Bankstown Airport (IATA: BWU, ICAO: YSBK) is an airport and business park located in the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, approximately 26 km (16 mi) from the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Australia and 17 km (11 mi) west of Sydney Airport. It is situated on 313 ha (770 acres) of land and has three parallel runways, several apron areas, a small passenger terminal and a business park, home to more than 160 businesses. The airport, is home to numerous fixed-wing and helicopter flying schools and also caters to charter and private business flights, freight, aeromedical services, recreational flights, aircraft maintenance businesses, private aircraft and emergency services. Bankstown Airport operates 24 hours a day, with limitations placed on night circuit training.
Bankstown Airport was originally planned in 1929. The plan to build an airport at Bankstown was put on hold until it was established in 1940, after the commencement of World War II when the Department of Civil Aviation attained 630 acres (2.5 km2) of land for development as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) facility. The formal proclamation of the Bankstown airfield project occurred under the National Security Act on 7 June 1940. The urgency was such that work began immediately; the Act permitted construction to begin even before the land had been officially resumed by the government.[4] On 2 December 1940 RAAF Headquarters was established at Bankstown and on 19 December No 2 Aircraft Park moved to Bankstown where it remained until 28 March 1945. Its facilities were then taken over by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.[5]
During World War II, Bankstown Airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces, and was established as a key strategic air base to support the war effort in 1942. It became home to members of the 35th Pursuit Group and the 49th Pursuit Group from 1942 to 1944. In 1945 operations became the responsibility of the British Fleet Air Arm, known as Royal Naval Air Station Bankstown, HMS Nabberley, before being handed back to the RAAF on 31 July 1946.[6]
Aircraft manufacturer de Havilland Australia (later Hawker de Havilland) built a new factory at Bankstown Airport during the war and commenced manufacturing de Havilland Mosquito combat aircraft there in 1942.[7]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2016)
RAAF CT4 trainers lined up on the tarmac at Bankstown awaiting the Pickles auction start. 36 of these aircraft went under the hammer in Sydney in 1993 following the closure of the No 1 Flying Training School at Point Cook in Victoria.
In 1970, the government put forth a proposal to expand the airport's operations but this was vigorously opposed by the local community.[9]
In September 1982 a Socata TB10 Tobago light aircraft was stolen by 26-year-old student pilot Philip Henryk Wozniak, who committed suicide by intentionally crashing on the airport, also destroying a parked Douglas DC-3 and Piaggio P.166 in the process.[10][11][12][13][14]
Today, Bankstown Airport is Sydney's primary general aviation airport, and also serves charter and cargo flights for various companies and carriers.[15]
The airport's master plan was approved in March 2005 by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services. The plan governs the airport's operations until 2024–25. The current approved Airport Environment Strategy was published in 2014 and is valid until 2019.[16]
Facilities
Bankstown Airport's passenger terminal with a Piper Chieftain on the right, October 2016
Toll Aviation ATR 42 cargo aircraft at Bankstown Airport, November 2016
Hangar of the UNSW Faculty of Science School of Aviation with some of the school's training aircraft, October 2016
The airport has three parallel runways. The primary runway (11C/29C) is 1,416 m × 30 m (4,646 ft × 98 ft). Bankstown has its own dedicated air traffic control tower, operated by Airservices Australia, and uses Class D airspace procedures.[17]
Passenger facilities
The existing small passenger terminal at the airport is capable of handling up to 200 passengers per hour. Vehicle parking is available at no charge. Arriving passengers can arrange for taxi pick up at the terminal. The main airport entrance is also serviced by a local bus service to Bankstown railway station.[18]
The terminal plays host to numerous events year round such as the annual Sydney Aviation Model Show.[19]
The Australian Aviation Museum was located at Bankstown Airport when the museum opened in February 1994. It was planned to close at Bankstown in 2016 and reopen at the less busy Camden airport in 2017.[24][25] However this move does not appear to have proceeded. It is not known whether it is still open.
In popular culture
One of its hangars was used for the filming of Top Gear Australia, however none of the track sections were filmed at Bankstown as it is too busy. They were predominantly filmed at Camden Airport which is far quieter. The apron area was used as a location for the short film Come Fly with Me in 2009.[26]
^Mellor D P, Australia in the War of 1939–1945, Series 4 – Civil – Volume V – The Role of Science and Industry, Australian War Museum, Canberra, 1958, page 37ff
^White, K, Brief History of RAAF Station,Bankstown NSW, Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown, 2001, page 3
^"History of Bankstown airport". www.lockoweb.com. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
^Wilson, Stewart (1990). Beaufort, Beaufighter and Mosquito in Australian Service. Weston Creek, ACT: Aerospace Publications. pp. 157–160. ISBN0-9587978-4-6.
