Welcome to Rakitata Island Aerodrome

Rakitata Island Aerodrome (previously Rangitata Island Aerodrome) is situated in the tranquil countryside of the Canterbury Plains, encompassed by the stunning backdrop of Mount Peel and the Rangitata (Rakitata) River.Owned and operated by the Brodie family, there has been aviation activity here since the first aeroplane visited in 1931. Since then, there has been an increasing amount of activity at the airfield, and it has become a popular facility for local pilots.Visitors are welcome! However, we request that you obtain permission before visiting the airfield.

Find Us

BY LAND1 Brodie Road
Rangitata Island RD26
Temuka South CanterburyBY AIRClick here for the AIP New Zealand Aerodrome Chart.Co-Ordinates: 44° 5’5.44″S 171°24’58.32″EBY PHONE
(+64) 03 693 8675 (Aerodrome)
(+64) 027 276 0914 (Russell)BY EMAIL
[email protected]

RANS Aircraft

RANS Aircraft is a company based in Hays, Kansas, USA and has been building aircraft for over 30 years. With now over 4,000 kits produced of numerous models, they hold an unassailable position in the light aircraft industry.East Canterbury Aviation has been selling, building and maintaining RANS aircraft since 1991 and has sold 100+ RANS kits, making us one of New Zealand’s longest-serving and most successful light aircraft dealers. RANS aircraft owners and builders can rest assured that a dependable local business will always be there for assistance when required.Original RANS Aircraft very seldom appear on the New Zealand second-hand aircraft market, and if they do, rarely stay there long. Their value continues to appreciate due to their popularity, which is a great indicator of their standing in the Aviation Community.

Current Production Models

S-7 CourierJuly 1985 is when the original S-7 Courier was laid out and has since become a popular choice among those who love a tandem tailwheel plane. Designed from the ground up to be a very capable plane for a variety of uses, the Courier boasts a great payload, low-speed handling, rugged airframe, roomy cockpit, exciting climb performance and cruise speed. These aspects are possible because every element of the design was engineered with less weight, drag, and assembly hours in mind. You will be impressed with the level of quality and detail put into a Courier kit or ready to fly plane. Our extensive use of CNC machines to make most components, combined with expertly hand-crafted welded assemblies, results in a more premium build.We currently have an S-7 Courier demonstrator. Get in touch with us to give it a try!

S-21 OutboundThe Newest Model to the RANS stable, the S-21 Outbound is the ultimate all-around sport plane. You don’t need to settle with a slow plane to fly in the backcountry, the Outbound can cruise at speeds of up to 135 knots whilst still having a respectable takeoff distance, rate of climb and carrying bush tyres. Built from sleek and rugged all-metal construction, it boasts the ample comfort, carrying capability, handling and performance that has become synonymous with the RANS name.

S-20 RavenThe S-20 Raven is great hardware for the task of backcountry flying, float flying, and long haul touring. It’s the stylish blending of what has made a couple of other RANS planes so successful and yet has become a character all on its own. We combined the wings, tail, and fuel system from the S-7S Courier, and the engine, control, and seats from the Coyote II. The cabin is very roomy and easily accessible due to sliding seats and wide doors. The 51” wide doors and folding seats allow easy loading in the 21 cubic foot baggage area.

S-19 VenterraThe RANS S-19 brings to the light sport aircraft market what the flying public has been asking for; a docile fun handling plane, with great performance, rugged construction, easy ergonomics, and an economic operational cost. The utility of the S-19 is significant; able to carry up to 500 pounds at a steady 115 knots, for 4 hours plus, take off and land in short grass strips, and handle 20-knot crosswinds, all in comfort, style, and safety. Just sitting in the cockpit reveals the superb visibility, comfortable seats, and spacious cabin.

Check out the RANS Designs website for further information

For enquiries – contact Russell
Phone: 027 276 0914
Email: [email protected]

Airdrome Aeroplanes

Since 2006 East Canterbury Aviation has been the New Zealand Dealer of the Airdrome Aeroplanes range of aircraft kits.
Designed and manufactured in Missouri, USA, Airdrome Aeroplanes use modern Aluminium Construction techniques to make accurate looking replicas that are lighter and simpler to build than the original design.Choose from one of the 25 different designs that can provide a raw flight experience that you can only get from open cockpit flying. These unique aircraft provide the experience of flying with the English Royal Flying Corps, French Aéronautique Militaire or German Luftstreitkräfte, without the restrictive costs that are usually associated with warbird aircraft.

Check out the Airdrome Aeroplanes website for further information

For enquiries – contact Russell
Phone: 027 276 0914
Email: [email protected]