Loxton Visit

[Flyer]

I had reason to visit the town of Loxton South Australia last month.

 

Loxton is located about 250km to the north east of Adelaide and makes up part of the riverland townships. Other towns located in the riverland area are Berri, Bamera and Renmark to name a few.

 

I had noticed in the forums here that there was a member, pduthoit, that listed his airfield as Loxton and had just purchased a new J230. I decided to drop him a PM to see if I could catch up and have a bo peep at the new aircraft.

 

Within a couple of days a response came back. No worries, we're opening a new hangar on the 17th of feb and having breakfast at the airfield. Here's my mobile number, give me a ring when you arrive.

 

What an invite. Phone calls duly made on arrival with a be at the airfield about 8:30am Sunday.

 

My thoughts were a few (maybe 5 or 6) blokes standing around a small BBQ with a couple of snags and a piece of bread chewing the fat and dreaming of planes.

 

Wrong.

 

What I found on my arrival was about 20 or more planes on the flight line and 60 or more friendly people that had turn up from various locations to help the Loxton boys celebrate the new hangar opening.

 

This joint was rockin'. It took me about 15 minutes to find Phil. With introductions completed, we sat down to a full blown cooked breakfast served in a hangar that would rival any club in the city.

 

After breakfast, I had a wander around and met more people and examined the machinery on the flight. The aircraft on the flight line, like the people was refreshing a mixture of types and styles ranging from thrusters and tigermoths right through to the familiar piper warrior.

 

The local mayor turned up and the official hangar opening proceedings were underway.

 

Rod the club president spoke briefly on the spirit of the club and thanked all helpers and then handed over to the Mayor of Loxton to officially open the hangar. The Mayor spoke about the club and how it got off its backside to help itself rather than just going to council with cap in hand and demanding money and assistance.

 

The Mayor and Phil then "pulled the undies" off the plaque and the hangar was open.

 

By about 10am, it had started to warm to plus 30 degrees and most people decided to beat the heat and head home.

 

With the local planes packed away we retired to the social hangar for some more hangar flying.

 

The following morning, Phil offered to take me for a fly over the local area in the J230. We were airborne by about 7:30am into a cool and silky smooth sky. Flying at its best. We headed out over towards Lake Bonnie and then up to Renmark tracking the Murray river before heading back to Loxton. Spectacular scenery with the sharp contrast between the green of the vines and the dry browns of the paddocks and the Murray River always looks good from the air. Not much tiger country out here with the exception of the vast distance itself.

 

It was great to catch up with another forum member and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of Phil Duthoit and the Loxton flying club. Thanks Phil.

 

Recreational flying is alive and well.

 

Regards

 

Phil H.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jabiru Phil]

Hi Phil,

 

Great trip report. I am pleased that you enjoyed the visit to our small enthusiastic club.

 

The invitation is there for visitors who want a coffee break or just a chin wag. We are in attendance Sundays from around 8.30 and BBQ around 12.30. If hanger doors are open we will not be far away.

 

Cummins air show 5th and 6th of April will deplete some of the members that weekend.

 

Cheers,

 

Phil:thumb_up: