STRATFORD Aerodrome celebrated 75 years of operation as a public aerodrome in 2007.
In1928, at the request of Governor General G.V Galway, the land where Stratford Aerodrome now resides was taken for the sole purpose of an Aerodrome.
It took until May 12, 1937 for the airfield to be officially opened (although it was operating before this date); the Airliner DH Express Koromiko landing as part of the celebrations. The clubhouse opened on the July 22,1939.
The aerodrome was quite the social hub of Stratford for many years. One notable figure historically was AG Petrie, a member of the Club who actually gained his licence from the world famous Walsh Flying School based at Kohimarama Bay in Auckland on October 5, 1921.
JE Crockett completed his first solo flight on July 16,1938; the first from Stratford Aerodrome. On July 11, 1947 Miss S Hardy become the first woman to fly solo from the aerodrome.
During WW2 an Avenger Diver Bomber landed at Stratford piloted by a local lad: Flying Officer Gerald Burton on March 25, 1945.
The government of the time also donated a Tiger Moth to the club, but this was never flown and was sold to Rural Aviation on April 24, 1950. Its sale did provide the deposit for the club's brand new Auster Adventurer ZK-AXJ.
The aerodrome was gifted with the farm surrounding it in March 1955, as part of the bequest of Arthur J Stockley. This was so the aerodrome had an income source and not be a drain on ratepayers. This is still the case today, although another farm has been added since the original 201 acres, with the Aerodrome taking up around 17 acres.
The last general aviation type was Piper Warrior, which was purchased in the 1980s. Most will be familiar with the Club sign on SH3, which had a representation of that plane, mounted on the sign.
The Club now uses recreational aircraft and owns a Zenair Zodiac 601XL ZK-SSF. For that open cockpit feeling, it still has a Mirco Aviation Bantam on line as well.
The aerodrome has had its ups and downs, the lowest point being when it was shut for a few years when they began building the Stratford Power Station. However, sense finally prevailed and it was eventually re-opened.
Currently based at Stratford are in excess of 20 privately owned aircraft of all types from slow-moving, open-cockpit types and tourers, to the very aerobactic and extremely fast. There are also two locally based choppers.
AG planes from Super Air and Wanganui Aero Works operate from the Aerodrome, along with the Taranaki Gliding Club who are also resident at the aerodrome. Their Piper Pawnee tow-plane and six or so gliders are sights most locals will be familiar with.
Last but not least the Aerodrome is also home to the Egmont Modellors Radio Control Aircraft Club. They base themselves at the end of Runway 34.
Sunday is the main club day although there is usually someone about most days.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Stratford Press
New owner for local supermarket
New World Stratford's new owner-operator has moved from coast to coast.