Ferrymead Aeronautical Society Incorporated

***Thanks to our generous donors. If you would like your donation to go to a specific project eg the Mosquito, Fokker Friendship or Helicopter projects please let us know in the comments***

The Ferrymead Aeronautical Society is a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving the aviation history of New Zealand. The Society is an active member of the Ferrymead Trust, which runs the Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Ferrymead Aeronautical Society currently holds a collection of 10 fixed wing aircraft ranging from the four-engined Vickers Viscount airliner to the diminutive de Havilland Vampire jet fighter. These aircraft represent the civil and military history of aviation in NZ from World War II to the present day, and include some rare treasures such as one of only 34 surviving de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers.

The Society's helicopter section boasts one of the largest collections of helicopters in New Zealand, with seven complete or near-complete aircraft including one of only a handful of Fairchild-Hiller FH1100 helicopters imported into NZ. The helicopter section aims to highlight the history of the helicopter as a workhorse in New Zealand since World War II, in search and rescue, agricultural, forestry, and deer recovery roles.

Almost the entire collection is under cover, which is vital as aircraft quickly deteriorate if kept outdoors. Restoration work, interspersed with occasional building and ground maintenance is undertaken by volunteers who range in age from 16 to 80, with most work taking place on Saturdays. The age range is important in ensuring that skills are transferred from one generation to the next.

The Society is entirely funded by donations from the public, and by fundraising efforts such as raffles. Your donation will help to defray operating expenses such as electricity bills and building insurance and maintenance. Not only will this ensure that these aeronautical treasures are preserved for posterity, but it will free up our limited funds for ongoing restoration projects such as the F-27 Friendship, Mosquito and Hiller FH1100 helicopter.