Balclutha Aerodrome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balclutha Aerodrome
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Private | ||||||||||
| Operator | South Otago Aero Club | ||||||||||
| Location | Balclutha, New Zealand | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 22 ft / 7 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 46°14′36″S 169°45′00″E / 46.24333°S 169.75000°E | ||||||||||
| Runway | |||||||||||
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Balclutha Aerodrome (IATA: N/A, ICAO: NZBA) is a small airport located about 1 kilometer (0.5 nautical miles) southeast of the Balclutha town. Balclutha is on the east coast of the South Island in New Zealand.
Contents
What is Balclutha Aerodrome?
An aerodrome is like a small airport where aircraft can take off and land. Balclutha Aerodrome is a private facility. This means it is not a large international airport. It is mainly used by smaller planes and for recreational flying.
Who Manages the Aerodrome?
The aerodrome is managed by the South Otago Aero Club. This club helps people learn to fly and enjoy aviation. The aerodrome is a popular spot for different types of flying activities.
Who Uses Balclutha Aerodrome?
Many people enjoy using this aerodrome. It is a favorite place for:
- Model aircraft enthusiasts: These are people who fly remote-controlled model airplanes.
- Glider pilots: Gliders are aircraft that fly without an engine. They use air currents to stay in the sky.
How Does the Aerodrome Work?
Every airport or aerodrome has specific rules and features to help planes fly safely. Balclutha Aerodrome has its own important details for pilots.
Airfield Elevation
The airfield is 22 feet (or 7 meters) above mean sea level (AMSL). This measurement is important for pilots to know how high they are flying.
Runway Details
The aerodrome has one main runway.
- Runway Name: It is called Runway 07/25. This name tells pilots its direction.
- Size: The runway is 666 meters (about 2,185 feet) long and 91 meters wide.
- Surface: Unlike many large airports, this runway is made of grass.
- Lighting: There are no lights on the runway. This means it is only used during daylight hours.
Flying Rules (Circuits)
When planes take off or land, they follow a specific path called a "circuit." This helps keep air traffic organized and safe.
- Runway 07: If a pilot uses Runway 07, they follow a right-hand circuit. This means they turn right after takeoff.
- Runway 25: If a pilot uses Runway 25, they follow a left-hand circuit. This means they turn left after takeoff.
- Circuit Height: Pilots usually fly their circuit at 1,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
