WASSI Milestones
Growth, Governance and Giving Flight
2017
February – Walsh Aviation Support Society Incorporated (WASSI) was incorporated (2661471) with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies, NZ Companies Office.
2018
June – WASSI purchased its first aircraft: PA38 Tomahawk ZK-FML
September – WASSI was granted charitable status by the Charities Registration Board (Department of Internal Affairs). Charity registration Number CC55719.
December – Restoration of ZK-FML completed
2019
July – Second aircraft purchase: Cessna 152 Aerobat ZK-MUM
October – ZK-FML placed on lease with an aeroclub
2021
January – Third aircraft: PA38 Tomahawk N24634 purchased in California, USA
February – N24634 shipped from California, USA
April – Fourth aircraft purchase: PA38 Tomahawk ZK-JHF
May – Fifth aircraft purchase: PA38 Tomahawk ZK-MAJ
July – N24634 arrived on NZ shores. Registered in NZ as ZK-NJT
September – Reconditioned engine fitted to ZK-JHF and this aircraft was placed on lease with an aeroclub
2022
September – Reconditioned engine fitted to ZK-MAJ and this aircraft was placed on lease with an aeroclub
December – Restoration of ZK-NJT completed
2023
July - Sixth aircraft purchase: PA38 Tomahawk ZK-ESI (re registered as ZK-JRS)
December – Restoration of ZK-JRS completed
2024
January – ZK-JRS placed on lease with an aeroclub
July – ZK-NJT placed on lease with an aeroclub
October – Restoration of ZK-MAJ completed
December – Restoration of ZK-MUM completed
2025
July – ZK-MUM placed on lease with a Flight Training Organisation
August – WASSI was re-registered as an Incorporated Society in line with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022. NZBN 9429045938542
October – Fundraising was undertaken to purchase new David Clark headsets for The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.
September – Seventh aircraft purchase: Cessna 172 ZK-YAH (re registered as ZK-WKU)
December – ZK-WKU ferried to Southair in Dunedin for an engine recondition, avionics upgrade and completion of its ARA/100hr inspection
2026
January – 20 new David Clark headsets were delivered to The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School
May – Eighth aircraft purchase: Cessna 152 Aerobat ZK-FWK (re registered as ZK-RMB)
June – ZK-WKU’s engine reconditioned, avionics upgraded, the bodywork improved and completion of its ARA/100hr inspection. Engine running-in completed and placed on lease with a Flight Training Organisation.
August - We launched a campaign to purchase 17 AV8 Inspector Pro electronic carbon monoxide detectors for use in our fleet and in the leased aircraft at the Walsh. This campaign was generously funded within six days.