Left photo reads - Local microlight aircraft and their pilots outside the hangar at the Waiau Airstrip during a social fly-in on February 10.

Right photo reads -  Taking advantage of calm, cool 7am conditions, flying instructor Gordon Kane gives final pointers to student pilot David Klein as he prepares for one last dual flight in Fiordland Aero Club's Bantam before soloing.

Article reads-

  A group of keen new pilots is learning to fly at Fiordland Aero Club using the club's Bantam 225 microlight aircraft.

Instructor Gordon Kane says he's taught six new pilots, including three still at college, in the two seater microlight.

  The student pilots brought tremendous enthusiasm to their task, he said.

If one student was booked for a 6am training flight (early morning gives the best flying conditions) his colleagues would turn up in support.

  The little aircraft provided an economical way to learn to fly and its simplicity meant the student pilots got a strong grounding in the principles of flight without high-tech distractions.

  "These guys are learning situation awareness, judgment, decision making, planning - the thoroughness and discipline  of airmanship," he said.

  "These are the raw basics - this is boot camp."

  Senior pilot Murray Hagen overseas the flight instruction program, assessing the quality of the training and the new pilots' skill levels.

  "He keeps checking on them and he's happy," Mr Kane said.

  He adds that it's been gratifying to see his graduates go on to other things and have their training recognized and respected.

  One student pilot joined the Air Force as a pilot and others are flying at other Aero Clubs, where instructors report they are disciplined, accurate fliers.

  Mr Kane is doing the instructing for free. He said he feels ready to give something back to aviation.

  It is an industry he has worked in for much of his life, logging 5550 hours, mainly in helicopters.

  The student pilots who are now taking up the opportunity he is offering look certain to bring another generation of comradeship and enthusiasm to Fiordland Aero Club.