Temora Aerodrome

Temora Shire has a rich aviation history

A History of Aviation

A HISTORY OF AVIATION

A long history in aviation combined with an ideal flying climate makes Temora an excellent place for all types of aviation activities. The town’s history of pilot training began during the Second World War and continues today.

World War II

In 1941, due to Temora’s favourable climate and geography, the airport was controlled by the Royal Australian Air Force, and the No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (TENEFTS) was established to provide initial flight training for pilot graduates. This became the largest and longest lived of the schools established under the Empire Air Training Scheme, with more than 2500 pilots graduating between 1941 and 1946, and a peak of 97 Tiger Moth aircraft used for flying training.

Post-War Recreational Aviation

In 1946, following the war, local veterans and pilots founded the Temora Aero Club in the Bellman Hangar. With the support of Temora Shire Council, club members and other private citizens (particularly 1998 Australian Aerobatics Champion, David Lowy) the airport facilities have continually been developed and improved. Temora Airport has developed a strong reputation in the recreational aviation community for providing excellent facilities for gliding, parachuting and flying. The airport regularly hosts a range of aviation events, drawing visitors from around Australia and the globe.

Temora Airpark Estate

Temora’s aviation community was further strengthened when, in the mid 1990’s, Temora Shire Council began development of the Temora Airpark Estate, offering house and hangar, and commercial lots with direct access to taxiways and the runways.

Following the popularity of the initial stage, three further stages were completed and the estate now comprises over 90 lots. Residents of the Airpark Estate have formed a strong community of aviation enthusiasts who provide a talented resource base of volunteers for the Aviation Museum and local recreational flying group, Temora Flyers Inc.

Temora Aviation Museum

The Temora Aviation Museum was established in 1999 and has become a world-class attraction with arguably the finest collection of flying historic aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere.

The museum is a major tourist drawcard and a key focal point of the Temora Airport – with visitors flocking to see the impeccably-maintained military aircraft, all of which have historical significance to Australia. The Temora Aviation Museum also hosts a series of aircraft showcase days throughout the year, where a selection of the museum’s aircraft are flown, allowing visitors to experience the unique sights and sounds in close proximity to these rare machines. The museum also hosts a major biennial airshow, known as Warbirds Downunder, where all aircraft are demonstrated. The show attracts around 20,000 visitors to Temora.

 

Calendar

Events Calendar

View the calendar online

 

 

Technical Information

Airspace Categories

Temora Airport is a non-towered CTAF (126.15) aerodrome in Class G airspace up to FL180. Lower Class E airspace is available 30nm east of Temora and for advanced training Class C airspace is available nearby in association with Canberra airport; and Class C and D with Albury airport. There is no control tower available at Temora Airport, however a control room is available within the Bellman Hangar, which is currently used for aviation events such as gliding. Temora Airport, including the Bellman Hangar, is owned and operated by Temora Shire Council.

The nearest control tower is at Wagga Wagga Airport which is currently inactive. Access to the control tower can be negotiated with Airservices Australia.

Airspace Limitations

There are an average of 7,500 landings per year at Temora Airport, which primarily consist of recreational aviation and demonstration flights conducted by the Temora Aviation Museum (predominantly on weekends). Agricultural landings are another source in wet years during autumn and spring.

Prioritising passenger services or sharing the airspace with other large flight training providers or military users is not an issue at Temora Airport, which allows students and trainers to maximise the opportunities to engage in active flight training. A low number of business flights operate each day. There is also low level pilot training usage by small flight training businesses. There is no regular military use at Temora Airport. Recreational events are mostly held during weekends and in late December / early January for gliding.

Weather Conditions

Temora experiences an average of 300 days each year without any rainfall and wind speeds are generally low year-round.

Runways

Temora has two asphalt runways, 05/23 and 18/36, as well as connecting taxiways. There is also a cross runway, 09/27 unsealed. Runway 05/23 has a medium intensity airfield lighting system, including PAPI and pilot activated lighting. Runway 18/36 is lit as a taxiway for night time operations.

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Refuelling Facilities

Temora Airport has two fuel suppliers, with access available using a 24/7 swipecard. Operated by Aerorefueller, the on-site Avgas bowser has a capacity of 20,000L. Skyfuel also operate an onsite Jet A1 bowser with a capacity of 23,000L, with approval to install an additional on site Avgas tank and bowser. Temora Aviation Museum also operates a licensed JetA1 truck with a capacity of 9,000L.