Motueka Aerodrome facts for kids

Motueka Aerodrome (IATA: MZP, ICAO: NZMK) is an airport located in Motueka, New Zealand. It's like a special parking lot and take-off area for airplanes! The Tasman District Council owns and manages this aerodrome.

This airport helps people travel and offers fun activities like skydiving. It's an important place for the local community.

What is Motueka Aerodrome Like?

The main part of the aerodrome is its runway. This is the long, flat strip where planes take off and land. The runway at Motueka is 729 metres (about 2,391 feet) long and 11 metres (about 36 feet) wide. It's made of asphalt, which is a strong, smooth surface.

This length is perfect for planes like the Piper Navajo. Even though there isn't a control tower, the aerodrome has buildings called hangars where planes can be stored. It also has places to refuel aircraft.

Who Uses Motueka Aerodrome?

Many different groups and businesses use Motueka Aerodrome. Some offer exciting experiences, while others help people learn to fly.

Here are some of the companies that operate from the aerodrome:

• Blue Sky Microlight: They offer flights in small, lightweight aircraft called microlights.
• Motueka Aero Club: This club helps people learn how to fly planes.
• Nelson Aviation College: This is a school where students can train to become pilots.
• Skydive Abel Tasman: If you're brave, you can go skydiving here and jump out of a plane!
• Nelson Tasman Air: This company might offer scenic flights or transport services.

Fun on the Runway

Sometimes, the runway at Motueka Aerodrome is used for more than just planes! The Nelson Drag Racing Association uses it for drag racing events. Drag racing is a type of car race where two cars compete to see who can go fastest over a short, straight distance.

A Bit of History

Motueka Aerodrome has an interesting past with passenger flights.

In 1984, a company called Motueka Air started offering regular passenger flights. They flew from Motueka to Wellington using a plane called a Piper Aztec.

Over the next few years, Motueka Air grew bigger. They started flying to other places like Nelson and Palmerston North. They even added more planes, including larger ones called Piper Chieftains.

However, in 1988, Motueka Air changed its name to Air Nelson. The company then moved its main operations to Nelson Airport.

Airlines and Destinations

Currently, one airline offers flights from Motueka Aerodrome to another location.