Sky-High Success at the 2026 January Flying Camp

In January, the Australian Air League (NSW Group) took to the skies for its annual nine-day summer flying camp at the Air Activities Centre in Camden. Welcoming twenty-seven cadets from across the state, this year’s camp was particularly special as 2026 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Centre. Since opening its doors in 1986, the centre has been the launchpad for countless young aviators, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the real-world excitement of the cockpit.

The camp was designed to cater to a broad spectrum of experience, with a heavy focus on disciplined airmanship for every student. For the ab initio (beginner) pilots, the week was spent mastering the fundamentals, from ground handling and refuelling to understanding the effects of controls in the air. Meanwhile, more experienced students worked toward their Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), sharpening their skills on circuits, take-offs, and emergency procedures like practice forced landings. In a moment that every aviator cherishes, L/Cdt Balan Mumbulla of Marrickville Sqn successfully completed his first solo flight during the week, marking a massive personal milestone.

While the enthusiasm was high, the weather proved to be a bit of a challenge. The team faced a mix of extreme heat followed by rain and overcast skies, which unfortunately grounded flights on several days. Despite these interruptions, the cadets made the most of every window of clear sky, ultimately completing 118 flights. By the end of the camp, the group had logged an impressive 116.4 flight hours and burned through over 2,500 litres of fuel—a solid outcome given the tricky conditions.

The success of these camps relies entirely on a dedicated team of volunteers, and this year featured a heartwarming return for former student Luke Renphrey. Luke, who took his very first flight with the League in 2016 in a Cessna 152, returned to Camden this year as an instructor. Now flying the Dash 8 Q400 for QantasLink, Luke enjoyed the chance to give back to the next generation. He noted how impressive the students’ dedication was, with many progressing to circuit lessons by the end of the week, and praised the new digital systems that made managing training files much smoother than in his student days.

When they weren’t flying, the cadets had plenty of opportunities to broaden their aviation knowledge and unwind. They visited Air Combat Australia to inspect the Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainers and stopped by the Australian Aerobatic Academy to check out the high-performance Extra 300. The schedule also allowed for some well-deserved recreation, including movie nights, football, and trips to the local swimming centre and mini-golf.

In keeping with tradition, the experience concluded with a formal Dining-In Night. This evening provided a rare opportunity for the cadets to engage with senior leaders of the Australian aviation landscape, including David Binskin from Airservices Australia and Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC (Ret’d), the current Chair of CASA.

Managing a nine-day deployment for so many student pilots is a significant logistical feat, and the NSW Group extends its sincere gratitude to the instructors, ground crew, and mess staff who volunteered their time. Special thanks also go to the Scouts NSW Air Activities Centre for sharing their facilities and the Phoenix Aero Club for assisting with cross-hired aircraft. For 40 years, the volunteer-run Air Activities Centre has provided thousands of hours of training, continuing to help members achieve the League’s motto A Vinculo Terrae – to be “Free from the Bonds of the Earth.”