WHAT’S THE PLAN?

WASSI’s intention is to build up a fleet of modern light aircraft for use by the Walsh.  This will comprise a fleet of fourteen two-seat and one four-seat aircraft, a mix of high and low wing aircraft.
While the first few aircraft purchased by the WASSI have been older aircraft, of the same type currently used at the Walsh, the long term objective is to build up a fleet of modern light sport aircraft (LSA).
The fund to purchase this fleet will take some time to build, so the fleet will be built up progressively over a multi-year period.  Over the last five years, the WASSI has purchased and refurbished six training aircraft.

Once purchased, WASSI aircraft progressively undergo a programme of comprehensive refurbishment.  The detail of this refurbishment varies depending on the condition of the aircraft when purchased.  However, the objective is to create a fleet of aircraft of high standard and standardised outfitting.
All WASSI aircraft are fitted with applicable modern avionics and safety equipment, such as top quality instrument systems and radios, ideally airbag fitted seat-belts, GPS tracking devices and possibly ballistic parachutes.
Aircraft are acquired specifically for use at the WMSFS in January each year.  However, during the rest of the year some of the aircraft are leased out to suitable organisations and/or individuals, where suitable lease arrangements can be established.  The proceeds of the leasing assist in covering the costs of running and refurbishing the aircraft and ideally support the purchase and replacement of aircraft in the longer term.  Those aircraft not leased out would be hangered at a suitable location.  Ideally in the longer term, a purpose-built hangar at Matamata airfield.

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We wanted a formal, proper way to do this so it’s well managed, hence a society was formed.  We are a registered Incorporated Society with the New Zealand Government and have been granted Income Tax exemption from the Inland Revenue, and we are also a registered charity.