It’s all happening at the Gloucester Airfield

FOR the first time in 25 years Gloucester Airfield was the venue for the first solo flight by a trainee pilot when 17-year-old Blake Walker recently took to the sky, watched by his nervous mum, and his instructor Garry King.

Blake, who will be Gloucester High School’s captain next year with plans to study civil engineering after finishing high school, has been learning to fly since early 2024.

“I found it frightening when Blake drove off in a car by himself for the first time, but I was terrified watching him take off all alone,” said Blake’s mum, Donelle Walker.

“However, I was so proud of what he had achieved.

“He was so cool and calm, and he took it all in his stride.”

Blake explains that he was a little nervous when told that it was time for his first solo flight.

“But, as soon as I got in the air, I loved it – it was the best feeling ever,” he said.

“I hope to get my licence by the end of the year.”

On 15 November the Gloucester aeroclub will host its annual airshow at the airfield.

Once again, the airshow will feature pilots from the world-renowned Paul Bennet Airshows for a meet and greet and a practice.

The airshow will be open to all members of the public.

“Come and meet pilots and modellers from all over New South Wales and see their aircraft up close and personal,” said organiser Andy Edwards.

“One of the models will be an award-winning quarter size replica of ‘the Wright Flyer’, which was the plane flown by the Wright Brothers at Kittyhawk in 1903.

“We are expecting planes from all over NSW and a few parachutists may drop in.

“A barbeque lunch will be available from 11.30am with proceeds from sales going towards tuition fees for young trainee pilots such as Blake.

“Naturally the event is weather dependent.”

Gloucester Aeroclub, located on the Maslen dairy just off Jack’s Rd, with over 70 members, now offers flying lessons from local experienced instructor Garry King.

By John WATTS