History of Tenterfield Aerodrome

1933

Tenterfield Landing Ground constructed north-west of the Golf Course.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (Smithy) visits Tenterfield in his "Southern Cross" and gives joy flights.

Smithy officially opens the aerodrome and names it the Tenterfield Landing Ground.

Tenterfield Aero Club formed by Miss Amy Reid. Clubhouse constructed.

1934

Smithy again visits Tenterfield with other aviators to participate in an Aerial Pageant at the aerodrome.

1936

Consideration given to renaming the aerodrome the "Kingsford Smith" in honour of the late aviator.

1938

Tenterfield Aero Club affiliates with the Northern NSW Aero Club.

1939

Concern raised that the landing area was too small for newer and faster aircraft and that the shire and municipal councils should investigate an alternative site.

1947

Another aerial pageant held. At least 13 locals learn to fly.

The first long-distance civil passenger flight from Tenterfield took place. Mrs A. Bezanson was the passenger in a Tiger Moth flying to Sydney.

Offer received to institute an Air Ambulance service from Tenterfield, with the fare to Sydney being £59.

1948

Crash of Tiger Moth (Oct 17). Eileen Wratten and Colin Perrin killed.

1946-49

Derek Scott and "Tiny" Cameron operated an air service with a Klemm Eagle aeroplane. Including an Air Ambulance service.

1949

Civil Aviation Department cancels licence for aerodrome.

1951

Tenterfield Shire Council investigate possible site for aerodrome at Boonoo Boonoo.

1960s

Landing Ground used as an ag strip.

1967

Tenterfield Shire Council negotiate with three local landholders to buy land west of Sunnyside Platform. $19,000.00 spent to construct the current airstrip.

Glenair commences the first regular air service weekly to Brisbane.

1968

NSW Air Ambulance makes the first landing for a patient.

Aerial pageant with 20 aircraft attending. lan Sinclair officially opens the aerodrome.

1969

Trainee commercial pilot guided by radio to Tenterfield Aerodrome by local businessman Nathan Ross.

Locals lit up airstrip by car lights.

1970-2022 

Aerodrome used for aerial agriculture, local business owners, sightseeing, firefighting, medical evacuations and Angel Flights. Approximately 700 known aircraft movements per year.

     Medical Flights: 

• Fixed wing aeromedical flights transport patients once/twice a month.
• Care Flight and Westpac helicopters use aerodrome when Federation Park is too wet.
• Tenterfield Hospital must use Stanthorpe or Glen Innes for NSW Air Ambulance or RFDS fixed wing flights.
• NSW Air Ambulance transport two Tenterfield patients per month on average.

     Angel Flights

• Non-emergency medical. To date over 40 flights in and out of Tenterfield.

     Emergency:

• Firefighting, Search & Rescue, Medical evacuation
• Aerodrome used during 2019/2020 bushfire emergency to fuel and maintain aircraft.

     Business Flights:

• At least seven local business have used the aerodrome in their business activities.
• Ongoing usage by National Parks, Crown Lands, survey, charter, powerline inspections, baiting operations etc.

     Private Flights:

• Many Aviation Clubs and recreational pilots and tourists fly in to visit Tenterfield.

2022

• Tenterfield Shire Council calls for tenders for sale of the aerodrome.
• FOTA is formed to ensure the aerodrome is kept for the community.

2023

• Tenterfield Shire Council calls for Expressions of Interest to lease, operate and develop the Aerodrome. 
• FOTA submits an EOI which is accepted by Council.

Aug 2023 

• FOTA takes up the lease of the Tenterfield Aerodrome.