North Queensland Aero Club

Welcome to the North Queensland Aero Club, Far North Queensland's oldest and most reputable flight training school, scenic operator, and light aircraft charter company. For 70 years, we have been a part of the exciting journey of many aviators, helping them achieve their dreams of flying. Located in Mareeba on Vicary Road, our institution offers a range of services and experiences for aviation enthusiasts.

Our team of expert and friendly instructors, along with our dedicated office staff, are here to assist you in any way possible. Whether you are looking to fly recreationally, privately, or commercially, we are committed to helping you make those dreams a reality. It is never too late to realize your passion for flying.

If you're seeking a thrilling adventure, our scenic flights around the Atherton Tablelands, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest are sure to leave you in awe. Or, if you need to make an appointment out in the bush, we can help with that too.

At the North Queensland Aero Club, we have a diverse fleet of six aircraft, including Cessna 172's, Cessna 182, Cessna 206, Piper PA28-180, and a Piper Cherokee 180 fitted with hand controls for wheelchair-bound students. Our facilities are based at the picturesque Mareeba Aerodrome, nestled in the stunning Atherton Tablelands. Only a short 45-minute drive from Cairns or a quick 22 nautical miles and 10 minutes by air, our location offers convenience and beautiful surroundings.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized one-on-one training. Our school is situated in a tropical environment, where you will experience a variety of weather patterns, providing a unique learning experience. Additionally, being only minutes away from Class C International Airspace, you will gain valuable exposure and knowledge.

Our team comprises three full-time instructors and two part-time instructors, with our flight tests conducted in-house by our experienced Flight Examiner. Collectively, our instructors have over fifteen thousand flying hours and more than 25 years in the industry. With our smaller, clubhouse feel, we can tailor your learning experience to your specific needs, offering dedicated one-on-one training. Our Head of Operations has served for 30 years, and our institution will celebrate its 75th year of operation in 2024, making us one of the few aero clubs in Australia that continues to operate as a professional flying school and a social venue for our members.

But don't just take our word for it. One of our satisfied students shared their experience: "NQAC has seen me through a GFPT, PPL, and CPL conversion. The instructors have always been highly professional, safe, and knowledgeable. Flying in the tropics provides a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience, and with the guidance from the NQAC instructors, your navigation and meteorology skills will surpass those of pilots who have exclusively flown in built-up areas in higher latitudes of Australia. The NQAC has a well-maintained fleet of aircraft, friendly staff, and a welcoming clubhouse with a great view of the airfield. Learning to fly alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and remote Australian Outback is a normal day flying with the NQAC. They even provided me with employment opportunities after completing my CPL, allowing me to build valuable hours and experience. I have flown with many other flying schools in Australia and overseas, and I can confidently say that the quality of instructors at NQAC is second to none. You will not regret flying with them."

So, whether you're a beginner pilot or an experienced aviator, the North Queensland Aero Club is here to support you on your aviation journey. Join us and experience the thrill of flying in one of Australia's most beautiful regions.