^"VH-AEU. Douglas C-47-DL. c/n 6108. Badly damaged during crash of a suicidal pilot at Bankstown Airport". from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
^"Plane crashes at Bankstown, pg5, The Age, 16 September 1982". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
^"WOZNIAK, Philip Henryk (death notice), pg30, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 September 1982". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
^"No inquest on plane death, pg14, The Sydney Morning Herald, 09 February 1983". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
^"Our Vision for Australia's Premier General Aviation Airport". www.bankstownairport.com.au. Bankstown Airport Limited. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
^"Tips for flying at Bankstown" (PDF). Air Services Australia. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
^"Bankstown Airport Guide Airlines Accommodation Car Minivan Limousine Rental Guide To Australia Airports Bankstown NSW". www.airportguide.com.au. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
^Sydney Aviation Model Show 16 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
^. tollgroup.com. Toll Group. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
^(PDF). NSW Ambulance. NSW Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
^Anonymous (24 October 2013). "Aviation Support Branch (Air Wing)". www.service.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
^"RFDS in your state – NSW&ACT | Royal Flying Doctor Service". www.flyingdoctor.org.au. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
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Bankstown Airport IATA BWU ICAO YSBK is an airport and business park located in the City of Canterbury Bankstown approximately 26 km 16 mi from the Sydney Central Business District CBD Australia and 17 km 11 mi west of Sydney Airport It is situated on 313 ha 770 acres of land and has three parallel runways several apron areas a small passenger terminal and a business park home to more than 160 businesses The airport is home to numerous fixed wing and helicopter flying schools and also caters to charter and private business flights freight aeromedical services recreational flights aircraft maintenance businesses private aircraft and emergency services Bankstown Airport operates 24 hours a day with limitations placed on night circuit training Bankstown AirportSydney Bankstown AirportIATA BWUICAO YSBKSummaryAirport typePublicOperatorBankstown Airport Ltd ServesSydney New South Wales AustraliaLocationBankstown Aerodrome New South WalesHub forToll AviationElevation AMSL34 ft 10 mCoordinates33 55 30 S 150 59 18 E 33 92500 S 150 98833 E 33 92500 150 98833 Coordinates 33 55 30 S 150 59 18 E 33 92500 S 150 98833 E 33 92500 150 98833Websitewww bankstownairport com auMapYSBKLocation in SydneyRunwaysDirection Length Surfacem ft11C 29C 1 416 4 646 Asphalt11R 29L 1 038 3 406 Asphalt11L 29R 1 100 3 609 AsphaltStatistics 2011 Aircraft movements243 126Sources AIP and Movements at Australian Airports from Airservices Australia 1 2 The airport s air traffic control tower is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List 3 Contents 1 History 1 1 World War II 1 1 1 Units based at Bankstown during World War II 1 2 Post War 2 Facilities 2 1 Passenger facilities 3 Airlines and destinations 3 1 Cargo 4 Other operators 5 In popular culture 6 See also 7 References 8 External linksHistory EditWorld War II Edit Bankstown Airport was originally planned in 1929 The plan to build an airport at Bankstown was put on hold until it was established in 1940 after the commencement of World War II when the Department of Civil Aviation attained 630 acres 2 5 km2 of land for development as a Royal Australian Air Force RAAF facility The formal proclamation of the Bankstown airfield project occurred under the National Security Act on 7 June 1940 The urgency was such that work began immediately the Act permitted construction to begin even before the land had been officially resumed by the government 4 On 2 December 1940 RAAF Headquarters was established at Bankstown and on 19 December No 2 Aircraft Park moved to Bankstown where it remained until 28 March 1945 Its facilities were then taken over by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm 5 During World War II Bankstown Airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces and was established as a key strategic air base to support the war effort in 1942 It became home to members of the 35th Pursuit Group and the 49th Pursuit Group from 1942 to 1944 In 1945 operations became the responsibility of the British Fleet Air Arm known as Royal Naval Air Station Bankstown HMS Nabberley before being handed back to the RAAF on 31 July 1946 6 Aircraft manufacturer de Havilland Australia later Hawker de Havilland built a new factory at Bankstown Airport during the war and commenced manufacturing de Havilland Mosquito combat aircraft there in 1942 7 Units based at Bankstown during World War II Edit No 2 Aircraft Park RAAF No 451 Squadron RAAF 4th Fighter Squadron of 35th Pursuit Group 39th Fighter Squadron of 35th Pursuit Group 41st Fighter Squadron of 35th Pursuit Group 7th Fighter Squadron of 49th Pursuit 8 Royal Naval Air Station Bankstown HMS NabberleyPost War Edit This section needs expansion You can help by adding to it October 2016 RAAF CT4 trainers lined up on the tarmac at Bankstown awaiting the Pickles auction start 36 of these aircraft went under the hammer in Sydney in 1993 following the closure of the No 1 Flying Training School at Point Cook in Victoria In 1970 the government put forth a proposal to expand the airport s operations but this was vigorously opposed by the local community 9 In September 1982 a Socata TB10 Tobago light aircraft was stolen by 26 year old student pilot Philip Henryk Wozniak who committed suicide by intentionally crashing on the airport also destroying a parked Douglas DC 3 and Piaggio P 166 in the process 