Lilydale Flying Club is a vibrant social club located in the Yarra Ranges Shire, Victoria. Established in 2014, the club was founded to foster friendship, social activities, and knowledge sharing among aviators and aviation enthusiasts at Lilydale Airport. With a current membership of 100 individuals, the club warmly welcomes not only pilots but also anyone interested in flying and the airport.
Becoming a member of the Lilydale Flying Club opens doors to an active community centred around Lilydale Airport and provides opportunities to engage in various activities and share a mutual love for flying with like-minded individuals. Family membership, priced at $30 per year, offers access to the members' forum on the website, seminars, social flying trips, the club's mentorship programme, and all other social aspects of the club. Membership is not limited to aircraft owners, and student pilots are particularly encouraged to join. To become a member, simply fill in the form on the contact section of the website and the Lilydale Flying Club will respond with payment information.
After completing the registration process, members will receive a membership card and login details for the exclusive members-only section of the website. For any inquiries or further information about the benefits of membership, the club can be contacted directly.
One of the highlights of Lilydale Flying Club's calendar is the Flyaways. These trips are meticulously planned by the flyaway subcommittee and can range from day trips for lunch or aviation activities to long weekends and occasionally longer safari-type trips lasting up to ten days. Members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and offer assistance in organising these trips. Advance notice of each trip will be posted, and for longer excursions, deposits may be required to secure a position.
It is important to note that the success of these trips is heavily dependent on weather conditions, and sometimes, at the last minute, a trip may need to be cancelled or only part of the group may be able to complete the journey. Nevertheless, Flyaways provide an incredible opportunity to forge new friendships within the aviation community and fully immerse oneself in the joy of flying.
The club's website also features an event calendar, keeping members up-to-date with upcoming activities and social gatherings. These events range from informal barbecues to larger airshows and exhibitions, offering a diverse range of opportunities for members to engage with one another and share their passion for aviation.
Lilydale Flying Club also maintains an interactive forum where registered members can discuss aviation-related topics, as well as social and unrelated subjects. This forum serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and community building.
For the convenience of members, the club website provides useful links to resources such as the Melbourne RADAR Loop, NAIPS Login, BOM 4 Day Forecast, BOM MetEye, BOM Victorian Forecast Area Map, Recreational Aviation Australia, and Victorian Satellite Images, among others. Additionally, the website features a live feed displaying current weather conditions, including wind and cloud forecasts and temperatures, crucial information for flying enthusiasts.
Overall, Lilydale Flying Club offers a welcoming community for individuals passionate about aviation, whether they are experienced pilots or aspiring student pilots. By joining the club, members gain access to a network of like-minded individuals and a range of activities and events that celebrate the thrill and joy of flying in the picturesque Yarra Ranges Shire.