Our History

Our History

Gold Coast Sports Flying Club

Heckfield at Norwell Queensland

Image of Heckfield originally from original Club Member, Dave Donahue, from the Gold Coast Sports Flying Club Website.

Gold Coast Sports Flying Club was established on Heck Field near Jacobs Well in the 1980s.

Gold Coast Sports Flying Club was established on Heck Field near Jacobs Well in the 1980s. The members are a diverse group of aviators from all sectors of the sport. The club is proud to promote recreational flying in a safe environment and encourage aviators, of all ages, to learn to fly in this safe and friendly atmosphere.

Flying training is a natural expansion for any club and we are proud to welcome new aviators and members to our family. Your training with GCSFT includes your initial student membership to Gold Coast Sports Flying Club as well as access to the recently upgraded club facilities and social activities. There are no additional landing fees and once qualified, you can hire the Club Aircraft at competitive rates if you become a full member of the Gold Coast Sports Flying Club.

GCSFT Location

Heckfield Airfield is located in a non-controlled airspace near Jacobs Well on the Gold Coast, making it easy for new aviators to learn without the pressures of busy aerodromes. Every flight is a scenic experience over the beautiful waterways and beaches of the Gold Coast. It is nestled between Brisbane and Archerfield Airports to the North and Coolangatta to the South.

Minimum air traffic ensures maximum flying time, and the location offers immediate access to a well established training area.

See the map 

Gold Coast coastline photo taken from a Gold Coast Sports Flying Training plane

What Our Students Say

 
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Learning to fly at Heck Field has been an awesome experience and has created lifelong memories. The school is efficient and organised, the aircraft are meticulously maintained, the instructors operate at a professional level and they genuinely care about their students. It’s in a truly spectacular part of the world and an ideal location for flight training.

Since earning my certificate and navigation endorsement I’ve taken myself on flying adventures all over Queensland and also shown friends & family a view of our home town from a perspective which most people don’t get to see.

Adam

Being a pilot has been a dream in the making for over 20 years. Started lesson’s in Rustenburg in a Cessna 172, self doubt got me to a grinding halt. The dream didn’t disappear so when we moved to Johannesburg a few years later, I plucked up some courage and did a couple of lesson in a Piper.

Fast forward to 2022. Not even thinking that being a pilot was an option anymore, we heard about GCSFC through our daughter and our son. In March my husband surprised me by sending me on an introductory flight with Nathan. I was full throttle all over again! Started my official lessons in April 2022, went solo in July and passed my RPC in October. What a wonderful journey it has been with so much encouragement, patience and support.

Catharina

My instructors Chris and Michel were patient and always made me feel at ease. I can’t recommend them highly enough. GCSFT were amazing and very accommodating, I was able to reschedule lessons when needed. To have the opportunity to fly along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world really is a privilege.

But for me this is just the first step in my flying journey, I’ll be starting a navigational endorsement next and who knows where I’ll end up, but whatever your flying goal, do it your way and enjoy every flight.

Mel. D

It’s all about fulfilling a dream. Having recently achieved my RPC with GCSFT I wish to reflect on a journey which certainly changed my life.

It starts with great instructors. The skills & knowledge that they possess are first rate. The training is certainly worth the cost. The Sling aircraft are wonderful machines. Very sturdy and not overly complicated and a real joy to fly.

Patrick

I have always wanted to fly and GCSFT has been so supportive while I start my journey. The staff and instructors are really friendly and helpful, always encouraging me and pushing me to develop and learn more. One of my most significant moments was my first unassisted landing. Lachlan helped guide me through everything and saved me when I came in too hard until I finally landed unassisted.

I’m looking forward to going solo, obtaining my RPC, and continuing to build my experience and qualifications. I highly recommend GCSFT to anyone looking to get involved in aviation or flying.”

Charles

I started flying with GCSFT at Heck Field in 2019. I had minimal experience in the General Aviation industry, so was basically a total beginner. Michel, Andrew and Chris were my first point of contact, and we formed a great relationship straight away. They were extremely knowledgeable, approachable and fun to fly with. I always trusted their ability and airmanship, while being empowered to push myself in the plane to excel.

I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of learning to fly, going solo and now exploring the world thanks to them. It has been such a humbling, exciting and rewarding experience.

Sam

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