Morningstar airfield has been active for almost 27 years. It was around 1990 when a few microlight pilot enthusiasts approached the City of Cape Town with a proposal to lease a portion of Cape Farms 153 to establish a runway and flying club. Initially the airfield was called Koeberg Flight Park and those early pioneers had to carve out a runway amongst the bush to form the Western Cape Microlight Club (WCMC), which focussed on the building and flying of weight shift microlights.

Over the years the shape of microlight aviation changed as aircraft and engine design advanced rapidly. The introduction of a new class of airplane called Light Sport meant that these aircraft became more traditional in design. In addition, there was a growth in the building of experimental homebuilt aircraft kits, sourced mainly from the USA. These developments led to a growth in recreational flying as it became easier for enthusiasts to build and fly light aircraft.

The consequence has been that there has been a rapid growth in membership. But these developments in light aircraft design also meant that the old club no longer represented the kind of aircraft being flown out of Morningstar airfield. Thus, the name of the club was changed to the MORNINGSTAR FLYING CLUB.

However, what has not changed is the Club’s commitment to growing recreational and sport aviation in Cape Town. Our members are drawn from all walks of life and all one needs to join in the fun is to have passion for aviation and a desire to learn to fly. The Club has more than 350 members and there are over 200 aircraft housed in the more than 90 hangars erected on the airfield. 

There is an active SACAA accredited flying school that offers new members instruction on fixed wing aircraft and gyrocopters. There is also an aircraft maintenance organisation that services club and school aircraft to ensure their airworthiness and safety. The Club has many airline pilot and other experienced members who are always ready to share their experience and knowledge with new pilots to help them become safer pilots. This all makes the Club one of the most active and progressive flying clubs in the country.

However, the Club also recognises its social responsibility to the less fortunate members of Cape Town society. Its members regularly offer flights to less privileged individuals, hosts Scouts SA as well as many other organisations involved in charity work. The Club and its members have also started a scholarship program to assist less privileged individuals gain their private pilots licence.