Our Past Interesting Reading

Since our humble beginnings in 1928, the Coffs Harbour & District Aero Club has been a charter and air work operator, and a training establishment as well as operating a registered/licensed premises.

The Aero Club has operated as a charter and air work operator, carrying out joy flights, photographic work, survey work, fire spotting and shark watch patrols. We welcome the general public to use our licensed facilities for their functions.

In September 2008 the Coffs Harbour Aero Club and the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport turned 80 years, and to celebrate this event an 80th Birthday Air Show was held. A number of static display aircraft were present as well as aircraft performing in the air.

Some Passed History:-

The first aircraft to be seen close up in Coffs Harbour was a Bleriot Experimental 2E.

(Photo Courtesy of Coffs Harbour Museum)

This aircraft landed on the Jetty Beach on 14 June 1920 and was flown by Lieutenant Bird. A little time later commercial flights also using the Bristol aircraft arrived and began landing in the vicinity of the present race course. It wasn't long after in 1928 that the Town Council recommended, and then constructed a formal landing field on the plains south of the race course. This field has grown and developed over the years into today's airport.

A public meeting was convented in the old school of arts building on 4th September 1928 for the purpose of forming an Aero Club. A grand opening air pageant and town ball was held on 31 December 1928.

In the late 1930's the club leased ground near the airport and constructed its first hanger and club rooms. By 1940's the club was able to purchase its first Tiger Moth aircraft. Over the years these Tiger Moths and other modern aircraft have seen the club train thousands of Australians for the aviation industry. A legacy to the local flying fraternity and to our forefathers is listed on the walls of the Club Rooms.

(Text Courtesy of Martin Beck)