10 11 12 13 14 Today Bankstown Airport is Sydney s primary general aviation airport and also serves charter and cargo flights for various companies and carriers 15 The airport s master plan was approved in March 2005 by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services The plan governs the airport s operations until 2024 25 The current approved Airport Environment Strategy was published in 2014 and is valid until 2019 16 Facilities Edit Bankstown Airport s passenger terminal with a Piper Chieftain on the right October 2016 Toll Aviation ATR 42 cargo aircraft at Bankstown Airport November 2016 Hangar of the UNSW Faculty of Science School of Aviation with some of the school s training aircraft October 2016 The airport has three parallel runways The primary runway 11C 29C is 1 416 m 30 m 4 646 ft 98 ft Bankstown has its own dedicated air traffic control tower operated by Airservices Australia and uses Class D airspace procedures 17 Passenger facilities Edit The existing small passenger terminal at the airport is capable of handling up to 200 passengers per hour Vehicle parking is available at no charge Arriving passengers can arrange for taxi pick up at the terminal The main airport entrance is also serviced by a local bus service to Bankstown railway station 18 The terminal plays host to numerous events year round such as the annual Sydney Aviation Model Show 19 Airlines and destinations EditCargo Edit AirlinesDestinationsToll Group 20 Brisbane MelbourneOther operators EditThe following organisations have operating bases at Bankstown Airport New South Wales Ambulance 21 New South Wales Police Aviation Support Branch 22 Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia 23 The Australian Aviation Museum was located at Bankstown Airport when the museum opened in February 1994 It was planned to close at Bankstown in 2016 and reopen at the less busy Camden airport in 2017 24 25 However this move does not appear to have proceeded It is not known whether it is still open In popular culture EditOne of its hangars was used for the filming of Top Gear Australia however none of the track sections were filmed at Bankstown as it is too busy They were predominantly filmed at Camden Airport which is far quieter The apron area was used as a location for the short film Come Fly with Me in 2009 26 See also EditList of airports in Greater Sydney List of airports in New South Wales Transport in Australia United States Army Air Forces in Australia World War II References Edit This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency YSBK SYDNEY Bankstown PDF AIP En Route Supplement from Airservices Australia effective 2022 09 22 Movements at Australian Airports PDF Airservices Australia 17 February 2012 Archived from the original PDF on 30 May 2012 Retrieved 8 May 2012 Bankstown Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Place ID 106118 Australian Heritage Database Australian Government Retrieved 22 September 2018 Mellor D P Australia in the War of 1939 1945 Series 4 Civil Volume V The Role of Science and Industry Australian War Museum Canberra 1958 page 37ff White K Brief History of RAAF Station Bankstown NSW Australian Aviation Museum Bankstown 2001 page 3 History of Bankstown airport www lockoweb com Retrieved 8 November 2016 Wilson Stewart 1990 Beaufort Beaufighter and Mosquito in Australian Service Weston Creek ACT Aerospace Publications pp 157 160 ISBN 0 9587978 4 6 7th Fighter Squadron Archived 9 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine Maltby Kathy Rosen Sue From Settlement to City Bankstown City Council p 13 ASN Wikibase Occurrence 33040 Socata TB10 Tobago VH BXC 16 SEP 1982 Retrieved 6 January 2020 VH AEU Douglas C 47 DL c n 6108 Badly damaged during crash of a suicidal pilot at Bankstown Airport Archived from the original on September 23 2015 Retrieved March 26 2015 Plane crashes at Bankstown pg5 The Age 16 September 1982 Newspapers com Retrieved 11 July 2016 WOZNIAK Philip Henryk death notice pg30 The Sydney Morning Herald 22 September 1982 Newspapers com Retrieved 11 July 2016 No inquest on plane death pg14 The Sydney Morning Herald 09 February 1983 Newspapers com Retrieved 11 July 2016 Our Vision for Australia s Premier General Aviation Airport www bankstownairport com au Bankstown Airport Limited Retrieved 2 November 2016 Airport Environment Strategy 2014 PDF Bankstown Airport 2014 Tips for flying at Bankstown PDF Air Services Australia Retrieved 26 December 2018 Bankstown Airport Guide Airlines Accommodation Car Minivan Limousine Rental Guide To Australia Airports Bankstown NSW www airportguide com au Retrieved 29 October 2016 Sydney Aviation Model Show Archived 16 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine Toll Priority Branch Locations tollgroup com Toll Group Archived from the original on 22 October 2016 Retrieved 21 October 2016 Bankstown Helicopter Base PDF NSW Ambulance NSW Government Archived from the original PDF on 5 March 2017 Retrieved 6 November 2016 Anonymous 24 October 2013 Aviation Support Branch Air Wing www service nsw gov au Retrieved 28 October 2016 RFDS in your state NSW amp ACT Royal Flying Doctor Service www flyingdoctor org au Retrieved 3 October 2016 Home AustralianAviationMuseum com au is dedicated to the preservation of Australia s rich aviation heritage Bankstown Airport Sydney AustralianAviationMuseum com au Archived from the original on 13 January 2018 Business estate prompts Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown Airport to shift to Camden Airport Daily Telegraph 16 September 2015 Cosmopolitan Autumn Fashion Shoot 2014 Navair Retrieved 30 May 2014 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bankstown Airport Bankstown Airport website Accident history for BWU at Aviation Safety NetworkPortals World War II New South Wales Aviation Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Bankstown Airport amp oldid 1133352274, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
