Ballina Aero Club is a well-established social and recreational flying club located at Ballina Airport in Ballina, New South Wales. The club has a diverse membership that includes local pilots, aircraft enthusiasts, and Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA) pilots. With over 30 years of existence, it has become a prominent fixture in the aviation community, promoting education, safety, and security in aviation, as well as fostering good airmanship.
The origins of the Ballina Aero Club date back to 1928 when it played a role in the centenary celebrations for Ballina, commemorating the discovery of the Richmond River in 1828. The club initially operated from an airfield parallel to Owen Street and had limited use until the early 1970s. In recognition of the work carried out by its members in establishing the aerodrome, the council granted the club a parcel of land to erect a clubhouse.
Little is known about the club's activities during the years from 1928 to the 1950s, and it is believed that it was not actively operating during that time. However, in 1976, the club was reactivated and renamed as Ballina Pilots Association by Gary Faulks, Roger Ibbotson, and John Wall. It later became known as Ballina Aero Club in 1980 and was officially incorporated in NSW under the Incorporations Act in 1990.
Throughout its history, the club has had significant connexions to the local aviation community. In 1976, Ballina Airpark private airfield was opened in West Ballina, and Richmond Aviation (Ballina) Pty Ltd, the first air charter licence based in Ballina, was established. Richmond Aviation conducted regular holiday aerial beach patrols broadcast over Radio 2 LM from 1976 to 1992.
Although the club faced challenges such as the high cost of transporting a retired RAAF aircraft from Townsville for the establishment of an aviation museum, it continued to thrive. Following the opening of Ballina Airport in 1986, Ballina Airpark closed, and the clubhouse was officially opened at Ballina Airport in 1990. In 2009, the clubhouse was removed, and a new clubhouse was completed in 2014 on land leased from the council.
Today, Ballina Aero Club offers a range of activities and resources for its members, including social gatherings and events. Aspiring and seasoned aviators alike can join the club and be a part of a vibrant community passionate about flying and aircraft. The club's dedication to promoting education, safety, and good airmanship ensures that all members have access to valuable knowledge and support.
For those interested in finding out more about the Ballina Aero Club or joining, they can visit the website for contact information. The club's social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram are also great avenues to stay updated on upcoming events and connect with other aviation enthusiasts.