schwartz stood out in the Forced Landing and River Bash events, respectively.
The club’s monthly Proficiency Pilot Days (PPDs) continue to provide valuable opportunities for pilots to refine their skills in challenging exercises such as spot landings and simulated emergencies. The winners below are based on the aggreagated scores achieved for the year.
Spot Landing Proficiency:
The Spot Landing exercise challenges pilots to demonstrate precision and judgment in landing by targeting specific scoring boxes on the ground, often following simulated scenarios like instrument failure, engine issues, or adverse weather conditions.
Winner: Chris Doak
Forced Landing Proficiency:
Judging occurs for accurate flying while doing all of the required checks to cover a simulated total engine failure, completing the exercise with a perfect landing in the scoring boxes.
Winner: John Navin
Most Proficient Pilot:
John Navin excelled in all sequences, earning the Vern Polley Memorial Trophy for his consistent competence and dedication.
Scholarship Winners
This year, the club proudly awarded scholarships to three promising individuals: Jack Hansen, Noah Douglas, and Luke Everson. Their passion and potential reflect the future of aviation excellence.
Acknowledgements
The evening’s success was made possible by the club's dedicated instructors, engineers, committee members, and volunteers. Special thanks to Steve Smith, Bruce Dunlop, Rod Hall, Mike Bullock, David Massey, and Ray Lind for their commitment to guiding the next generation of pilots. Engineers like Jon Bown, marketers like Veronica Lind and very importantly HDFC President Rod Davison ensure the club remains a beacon of aviation excellence.
The Hastings District Flying Club is where people who believe in your flying dreams come together since 1958. HDFC has a long and proud history dating back to 1958. It operates a flying club and Recreational Aviation flying school out of Port Macquarie on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, with a hangar and club house at the airport.
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