GA aerodrome of choice around Brisbane...?

[maehhh]

Good morning dear ppruners,

I am very seriously considering to move to Bisbane in Q4 2015 (job related). Should not be a big deal however I do have an SEP aircraft to move with me... so this would need to find a cosy new home in Brisbane too!

I have no experience flying around Brisbane. I would be very interested to hear from the locals how GA flying is around Brisbane? What is the the aerodrome to prefer? Acherfield? Redcliff? Other options?
And where will I have the best chance to find a free place in a hangar for my love?

Many thanks in advance!

maehhh

[spinex]

Depends where you want to base yourself around the city, however Caboolture to the north is a viable alternative to Redcliffe. Quite a few refugees from Archerfield have gone to Boonah to the SW - bit of a drive but a good little country airfield. To the south there is Jacobs Well, however caveat emptor, the resident club is daggers drawn with the landlord, so whilst it will probably survive as an airfield, security of tenure is an issue. All of these are grass or gravel with a mix of GA, RA and gliders. If you're looking for big city facilities with tarmac, only Redcliffe and Archer fit the bill.

[Jabawocky]

The only place likely to have space is YBAF, for the obvious reasons

If you are going to be on the north side, YRED and YCAB. Maybe even YCDR if you are based on the far north. Finding hangar space is a problem, as these places are very popular.

If you are after decent LAME services you are limited to YCAB and YCDR. Good engine shop at YBAF, but if you need them, they do not need to be on the field you are, so its not a big deal.

Good luck.

[gchriste]

YRED is a great spot to fly out of and has reasonably low density traffic. But as mentioned space is the issue with all the spots around Brissie. You could probably get something at Archerfield but that is may be because everyone else is being priced out and leaving

The advantages to YRED (similar for YACB) is it is on the coast, so easy to get to the islands or up the coast, and not in the middle of the city/burbs like Archerfield.

[maehhh]

Gentlemen,

thanks for your help!

I have no need for tarmac runways - grass will be fine. However having the possibilty to have her sit in hangar in a not to distant future is high up on my priorty list... but I expected this to be a challenge

I guess the only thing I can do is call all the mentioned airflieds check with them what their waiting lists look like...

I have no idea yet where I am going to base myself. But I am quite flexibel in this regards so this will probably help a little.

[cogwheel]

Depending on how far you wish to drive, then Watts Bridge might be an option that may be able to provide hangar space. You would have to join the Club. If you are up to it, there are some sites available to build your own hangar. See their web site for details. Grass runways about 900m long. PM me if you want to know more.

[maehhh]

Hi cogwheel,

i just stumbled across Watts Bridge, too. It seems they have quite a bit of aerobatics going on there which is a big plus in my book.

On the other hand it is almost 2hrs by car from Brisbane CBD which does not exactly match with my idea to - once in a while - finish work a little early and drive to the airfield for a quick flight

But I will keep Watts Bridge in consideration, especially if hangars are available. If I decide to give Brisbane a go I would be great to get some details of your experience with Watts Bridge and I will happily PM you.

Cheers
maehhh

[Possum1]

I think you should factor in where you intend to live/work in Brisbane. If on the Southside, your choice should be Archerfield. If the Northside, you should look at Redcliffe or Caboolture.

One thing you should not be contemplating is travelling any great distance to your airfield of choice on our Gateway Motorway, the main North/South bypass for this city, which is a carpark for most daylight hours and always in peak hours.

While Archerfield is only 10 minutes drive from where we live, I am prepared to put up with its negatives for this convenience. Secure tiedowns are $139-146 p/mth but hangarage is rarely available and expensive. Landings and full-stops will be a total of about $30 per time depending on your MTOW, about half to the aerodrome operator and half to Airservices(0700-1700).

[djpil]

If you are into aerobatics then Watts Bridge is the place to be. Nice people. I have heard that hangar spaces are getting tight.

[cogwheel]

Watts Bridge Airfield

I hear that the owner of the land occupied by the airfield - SEQ Water - have recently indicated that they are prepared to sell the land and are making first offer to the airfield club. (No doubt as a result of the Qld govt being short of $$) Providing all the ducks line up and the price is right, then this may be a huge step forward for the airfields future.