Airfields
Extreme Caution
Apollo Bay Airfield
Soft Runway Edges
Colac Airfield and Apollo Bay Airfield are the two airfields operating in the Colac Otway Shire and both are classified as aeroplane landing areas. While these airfields are within the shire boundaries, the Council takes no responsibility for the safety of people on board or for damage incurred to aircraft. The onus is on pilots to ensure these airfields are suitable for landing.
Colac Otway Shire Council advises pilots check local weather conditions with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and conduct a precautionary air search of the airfield before landing. See below for further information about each airfield.
Colac Airfield
Where is Colac Airfield?
235 McKays Road, Irrewarra, about five nautical miles north-east of Colac.
How many runways?
There’s two runways for landing.
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09/27 bitumen sealed runway, 885 metres long and 12 metres wide.
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18/36 grass runway, 630 metres long – however, use of this grass runway could be restricted due to wet ground conditions.
Is NOTAM available?
No, Colac Airfield does not have Notice to Airman available, meaning pilots do not receive information about potential hazards at the airfield or on a flight route.
Does Colac Airfield have staff?
No, as the airfield is not a licensed airport it is unattended.
Are there landing fees?
Avdata Australia collect landing fees on behalf of Colac Airfield. The airfield’s management committee uses fees for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Other information
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Radio air traffic information is available through the common traffic advisory frequency, on VHF 126.7
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Avgas Fuel is available at Colac Airfield by contacting members of the Colac Aero Club on 0408 519 888 or 0409 231 221. These numbers are strictly for fuel supply.
Apollo Bay Airfield
Extreme Caution - Soft Runway Edges
Where is Apollo Bay Airfield?
Telford Road, Marengo, about 1.5 nautical miles south west of Apollo Bay
How many runways?
One sealed runway, classified as 09/27. The runway is about 740 metres long and six metres wide and has two per cent incline to the west. It is effectively a two-way strip but it’s important for visiting pilots to note that right hand turns are sometimes made by departing aircraft under certain operational conditions when necessary.
Is NOTAM available?
No, Apollo Bay Airfield does not have Notice to Airman available, meaning pilots do not receive information about potential hazards at the airfield or on a flight route.
Is the airfield staffed?
Yes, the airfield operates scenic flights and so is attended at certain times. Contact the airfield on (03) 5237 7600 for more information.
Are there landing fees?
There’s no set landing fees but users can make voluntary payments into a collection box (a locked steel pipe) located airside to the carpark gate. The council uses fees for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Other information
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Local weather conditions can be challenging so take caution for turbulence and wind shear. Grassed areas can be extremely soft in winter and spring
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Fuel is not available at Apollo Bay Airfield
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Both helicopters and aeroplanes operate from the airfield
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Radio air traffic information is available through the common traffic advisory frequency, on VHF 126.7
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Pilots can leave aircraft at the airfield overnight at their own risk.
For more information about these airfields, contact Council on (03) 5232 9400.