Flying at Luskintyre

Anthony MX

IN 1977…

Luskintyre Aviation was formed by a group of vintage aircraft enthusiasts from the Royal Newcastle Aero Club in Maitland, New South Wales.

They needed an aerodrome from which they could fly de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft without the problem of interference from the increasingly busy commercial airport at Rutherford. Tiger Moths were not suited for operation at commercial airfields because, at the time, the didn’t have radios. To this day, many still don’t!

THE FOUNDATION

Jim Wall, one of the original members, found a suitable property on Pywells Road, near Lochinvar in the Hunter Valley. It was 220 acres of dairy farm in an area settled by Scottish immigrants in the early 1800’s

THE SYNDICATE

A syndicate of 14 people was formed and 28 shares were issued.

Geoff Kubank

Frank Williams

Barney Riordan

Bill Duff

Alan Coulthard

Peter Mehan

Colin Philips

Dave Mitchell

Peter Mallon

Dr Herron

Trevor Blesing

Jimmy Wall

Alan Morris

Alan Wilson

Roy Jones

The property was paid for on the 24th Decmeber 1977.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction began on the first hanger in March 1980. This was to house the first ‘Tigers” kept at the property- BNI, ADW, & RIN.

The presence of an escarpment to the west of the river determined that the flight circuit pattern would be to the north-east of the filed. Many hours were then spent ploughing, digging and leveling until an airfield was born.

EARLY DAYS

Trevor Blesing made the first landing at Luskintyre on 7 May 1978, in his Tiger RIN.

In 1978 flares and barbecues were lit so the boys could fly until midnight, a time of wonderful freedom flying.

Members have come and gone. In the early 80’s several members wanted to leave. This left eight owners until 1985 when Kevin Weldon took up a ninth share, and erected a second hanger. Following the establishment of the WELWIND hangar, Ray Windred established a restoration workshop.

At that time the members were : Alan Coulthard, Jim Wall, Barney Riordan, Bill Duff, Trevor Blessing, Alan Wilson, Kevin Weldon, Frank Williams, and Geoff Kubank.

The Luskintyre Aviation Museum, as it is now known, has made a name for itself as the home of the Tiger Moth, and houses over 30 aircraft, many over 60 years old.

WAC: 3456; Co-Ords: S:32° 40′ E:151° 25′

CTAF: 122.65 (Shared with entire Lower Hunter Valley)

Elevation: 100 feet

Primary Runway: 12/30 800 metres all over grass

Secondary Runway: 16/34 975 metres all over grass

Windsock: adjacent to RWY 12/30 near vineyard

Circuits: to the north, RWY 12 left circuits, RWY 30 right circuits

Luskintyre Airfield is an all over grass field, with 2 identified strips being, 12/30 (800 Metres) and 16/34 (975 Metres). 12/30 is the primary runway and unless conditions dictate, is preferred to minimise noise over neighbouring properties.

The field can be boggy following prolonged rain periods, and if unsure of field conditions contact should be made prior to landing to ensure no damage to the field or your aircraft.

The closest licensed aerodrome is Maitland (YMND). Maitland Aerodrome is located 4 NM to the East of Luskintyre, has two sealed runways, runway lighting on RWY 05/23, and is serviced by the West Maitland VOR/NDB Navaid. Other local airfields include Cessnock Aerodrome and Elderslie Airstrip.

Luskintyre Airfield has tie downs available; emergency hangarage.

Accommodation is available by prior arrangement. There are also many accommodation options available locally.