‘The Sky’s the Limited’ for young people thanks to Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the youth charity Blue
Light
On Sunday 13 April the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association along with Blue Light, the youth charity run in
partnership with the New Zealand Police, took groups of young people from throughout New Zealand for a truly unique day
out; the opportunity to fly in small private aircraft. The private pilots were giving back to their communities by
taking children on a day long excursion in privately owned aircraft. Groups flew from one airstrip to another, where
they had lunch before heading back to their original destination. There were eight locations throughout New Zealand
taking part including Ardmore, Whangarei, North Shore, Te Kowhai, Whakatane, Fielding, Wanaka and Balclutha.
“We were thrilled to be involved in this incredible day out and know that this unique experience will provide a lasting
memory for the great bunch of kids that attend the day, commented Phil Pacey, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Northern North Island Representative. “Last year we ran the one event out of Ardmore, flying to Raglan for lunch and
back. It was a hugely successful day. Thanks to support from owners and pilots throughout New Zealand we have been able
to extend the opportunity this year throughout both islands so a larger number of young people can enjoy the unique
experience of flying in private aircraft and seeing up close the job of a pilot”.
"We were thrilled when the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association approached us and offered to provide this once in a
lifetime opportunity for young people who would otherwise not have the chance to experience flying in a private plane,"
said Warren Sloss, Blue Light National Programmes Manager.
Blue Light has a strong vision of Empowering Youth with all programs and activities designed to; reduce the incidence of
young people being an offender or victim of crime and to encourage better relations between young people, their parents,
the police and the communities we live in.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a national body set up to advocate on behalf of members to keep the
cost of private and recreational flying affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. To encourage the social
aspect of flying with like-minded people who share a passion for aviation. For further information visit www.aopa.co.nz.
ends