Sitting inconspicuously on the outskirts of town, one might be forgiven for being unaware just how big a role Shepparton Airport plays in supporting the Goulburn Valley community.
An open day later this month aims to enlighten visitors on the many purposes served at the flying base, from the multiple daily air ambulance fixed-wing and helicopter transfers to Melbourne to fire-bombing choppers and their support crews being based at the airport throughout fire danger season.
Visitors will be able to learn about regular airport operations, with Goulburn Valley Aero Club and other airport tenants, which include Gawne Aviation, Secure Air Flight Training and Air Charter Today, displaying some of their aircraft for a close-up look.
“There is an unbridled fascination with aircraft and flying from the very young to the more mature amongst us and has been even before the famous Wright Brothers first powered flight at Kittyhawk,” Goulburn Valley Aero Club’s Simon Greig said.
“There will be a free entry open day at Shepparton Airport so that the public can indulge in their desire to look and even fly in a light aircraft.”
The airport’s commercial aircraft operators will also conduct joy flights during the open day, giving the public an opportunity to see Shepparton from the air.
“The open day will feature a large number of different aircraft types and will be flying so that they can show the public just how much fun there can be had with flying,” Mr Greig said.
“If you have always had a yearning to have a go at flying, then come along to the open day.”
The Shepparton aerodrome was established in the early 1950s. In 1956, Southern Airlines starting its first air service between Essendon Airport and Shepparton Airport using a De Havilland Dove aircraft.
The same year, floods shut down the Shepparton site for months, resulting in the service being cancelled.
Extensive works were carried out to upgrade the facility to an all-weather aerodrome.
Throughout the years, the main runway has been sealed to 1379 metres and radio-operated lights were installed, among other modern technological enhancements.
The aerodrome is also home to a Bureau of Meteorology automatic weather station, providing up-to-the-minute weather information for the area.
The open day will be held at Shepparton Airport, GV Hwy, Kialla, on Sunday, September 22, from 10am to 1pm. Entry is free.