In 1971 a big air show was staged to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Tiger Moth. The Tiger Moth had become a much sought after vintage aircraft in the seventies and the aero Club still operated one Tiger Moth, VH-ALH (later changed to RNI), in the fleet and had the facilities, spares, and engineers with the expertise to restore and maintain this early machine.
During this year Club Vice President, Ivan Blair, was awarded the Royal Federation of Aero Club’s medal for services to the Aero Club. Later in the year he was appointed as Manager of the Aero Club.