THE Hastings District Flying Club has many talented people in its membership who not only fly, but sometimes build their own planes.
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One such person is Anson Needham who was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and had his first flying experiences as a toddler at three years of age when his mother, who is an experienced pilot in her own right, took him up while she practiced aerobatics.
The family moved to Australia and settled at Wauchope where Anson attended high school.
He continued his flying lessons, moved back to Melbourne and now flies commercial 767 airliners with Qantas.
His desire to build his own plane started while living in Melbourne, but progress was slow with limited time because of his work with Qantas.
He shipped his project back to his parent's property at King Creek and the work rate improved by having the help of Ian Moss, a good friend and club member, whose aircraft knowledge was invaluable to Anson.
Finally, his dream came true on a recent Sunday afternoon, and in front of enthusiastic club members Anson flew his pride and joy from the Port Macquarie airport.
The single engine aerobatic VANS R.V.8 two seater gave an excellent performance and the red and black colour scheme reminds him of his favourite AFL team the Essendon Bombers.
