YKAT - Katoomba Airfield

[Paddy0935]

Hi,

 

If anyone is thinking of visiting the Blue Mountains, YKAT has a new Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/katoombaairfield

 

Its no substitute for ERSA or obtaining PPR from the AD OPR but it has some useful info that you won't find elsewhere and you can chat to some of the locals before your trip.

 

 

[ayavner]

Cool Paddy, I have always wanted to visit that strip. I hear its a challenge. Have you been there?

 

cheers

 

adam

 

 

[Ultralights]

actually Katoomba is quite a good strip, well maintained, just have to be aware of powerlines off the end of one of the strips, as for being tricky, only when its windy.. get effected by severe turbulence regularly.

 

 

[Paddy0935]

Hi Adam. Yes I'm there frequently. Did some of my RAA training there a while back. As Ultralights says, it can be challenging. Not a place for very low hour pilots that are used to asphalt! There are powerlines on the threshold of X-RWY 28, but that RWY is rarely used because its shorter and has been out of service for some time. The main RWY is 06/24.

 

The resident caretaker Rod can provide you with strip condition info and you need prior permission, so give him a call before you come in.

 

My suggestion for a first trip is to pick really stable weather with wind below 8kts and do a prec search before you land to get used to the local turbulence and check out the strip surface. Like most dirt strips it is a bit rutted and bumpy at times.

 

Arriving early morning and leaving late afternoon will get you the best smooth air providing the weather is good. You can enjoy the local area attractions through the day.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

[ayavner]

Thanks for that! Might do that soon then - I've landed on the dirt strips at Bathurst as well as Goulburn, good idea about doing a PSL first though just to get the feel for it.

 

Question - how is it situated in terms of the local attractions - is there a bus or other transport to get into town? Doesn't look walking distance as far as I can tell?

 

 

[Paddy0935]

The dirt strips at YBTH and YGLB are much better than YKAT. They are at certified or categorised AD's and don't suffer from the sort of mechanical turbulence you can experience at the mountainous YKAT. Katoomba is uncertified and categorised only as an ALA so it has conditions that you could be unused to if you haven't previously indulged in the delights of bush flying. But don't be deterred, have a chat with Rod the caretaker, he's been a CFI in GA and RAA; he will be able to address any enquiries about getting in safely. If you do a couple of passes and it gives you the creeps you can always continue to YBTH or YMDG. If you make it in then you've added a good measure of experience to your portfolio!

 

Its about 5km walk to the local railway station along a dirt road. Its corrugated so bring a mountain bike! You could call Katoomba Cabs on (02) 4782 1311 for a quote. Should be around $25 - 30 for a ride into Katoomba or Blackheath. They also do local tours by prior arrangement http://www.katoombataxis.com.au

 

There is one cafe near Medlow Bath railway station.

 

You can stay in Medlow Bath at "The Chalet" http://www.chaletbluemountains.com.au/index.html

 

Theres heaps of accommodation, restaurants, pubs, and bars in Katoomba. There's also explorer buses you can pick up in town that take you to all of the attractions.

 

There is car hire available from a Hertz agent in Katoomba if you're staying a bit longer. Try this link or call Hertz: http://www.hirecarhero.com.au/new-south-wales/car-rental-katoomba#depot

 

We have a BBQ most Mondays about 5:30pm. Its just a few of the local pilots, has-beens, ladies and hanger-ons. BYO food n drink. Everyone is welcome. Just drop us a line before coming in. You camp there with the caretakers prior approval. Facilities are basic.

 

 

[ayavner]

Thanks for all that info Paddy and btw, welcome to the forum!!

 

 

[DrZoos]

Paddy thanks for the great info.

 

Can you tell me whats the best route most the time to and from Maitland. Is it to come through the Richmond GA vfr route or are those Restricted areas to the west often inactive?

 

 

[Paddy0935]

Tough call. The restricted areas over the Wollemi involve flying over a lot of very remote tiger country. But, scenic flying at its best. Prudent to check with Richmond about their activities. I know one of the locals here got pinged for a VCA near Bilpin whilst on his way to Warnervale a while back. There was a bit of confusion over the correct levels and he only relied on the NOTAM and charts rather than looking up the Restricted notes in ERSA or calling Richmond. But that said the Restricted's are not always active so if you do your homework you shouldn't have any problem flying fairly a direct route.

 

If you cut across to YMDG its a nice trip down the valley to Lithgow (watch out for the Prohibited at Marangaroo) and then over Mt Victoria.

 

The Richmond VFR route is probably easier, closer to alternates and more convenient in terms of planning. As a matter of interest the approach to RWY24 at YKAT is only a few miles from Richmond airspace so technically you have to be careful not to fly a wide circuit or attempt a straight in!