Eric, 67, Flies Up, Up and Away
At the age of 67, Eric Kemp demonstrates that it’s never too late to pursue aviation. This Central Coast Express feature follows the retired engineer’s passion for ultralight flying at Warnervale Airstrip and offers a glimpse into the recreational flying community that flourished there during the early 1980s.
Council in Bid to Upgrade Airstrip
Wyong Shire Council resolved to seek Federal funding to upgrade Warnervale Airstrip into a licensed aerodrome, adopting a long-term development strategy that included controlled airspace planning, future navigation aids and land-use protections around the airport.
High Time for Bill
Veteran pilot and flying instructor Bill Benbow was profiled for his remarkable aviation career spanning more than four decades. The article traces his service during the Second World War, bush flying adventures and his continuing role as Chief Flying Instructor at Warnervale, where he had become one of the Central Coast’s best-known aviation identities.
Delay on Base for Seaplanes
Plans to establish a commercial seaplane base at Tacoma on the Central Coast were delayed while Wyong Shire Council and the proponent awaited an environmental assessment. Supporters argued the project would improve transport links and encourage business investment in the rapidly growing Wyong region.
Warnervale as Major Airport
Wyong Shire Council endorsed the future development of Warnervale Airfield as the Central Coast’s principal general aviation airport. The decision identified Warnervale as one of two preferred regional airfield sites and outlined staged expansion plans, including future runway improvements while protecting surrounding land from incompatible development.
Club Use of Wyong Airstrip
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Club Use of Wyong Airstrip
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An application before Wyong Shire Council sought approval to establish a junior flying club and associated aviation organisations at the Warner Avenue airstrip in Wyong. The proposal included construction of a clubhouse and expanded community aviation activities at the privately operated authorised landing area.
To the Editor: Charges “Not True”
Wyong Shire Councillor Vera L. Butler responded to criticism from the Central Coast Aero Club, rejecting claims that the council had delayed or obstructed the Warnervale airstrip proposal. Butler defended the council’s record, explaining that planning restrictions imposed by the State Planning Authority prevented approval until completion of the regional urban structure plan.
Aero Club Reply on Warnervale
In a detailed letter to the editor, Central Coast Aero Club President Jack Neal responded to criticism surrounding the Warnervale airstrip proposal. He defended the club’s efforts over the previous two years, challenged claims that Wyong Shire Council had actively supported the project, and questioned the council’s commitment to establishing a permanent all-weather airport for the Central Coast.
Plane Stranded
A twin-engined Piper Comanche became stranded after attempting to operate from the privately owned Wyong airstrip following heavy rain. The incident was used by the Central Coast Aero Club to reinforce its argument that the Warnervale airstrip offered a safer, all-weather alternative and that council should support its airport development proposal.
The Rains Came!
Heavy rainfall highlighted the shortcomings of the privately owned Pollock Avenue airstrip while demonstrating the resilience of the Central Coast Aero Club’s Warnervale airstrip. The club used the opportunity to argue that Warnervale provided the region with a practical all-weather aviation facility and renewed calls for council approval of its proposed airport development.