Ballarat Airport History

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Ballarat Airport has three active runways:

1. 18-36 Runway
   Prior to hand-over to Council, the runway was 1,860m long and 45m wide and sealed. It was crossed at the southern end by the main access road and reduced to 1,305m. To reduce maintenance cost it was further reduced to 1,245m long by 30m wide. Reconstruction of 500 linear metres on the southern end was carried out in 1981. The runway was equipped with permanent night landing lights in 1976.
   
2. 05-23 Runway
   Originally the 05-23 was a 1,385m long by 45m sealed gravel runway. Today it is a 1,265m long by 30m wide sealed gravel runway. The runway strip is 1,385m long by 90m wide.
   
   The 18-36 and 05-23 runways both have pavements which consist of a 200mm thick layer of gravel on a clay subgrade. The pavement strength ratings of PCN 6 indicate that they are suitable only for light aircraft (not above 5,700kg all up mass) operations. Fokker F27 (about 20,000kg all up mass) have landed occasionally, but on a reduced weight basis. The runways have been surfaced at regular intervals by Council, generally using 7mm aggregate seals.
   
3. 13-31 Runway
   This runway is a 560m long by 30m wide grass runway. The runway strip is 688m long by 9m wide.
   
   The grass runway is periodically resurfaced using quarry dust to help overcome water logging which occurs during periods of wet weather.

Taxiway and Apron

Two sealed taxiways connect the hangar areas to each runway. The eastern taxiway was reconstructed in 1983 and has night lighting installed.

The sealed apron includes a 90m x 220m aircraft parking area.

Refuelling Facilities

The Aerodrome has two refuelling facilities available for use by aircraft.

(Source - City of Ballarat)