Aviation Academy officially airborne

TAKE OFF: Students, guests and dignitaries gathered for the official opening of the Otamatea Aviation Academy by Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith.

By Rob Pooley

The fact that demand far outweighed available places is testament to the value of innovation in a relatively small Otamatea High School and the foresight of Tech department teacher Paul Morrison in establishing a specialised class to construct an operational flying machine. 

Such has been the success and support from within the school, the community and aviation buffs from much farther afield that the school recently opened it’s Aviation Academy, attended by local identity and official ribbon-cutter Dr Hon Lockwood Smith. 

Warrant Officer Mark Harwood of the RNZAF, members of the NZRN No.6 Squadron who arrived by helicopter, donors, plus the students involved in the project, joined with community supporters at the official ceremony.

The academy operates from it’s own purpose-built hangar within the school compound and was driven by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Paul Morrison who has a long teaching career and broad technical knowledge covering aviation, marine and automotive projects. 

It is a highly specialised department involving the building of an American Piper Cub Aircraft. Year 11-13 students must apply for a place on the team, submit their CV and commit fully to the three year project which rewards them with NCEA credits as well as practical skill expertise and character growth which has proven successful in the past in procuring employment for earlier students.

“While it is fun it is primarily about learning,” says Morrison. “The course is challenging for the students both for themselves and the others, and develops teamwork and attitude but the rewards are great.”

The team includes both male and female students and, apart from the aspect of flying, gives in-depth tuition in aeronautics, design, theory as well as hands-on experience. Modern technology allows the team to build the aircraft in-house in it’s entirety and within their three year ‘contract’ literally from the ground up.

“Though there are too many to mention, we have marvellous support from the likes of ex-RNZAF man John Melville who are only too pleased to impart their knowledge, as well as  several Aero clubs around the country who have even offered the students free flying lessons,” adds Morrison. “The bottom line is that the aircraft will be sold when completed which will help fund the next intake of students.”

As only 12 of the 26 student applicants could be accepted in this intake, there is little doubt about the popularity of the project. The value of the academy as an education aid is without question and it is to be hoped that with ongoing funding the project may be extended to greater numbers in the future.