The South Canterbury Aero Club has a rich history in New Zealand’s  aviation training and participation. 

Aviation training in South Canterbury first began in 1930 at Washdyke, then moved to the Saltwater Creek Airport in 1932.  The Timaru Air Pilots’ Club fostered private flying, training and competitions.

In November, 1946, the South Canterbury Aero Club (SCAC) was incorporated with flight training at Saltwater Creek, in Tiger-moths ZK-ALJ and ZK-ALQ. 

In 1953, the Aeroclub moved to it’s present site at Timaru Airport.