Aeroclube de Canela ordered to vacate airport premises by August 31

A Brazilian court ruled that the Aeroclube de Canela must leave its headquarters and hangar at the local airport by 31 August, following a request from the airport concessionaire Infraero. The decision is part of a broader trend, with about 20 aeroclubs across the country facing similar closures.

Founded 76 years ago and operating at the same site for more than three decades, the club has trained 20‑25 pilots each year, offering a low‑cost alternative to private flight schools. Club president Marcelo Sulzbach warned that the loss could create a future shortage of qualified pilots. Financial pressures, including rent that exceeded the club’s limited cash flow and new regulatory demands, were cited as reasons for the eviction. The club currently operates a pair of Cessna 172 aircraft and, through agreements, additional planes such as a Sêneca III and a Corisco Turbo.