Flight training began in Ashburton in 1928 and shortly afterwards the Mid Canterbury branch of the Canterbury Aero Club (CAC) was formed. In 1984 the decision was made to break away from the CAC and to form the Mid Canterbury Aero Club (MCAC). Over the years, hundreds of private and many commercial pilots have been trained at Ashburton, many of whom have moved into professional careers in aviation, both in New Zealand and overseas. The high level of interest in aviation and the desire to learn to fly in Mid Canterbury continues, as is evident by the number of students taking up the challenge. Presently, the MCAC has an average of 15 students undergoing flight training throughout the year.

The club employs one full time instructor as required who holds a Commercial Pilot Licence plus an Instructor Rating issued by New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority. The instructor receives an annual competency check carried out by a Category 'A' instructor.

A committee administers the Club. All these people are dedicated volunteers who are elected by Aero Club members and any member may stand for the committee, regardless of flying experience.

MCAC is a member of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club (RNZAC) which is a network of at least 50 other affiliated clubs throughout New Zealand. As a MCAC member, you can enjoy the reciprocal rights with other affiliated clubs, i.e. as a traveling pilot you will receive assistance in the form of their facilities and knowledge.

Aircraft operated by the Mid Canterbury Aero Club consist of a Piper Cherokee 140 trainer and a Piper Archer 181. They have a collective value of around $150,000. The aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance every 50 hours to ensure the highest possible standard of safety. Occasionally the Aero Club hires other types of aircraft for its members to fly. These may range from an aerobatics aircraft, through to a retractable undercarriage aircraft of even an older style aircraft such a a Piper Cub. This helps to give members a good variety of flying different aircraft types as well as having lots of fun!