Ballarat Airport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ballarat Airport
IATA: none ICAO: YBLT
Summary
Airport type	Public
Operator	City of Ballarat
Location	Mitchell Park, Ballarat, Victoria
Elevation AMSL	1,433 ft / 437 m
Coordinates	37°30′33″S 143°47′40″E / 37.50917°S 143.79444°E / -37.50917; 143.79444
Map
YBLT Location in Victoria
Runway
Runway Length Surface m ft 05/23 1,265 4,150 Asphalt 13/31 568 1,864 Grass 18/36 1,245 4,085 Asphalt
Sources: Australian AIP and aerodrome chart

The Ballarat Airport, also known as the Ballarat Aerodrome, is an important airport located near Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. It is about 4 nautical miles (which is about 7.4 kilometers) west of the city, in a suburb called Mitchell Park. This airport has a rich history, from training pilots during wartime to hosting exciting motor races. Today, it serves many purposes for the community.

Ballarat Airport: A Hub of History and Flight

Early Days of Flight

People first started learning to fly in Ballarat way back in 1914. A pilot named R.G. Carey offered lessons on the Ballarat Common. He used a special plane called a Bleriot.

By 1929, a proper landing area was set up in Wendouree. It was north of the railway line. This spot soon became a licensed aerodrome. In 1930, a small tin hangar was built there. It was big enough for three small planes called Moths.

As time went on, a bigger area was needed. In 1939, a new site in Mitchell Park was chosen. This would become the modern Ballarat Aerodrome.

World War II Training: No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School

In 1940, during World War II, the new airport site became very important. The Commonwealth of Australia took it over. It was used to create a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) training base. This base was part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. It was called the No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School (1 WAGS).

The old tin hangar was moved to a different spot. Four large metal hangars, called Bellman hangars, were built. Many smaller "P" Huts were also put up for personnel. The school trained wireless operators for the RAAF. They learned using special panel vans and later, in aircraft.

The first training plane used was the CAC Wackett. This was in use until 1941. After that, the Avro Anson became the main training aircraft. The Avro Anson was a twin-engined plane. It was painted bright yellow so everyone knew it was a training plane. These planes flew all over the Ballarat area. The 1 WAGS training school closed down on December 31, 1945.

After the War: A New Purpose

After World War II ended, many wartime airfields were closed. However, the RAAF kept the Ballarat airfield. They used it as their Radio School until 1961.

Later, the local government, the Shire of Ballarat, took over the airport. They wanted to keep the hangars and other buildings. Today, the airport is still very active. It helps with emergency services, like fighting bushfires. It also offers flight training for new pilots. Many community groups and organizations use the airport too. You can even visit the Ballarat Aviation Museum and the Friends of the Anson Air Museum there.

In December 2022, work was finished to make runway 18/36 longer. It is now 1,800 meters (about 5,900 feet) long.

Fast Cars and Racing History

The Ballarat Airport wasn't just for planes. For a short time, it was also a race track for cars! The first motor race meeting happened on Australia Day in 1947.

More races were held in November 1950 and 1951. The most famous race was the 1961 Victorian Trophy in February 1961. Some big European Formula One teams came to compete. Famous drivers like Dan Gurney and Graham Hill raced there. They finished first and second in the main race.

A funny story from that race involves Dan Gurney's car. The night before the race, his car was stolen from its hangar. It was found driven into some hay bales on the track. Luckily, it had only minor damage.

See also

• United States Army Air Forces in Australia (World War II)
• List of airports in Victoria