
Goals & Aims of
WASSI
Acquiring a Fleet of training aircraft fully refurbished to the latest safety standards available
One of the primary objectives of WASSI is to assemble a fleet of training aircraft to support the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.
Specifically the fleet is to cover eighteen 2-seat training aircraft, and a further 4-seat utility aircraft. When the Walsh School is operating the students are divided into four 'flights', and each flight is allocated four aircraft. Allowing for mechanical issues, a further two aircraft have been proposed to cover any supply issue prior to, or during the School.
In the over 50 years that the Walsh School has been operating the fleet has been assembled each year from different aero clubs and training establishments around New Zealand. This has lead to a wide range of fit-outs and aircraft quality in the fleet during the School.
Turning the paradigm on it's head WASSI has undertaken to source its own fleet then upgrade and outfit these to a common high standard, and for the balance of the year offer these aircraft out to the aviation training industry in New Zealand.
Much discussion and consultation was held between the vested parties for the School (Airways, instructors, maintenance controllers) and a formula was developed as a blueprint for aircraft acquisition; a mix of high-wing, and low-wing aircraft for easier visual identification whilst airborne, a simple bold colour scheme again for easier visual recognition, a rugged proven design to provide a further 20 years service to the fleet.
After looking at the current options available, and at potential new-build aircraft the current preference is to source an even mix of Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk), and Cessna C152 aircraft (with the added desire to include a number of C152A Aerobat variants).
Given that these models are now nearing 50 years of age each WASSI aircraft has to go through a rigorous refurbishment program to ensure the underlying structure is sound, and where more recent modifications are available to incorporate those to ensure the resulting aircraft is more than fit for purpose in this modern age.
Retrofits include updated avionics, updated communications, and updated safety equipment.
Acquiring and maintaining such a fleet is an ongoing mission. Follow this link to see the current WASSI fleet.

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