Runway 12L/30R has been reopened to all traffic
Runway 12R/30L will remain closed for the next 6 months or so, enabling the cultivation of Bermuda Grass, and give the soil time to settle. We expect to reopen this runway for the 2018 flying season.
Runway 03/21 is not be affected by these works and remains open during the entire period.
All pilots are reminded that normal circuit procedures apply as per ERSA.
Updated 08/11/17
All this week heavy earth moving machinery has been working on a major makeover for RWY 12R/30L.
Work includes profiling the runway, resurfacing and planting Bermuda grass.
Runway 12L/30R has been reopened to all traffic.
Runway 12R/30L will remain closed to all traffic for approximately 6 months to give the grass sufficient time to grow and for the soil to settle.
Good to see the commencement of construction of a new building in the chalet precinct. Judging by the size of the footings, Richard Wiltshire's new chalet is going to be an impressive build. Watch this space for updates.
Update 27.09.2017 Today the slab was poured.
Update 04.10.2017 Today major steelwork was erected on site.
Update 29.10.2017 Major progress with the winching into place of the roof structure.
Human nature has it that we tend to concentrate on the big picture, the major initiatives, the large projects and the annual flying events. However, go for a leisurely stroll around the airfield and it is immediately obvious that there are dozens and dozens of smaller initiatives, each one contributing to the safe operation of the airfield.
Pause to remember that less than 30 years ago pretty much none of what you see now existed back then. Watts Bridge was simply a lost airfield in the middle of a cow paddock. Successive management committees have developed the airfield and its infrastructure to the standard that we now enjoy. So here comes the pitch........
Over the years a large percentage of the works around the field have been done by volunteer labour. Members like you and me donating a little of their time and putting in some effort for the common cause. Let's face it - it ain't rocket science to aim a hose or slap on some paint is it? And yet these are essential tasks which add real value to the airfield. So please, consider putting up your hand to do just a couple of simple tasks around the field.
Click the photographs above for a larger image with description.
19th - 20th August 2017
The Gathering of Eagles for 2017 has been and gone and is now but a memory, a story and a jam packed photo gallery. Saturday was a complete blow-out with cold howling winds and 35-45 knot gusts, so it was up to Sunday to redeem the weekend. And fortunately it did. A fine and clear winter's day attracted a more than reasonable number of airplanes and eager spectators to appreciate them.
Click here for the Photo Gallery and Feature Story
9th September 2017
The Brisbane Valley Sport Aviation Club threw their club room doors open for an impromptu BBQ, inviting aviators from Watts Bridge and the local airfields to come and enjoy the beautiful spring flying season. Approximately 50 people took up the offer with 30+ aircraft arriving at the field. It was particularly pleasing to see members from all of the Watts homebase groups plus several members from the Caboolture SAAA coming together to share the common bond of flight.
Based on the success of the day, it is more than likely that there will be similar future BBQ's, perhaps hosted at other airfields in the district or maybe at Watts Bridge. Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events and also Facebook for notification.
The parallel runways (12L/30R and 12R/30L) are now fully operational. With the publication of the August ERSA update, effective the 17th August 2017, contra circuit procedures are now in operation at Watts Bridge.
Pilots are strongly encouraged to download the Contra Circuits Procedures information sheet and the YWSG ERSA extract (shown above) to be fully aware of how to safely join and fly the circuit pattern.
Many many thanks to Gary Clark - creator of The Swamp for the special cartoons illustrating the changes in circuit procedures and possible outcomes of everyone not being fully prepared.
Please support Gary by visiting The Swamp Website at www.swamp.com.au
Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield is strongly committed to a "Fly Neighbourly" policy ensuring good working relationships with other land owners in the district.
Pilots are requested to download the Fly Neighbourly Chart to be aware of and avoid where operationally possible, noise and over-fly sensitive locations adjacent to the airfield.
Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield requests that all members and visitors using the airfield's internal roads adhere to the signposted maximum Speed Limit of 20kph.
The Speed Limit maximises safety for all motorists and pedestrians, significantly reduces damage to the airfield's roadways and minimises the generation of dust which has an adverse affect on aircraft, buildings and human health.