About SAANZ
Mission Statement
Sport Aircraft Association NZ Incorporated (SAA) is devoted to promoting and assisting the private aircraft builder and flier.
We work to further the cause of sport flying in all its forms and to stimulate the interest of the aviation enthusiast.
SAA supports the development and utilisation of amateur built aircraft for recreational, educational and research purposes.
The Council is committed to introducing new initiatives which will benefit the association's members.
Learn how SAA works and meet some of our people.
Council
Sport Aircraft Association NZ Incorporated is a non-profit organisation run for its members by an annually elected Council. The Council currently comprises five members in addition to the President and two Vice-Presidents.
Office
An office is maintained by the Association's administrator, Adrienne Fillery.
Adrienne carries out the day to day tasks related to membership, accounting and magazine distribution.
Member participation
Members are encouraged to actively contribute and share ideas and information relating to all aspects of sport flying. All members are eligible to submit and vote on remits, attend AGMs and nominate and vote for council members.
Meet Adrienne Fillery – Administrator
Adrienne is your first point of contact for all things SAA. The marvels of modern technology (and an efficient rural delivery) mean that the office runs smoothly from Adrienne's rural Kaeo home in the Far North.
While she does most of her flying on horseback, Adrienne has learned to pilot a microlight and is happy to navigate for husband Allan, a keen sport aircraft enthusiast.
From his home in the Bay of Plenty Bill coordinates the Council and oversees the running of SAANZ. He also fulfils the role of SAA representative with the NZ Aviation Federation.
With a lifetime interest in aeroplanes, Bill learned to fly in 1968.
He commenced building his Europa XS, ZK-CHV in 2000 and made his inaugural flight in 2002. Since then he has flown over 1000 hours.
Meet Alistair McLachlan - Vice President
Having developed an interest in aviation from a young age, Alistair commenced aircraft engineering training in the RNZAF in 1959. After leaving the Air Force he spent 4 years engineering in the aerial topdressing industry, followed by over 36 years in the Airline Industry.
As a licensed aircraft engineer, Alistair worked on the smallest of aircraft right through to the largest that Boeing were producing, with their variety of systems, repair processes, and associated regulatory requirements. At the same time, he was flying an assortment of light aircraft and sailplanes.
Although he attained a Commercial Pilot licence, with the issues of how aircraft work holding a magnetic appeal for Alistair, he decided to keep the flying for enjoyment.
He has built his own aircraft and amphibian that would fold for ground transport.
Meet John Byers - Vice President
John is a veteran Jodel flyer and restorer of Klemm 25/BA Swallow VH-UUN.