Current Projects
Help Us Bring JHF and
WKU into WASSI Colours
You may have noticed that two of our aircraft — Piper PA-38 Tomahawk JHF and Cessna 172 WKU — are yet to be finished in our distinctive WASSI paint scheme. Repainting an aircraft is a significant investment, costing approximately $50,000 per aircraft.
Each time WASSI purchases a new aircraft, we aim to repaint it in our recognisable colours as funding allows. Depending on the condition of the paintwork at the time of purchase, some aircraft require more extensive preparation than others.
Our bold, distinctive paint scheme is more than just branding. High-visibility colours enhance safety in the sky and ensure our aircraft are instantly recognisable as part of the WASSI fleet.
WASSI is currently seeking donations to help complete the repainting of JHF, WKU and RMB, we warmly welcome support from those who would like to see these aircraft proudly wearing WASSI colours. Please get in touch with us via our Contact Us page.
Completed Projects
Enhancing Safety: Sponsor an Electronic CO Monitor
At the 2026 Walsh there was a Carbon Monoxide (CO) incident that could have been a lot more serios than it was. In August 2026, as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and modernisation, we ran a campaign to ‘Sponsor a Detector’. Through our generous members we were able to purchase 17 AV8 Inspector Pro carbon monoxide detectors for use in our fleet, and the leased aircraft during The Walsh.
This campaign was a great success and was completely funded in just six days. It was so popular we had too many sponsors for the number of detectors needed, this allowed us to upgrade from the base model to the Pro and purchase panel mounts for the WASSI Aircraft.
The CO Detectors will be deployed at Walsh 2027.
The WASSI Comittee is currently exploring ways to recognise our generous donors for this campaign.
Traditionally, light aircraft are fitted with a simple carbon monoxide detector card. At the centre of the card is a small orange circle that darkens to brown or black when exposed to carbon monoxide. Pilots check this indicator regularly to ensure no exhaust gases have entered the cockpit — as the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning in flight can be particularly dangerous.
Investing in Clear Communication: David Clark Headsets for Walsh Students
In 2025, WASSI launched an appeal to fund the purchase of 20 David Clark Company headsets for students attending the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School. With generous support from several organisations, and a public call to “Sponsor a Headset” shared with Walsh staff, supporters, and across New Zealand aviation publications, the response was outstanding.
As a result, WASSI was able to secure all 20 headsets for use at the 2026 School and for many years to come. Each headset has been engraved with the name of its supporting organisation or individual, creating a lasting tribute to their generosity and a visible reminder to future generations of Walshies of the community behind them.
The project was designed to enhance communication in a busy flight training environment, supporting both safety and learning outcomes. Feedback from instructors and staff at the 2026 School has been overwhelmingly positive.
