May

Airport Security: Tony Ross

Tony Ross has been farming since he left school.  Married to local nurse Debbie and with three children, he has sheep and beef running on his property along with a mature forestry block.  Tony’s the third generation to work this land and son Matthew is equally keen to get involved. 

Their Wairoa farm has been known to pilots since Tony’s grandfather built the airstrip many years ago, knocking the tops off two adjoining hills and filling in the gaps.  Local fliers in old Sopworth Camels took up the challenge, and started dumping Super from chutes stuck to the back of their bi-planes. 

As the years went on and the farm passed down the generations, changes were made to accommodate larger planes with heavier payloads.  The strip was lengthened and new bins added to keep the fertilizer safe.

Since taking over responsibility for the farm Tony has upgraded the strip and taken a fresh look at his insurance requirements.  Working with Bill Simpson from FMG he made sure his most valuable assets have the best possible insurance cover.

Tony loves to fly and some years ago learned to pilot a Microlight at the local club.  But these days he’s had to give it up, realising the best days for flying were always the best days for farming.  However his passion remains and he still gets a thrill when the top dressers buzz over.