Bankstown 28/12/2012

[Dave Powell]

Great report Grahame - thanks.

I went for my first look around Bankstown in about 5 years yesterday - couldn't believe how many of the old resident aircraft businesses had gone or moved. The old Schofield's area and the aircraft painting shed nearby are now desolate with long grass where many aircraft used to park - very sad to see the demise of what used to be a vibrant airport.

There were a couple of nice machines there though with a P2 registered McDermott Bell 214 and a US registered Pa.28 (apologies for the poor quality of my pics (-with a pocket digital and from outside the fence).

Went on to Camden after to see the 3 US residents and also picked up one of the Wildcat Bell 212's (C-FCAN)

cheers

Dave

[Grahame Hutchison]

Dave, When I was learning to fly in the late 1960s, Bankstown was the busiest airport in the Southern Hemisphere, with Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft sales occupying the main hangers where Pionair are now. There were three runways, 29/11 (paved), 25/07 (gravel) and 36/18 (grass), great in all wind conditions.

Schofields have moved to a new club house on the eastern side of the airport, with great facilities and a simulator. Many other flying schools have come and gone over the years, however GA has never been on the agenda for State of Fereral Government, so this is what happens unfortunately.

Nice photo catch with the P2 Bell and US registered PA-28.