What if I told you that right here, next to the TopShopping in Nova Iguaçu, lies a place with a history as rich as the skies it once dominated? Welcome to the Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu.
Founded in October 1942, this aeroclube was once the biggest name in pilot training in Brazil. Imagine a time when this aeroclube was the place to be for aspiring pilots. The Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu played a crucial role in shaping Brazil’s aviation scene. It even trained Lucy Lúpia. She was the first woman in Brazil to become a commercial pilot.
The aeroclube’s story began unexpectedly. A FAB aircraft had an accident in a local orange grove. Instead of moving the damaged plane, it was decided to build a runway right there. This marked the birth of the Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu. In 1942, the community gathered to establish the aeroclube. The mayor became its president. Generous donations poured in. Even city employees contributed a day’s wages for three months to buy a training plane.
For decades, the Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu thrived. It supported flight instruction, ultralight aircraft, and gliders. Small commercial planes also used it as a regional hub. However, as the Santos Dumont and Jacarepaguá airports grew, this aeroclube started to decline.
By the early 2000s, the Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu faced hard times. Lack of investment and stricter regulations led to its closure in 2004. The asphalt needed repair and safety was a concern. But the story doesn’t end there. After years of neglect, the Nova Iguaçu city government stepped in. They carried out maintenance work. In 2009, the ANAC allowed small aircraft and air taxis to use the aeroclube again. Commercial airlines were not permitted because of its location. It sits within the same airspace as Galeão International Airport.
Despite its reopening, challenges persisted. The aeroclube faced further restrictions and temporary closures. Plans to extend the runway to exceed Santos Dumont never materialized. In 2013, there was a proposal to relocate the ultralight sports club from Jacarepaguá here. However, the club declined citing inadequate infrastructure.
Even though the aeroclube is undergoing renovations, it remains closed due to safety concerns. Despite its economic and strategic importance, its future is uncertain. Many believe that personal interests are hindering its progress. Despite these challenges, a heliport operates at the aeroclube, managed by Commander Silva.
There’s even a project by Fernando McDowell to revitalize the aeroclube and downtown Nova Iguaçu. It includes an aeromovel connecting Nova Iguaçu to neighboring cities. The project cost was estimated at nearly one billion reais in 2010.
The Aeroclube de Nova Iguaçu holds a special place in the region’s heart. It stands as a testament to the dreams and aspirations of those who dared to take to the skies. As we stand here, remember its glorious past. It was a time when this place was a symbol of aviation excellence and community pride.