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We're not the only ones in this area who host model aircraft flight facilities for visitors. To the north and south of us are some neighboring clubs offering excellent airfields and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
The following facilities are all within 100 kilometres of Lismore. |
Clubs within 100 kms
Location reference 1
Evans Head Radio Aero Sports Club
Location: Situated on the coast, 30 kilometres south-east of Lismore, Evans Head is a fishing village on the mouth of the Evans River. The town has a population of 2380, which can swell to 10,000 during the December-January holiday season.
Contact: Ian Thompson (president)
Phone: 02 6629 8341
Email: tommobro@bigpond.com.au
Comment: The club flies at Evans Head aerodrome, an old World War Two flight training facility. As the airstrip is also used by general aviation aircraft and ultra-lights, a VHF radio watch must be maintained at all times while flying. If an aircraft calls entering the circuit, flying must cease. MBZ frequency for the area is 124.2 khz. No VHF receiver, no fly. As well, there is a RAAF bombing range 5NM south of the airfield which is designated active 24hrs a day, though its use is irregular and sparse. When active, expect low level, high speed F111 and F18 operations overhead. The club focuses on all types of models but leans heavily towards jet turbine-powered aircraft, a luxury afforded by the long tarred runways. Principal flying day is Saturday and pilots usually congregate during the morning. Afternoon sea breezes can be strong. Evans Head aerodrome has three surfaced runways, the modelers use the SE-NW strip.
Web address: They are not currently maintaining a Web site.
GPS coordinates of airfield: S29 06.0' E153 25.0'
Location reference 2
Ballina RSL Model Aircraft Club
Location: Ballina is a coastal town on the mouth of the Richmond River, 30kms south of Byron Bay. The flying club is closely affiliated with the Ballina RSL club.
Contact: Glenn Wilson (vice president)
Phone: 0402 837 570
Email: glennw@exemail.com.au
Comment: To find the airfield, depart Ballina heading north along the Pacific Highway. Six hundred metres past the Ballina Heights turn-off, turn left onto Cumbalum Road. Then turn left into the first driveway after the bridge. (The sign says Koehlner Steel.) Follow the gravel road to the steelworks building. Drive past the end of the building and then along its eastern side. The entrance to the flying field is 60 metres beyond the south-eastern corner of the building. Leave the gate as you find it. Beware the electric fence.
Web address: http://home.exetel.com.au/brcsam
Location reference 3
Mullumbimby Model Flying Club
Location: Mullumbimby is a small town in the foothills west of Byron Bay.
Contact: Henry Clark
Phone: 02 6684 5142
Location reference 4
Lower Tweed Model Flying Club
Location: The club's airfield is located at Round Mountain, Cabarita, a sea-side village 40kms south of the Gold Coast.
Contact: Troy Geaghan (club secretary)
Phone: 0405 203 346
Email: acron45@bigpond.net.au
Comment: To find the airfield from Cabarita, head along the Round Mountain Road exactly 3.2kms. The airstrip is in a sugar-cane field adjacent to the water course where the jet boats race. The club has 45 active members.
Web address: The club no longer maintains a Web site.