Seven Cessna models were lined up for the photo
Waitomo Aeroclub hosted seven models of Cessna during a recent weekend.
It was said there was every model from 150 to 192, club secretary George Thompson said.
Since 1927, Cessna has produced nearly 160,000 single-engine piston aircraft, more than any other aircraft in the world. American founder Clyde Cessna designed and built the first one and crashed it 13 times before getting it off the ground in June 1911 – and crashing into trees. Cessna continued to teach himself to fly over the next six months and in December 1911, he made a successful 8km flight and a successful landing at his take off point.
A Cessna 192 owner stopped at Te Kūiti on his way from New Plymouth to Whitianga, and that prompted aeroclub members to set up the photo, Thompson said.
Meanwhile, Piopio farmer and long-time flying enthusiast John Carter has been awarded life membership of the Waitomo Aeroclub – he has held the posts of president, secretary and instructor and is the club Safety Officer.
The club will host the Flying NZ central regional rally on November 16, when pilots from Waikato, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taumarunui and Waitomo aero clubs compete in up to 15 events for places in the nationals next March.
