Port Macquarie’s Hangars Are Opening: Step Inside the World of Aviation at the HDFC Aviation Expo
- Veronica Lind
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
✦ For one exciting Sunday on April 26th, the doors to aviation will open wide for the community.
On Sunday 26 April 2026 from 9am to 2pm, the hangars at Port Macquarie Airport will welcome the public for the HDFC Aviation Expo, hosted by the Hastings District Flying Club in partnership with the Australian International Aviation College.
It’s a rare opportunity to walk among aircraft, meet local pilots, learn about flying, and even experience the thrill of flight through Discovery Flights available on the day.
Whether you’re eight or eighty, fascinated by aircraft or simply curious about how flying works, this community event promises to bring aviation closer than ever.
A Rare Chance to Step Inside the Hangars
For most people, airports are places you pass through quickly on the way to somewhere else. The aircraft sit at a distance, and the hangars remain closed to the public.
But on this day, the gates open.
Visitors will be able to:
Walk among a range of aircraft on the ground
Meet pilots and hear their flying stories
Speak directly with instructors about flight training
Explore aviation pathways for future pilots
See aircraft up close and learn how they operate
For many children, this will be their first time sitting inside a cockpit. For others, it may be the moment that sparks a lifelong interest in aviation.
And for those who have always wondered what flying feels like, there is an opportunity to take it one step further.
Discovery Flights: Experience the Sky for Yourself
One of the highlights of the Aviation Expo will be the chance to book Discovery Flights.
These short introductory flights allow participants to experience what it feels like to take the controls of a light aircraft alongside a qualified instructor. It’s often the first step for people considering pilot training — but it’s equally popular with those who simply want to experience the magic of flight.
From the runway at Port Macquarie, participants can take to the air and see the Mid North Coast from a completely different perspective.
For many aspiring pilots, it begins with exactly this kind of moment.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Pilots
The Aviation Expo is also an opportunity for young people to explore careers in aviation.
With the aviation industry continuing to grow globally, training pathways are increasingly important for regional communities. The presence of the Australian International Aviation College highlights how students can begin their journey locally and build professional aviation careers.
Todd Liu, CEO from AIAC says the event is designed to make aviation accessible to anyone curious about the skies.
“Many people think becoming a pilot is out of reach, but the truth is every pilot starts with curiosity and a first step. Events like the HDFC Aviation Expo allow people to see aircraft up close, speak with instructors, and realise that aviation can begin right here in their own community.”
The expo gives aspiring pilots the chance to ask questions, understand training pathways, and discover how their interest in flying could develop into a career.
Check out these inspiring aviation stories from HDFC:
Celebrating 68 Years of Aviation in the Hastings Region
For the Hastings District Flying Club, the event is also a celebration of community aviation.
The club has been part of the region’s aviation story for 68 years, bringing together pilots, enthusiasts, and members who share a love of flight.
Many of the club’s members have spent decades flying in the region and are passionate about sharing that experience with the next generation.
Rod Davison, President for HDFC says the Aviation Expo is about opening that world to everyone.
“The Hastings District Flying Club has always been about community and a shared passion for aviation. Opening the hangars gives people a chance to see what flying is really about — the aircraft, the people and the stories behind them. For young visitors especially, it can be the moment that inspires a future in aviation.”
From retired pilots to curious children, the event often brings together multiple generations who share the same fascination with flight.
A Family-Friendly Day at the Airport
The Aviation Expo is designed to be welcoming, educational and fun for visitors of all ages.
Families can explore aircraft, chat with pilots, watch activity around the airfield, and experience the atmosphere of a working aviation environment.
There is something inherently exciting about standing next to a real aircraft, hearing the stories of the people who fly them, and understanding how aviation connects communities across Australia and beyond.
For many visitors, it will simply be a memorable day out. For others, it may be the start of something much bigger. ❋
Event Details:
HDFC Aviation Expo
Sunday 26 April 2026
9:00am – 2:00pm
Port Macquarie Airport
Highlights include:
Aircraft displays
Meet the pilots
Aviation training information
Discovery Flights
Family-friendly aviation experiences
Entry is free and all ages are welcome.
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