New Zealand General Aviation Claims Victory Down Under

Flying New Zealand Team Brings Home Wings International Trophy with Stellar Performance at ALAC’s

Zealand’s skies are buzzing with pride this week as the country’s top general aviation pilots returned from Australia victorious, having dominated the Australian Light Aircraft Championships (ALAC) held in Taree, NSW 1st – 3rd May 2025.

Representing Flying New Zealand—the Royal New Zealand Aero Club—the Kiwi team went head-to-head with Australia’s best, delivering a noteworthy performance that earned 7 Golds, 3 Silvers, and overall title of Australian Light Aircraft Championship. To top it all off, the team also claimed the Wings International Trophy, a prestigious symbol of aviation excellence across the Southern Hemisphere.

The competition this year was fierce, with a 45-year age gap between competitors, including New Zealand's Dominik Bennett (18), who was the youngest in the field. In a highlight segment, Channel 7 Australia featured the event, noting the exceptional talent and the intensity of the contest.

“These results go beyond medals—they reflect the extraordinary skill, passion, and rich heritage of New Zealand aviation,” said Rachael Inch, spokesperson for Flying NZ. “Watching our team stay calm and focused despite interesting weather conditions was impressive. They meticulously planned their sequences in their minds before taking to the skies and executing them with precision. It’s about more than just technical skill; it’s also the ability to remain composed under pressure, make split-second decisions, and stay focused when it counts. Our pilots showed time and time again that, despite the intensity of the competition, they have what it takes to come out on top. And yes—the trophy is coming home!”

Flying New Zealand has been nurturing grassroots aviation for over 90 years, hosting five regional competitions annually across the country. These events offer pilots from small, local aero clubs the chance to progress to the National Championships, which serve not only as competitive opportunities but as powerful tools for boosting local economies and fostering community spirit. Legendary aviators like Jean Batten, John Brunskill, and Jay Peters have trophies in their name to inspire future generations.

ALAC (Australian Light Aircraft Championships) Results:

Spot Landing

• 1st – David Campbell (Tauranga Aero Club)
• 2nd – Hayden Faulknor (Hawkes Bay & East Coast Aero Club)

Forced Landing

• 2nd – David Campbell (Tauranga Aero Club)

Streamer Cutting

• 1st – David Campbell (Tauranga Aero Club)

Formation Flying

• 2nd – Team NZ: Dale Radford, David Campbell, Dane Levien (All Tauranga Aero Club)

Aerobatics – Sportsman Class

• 1st – Zac Ashley (South Canterbury Aero Club)

Overall ALAC Champion

• David Campbell (Tauranga Aero Club)

Wings International Results

Spot Landing

• 1st – Dominik Bennett (Tauranga Aero Club)

Streamer Cutting

• 1st – David Campbell (Tauranga Aero Club)

Aerobatics – Sportsman Class

• 1st – Zac Ashley (South Canterbury Aero Club)

Wings International Trophy – Awarded to New Zealand!

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