The Aero Club of Porto is a public, non-profit institution, founded on March 21, 1935. In May of the same year, the Aviation School began its activities, led by Captain Oliva Telles, a visionary in aviation, who is still recognized as the “Patron Saint” of the Club. In 1940, the Pedras Rubras site was approved, and after an expropriation process, construction started in 1943, with the inauguration taking place in 1945. In 1947, the Club began operating from a hangar acquired from the Air Transport Company (CTA).
In the 1950s, the Club’s aviation activity intensified, highlighted by the International Air Rally “Vinho do Porto,” held in 1960. By that time, the Club had already organized 27 sporting events, trained over 140 pilots, and accumulated 14,000 flight hours. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by difficulties due to the Colonial War and the 1974 Revolution. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Club faced challenges related to the new management of Pedras Rubras Airport, which ultimately led to the removal and demolition of its facilities.
In 1993, with the support of the Mayor of Maia, José Vieira de Carvalho, the Club moved to the Vilar de Luz Municipal Airport, which remains its operational base to this day. In 2024, the Aero Club of Porto continues true to its principles, with a strong emphasis on safety and knowledge, maintaining its long-standing spirit: to fly and make others fly.