| The Balaklava Gliding Club was
founded in 1953 and was originally known as the "Clare
Soaring Club". After operating for 10 years near the
country towns of Clare and Blyth, some 100 kms north
of the City of Adelaide, the club moved to Whitwarta, 10 km
north-west of the township of Balaklava in 1963. In 1968,
the club became the first in Australia to own its
airfield with the purchase of 153 acres of land. The club has since progressed, with a huge effort made by members, many of whom have been involved in gliding for over 25 years. Several large hangars, a club-house, bunkhouse and caravan park have been built. Two winches were also built. All of this work, and the continuing maintenance of aircraft, airfield and facilities, is carried out "in-house" by members. Other projects include running gliding competitions and the club's own Regatta. Members have assisted at two World Gliding competitions held in Australia and helped crew for local pilots competing overseas. Several State Championships have also been held at Balaklava over the years. The club at present owns four gliders, all fibreglass, two of them 2-seaters. There are a number of privately owned gliders and power planes based at the airfield. Club pilots regularly compete in various contests, or aim for long cross country flights. The first 500 km triangle flown by a 2-seater in Australia was in the club's "Blanik". Another pilot set a record for speed around a 750 km triangle in a Standard Class glider. The latest significant achievement by a club pilot is the Australian speed record over a 1000 km out-and-return task at an average of 133 km/h! The flight from Balaklava to north of Marree in the state's north and back to Balaklava took about 7 1/2 hours. Flying operations are normally on every weekend or by prior arrangement. Visitors are always welcome. |
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As owners of the airfield, the Balaklava Gliding Club has established permanent facilities around the airfield and undertaken a large tree planting programme to enhance the appearance of the location and provide a pleasant surrounding for those waiting on the ground for their turn to fly.
Various kitchen appliances and utensils are located in the kitchen. These are available for use within the kitchen. Items used must be cleaned and returned to their respective locations and the kitchen left clean and tidy. Phone, Fax, and Base Radios are located within the clubhouse.
BarbecuesThe club has gas barbecue facilities located in the area just outside the clubhouse and in front of the bunkhouse available for use. Caravan Park and Camping FacilitiesPowered caravan sites are generally available. A small cost is incurred for the use of the park. The camping ground area is located within the caravan park area. The park area should be left neat and tidy when vacating the park. Rubbish bins are provided for the disposal of rubbish within the park grounds. HangarsThe club owns several hangars. The main hangar is used to house the club gliders and is located immediately south of the clubhouse. The maintenance hangar is located immediately north of the clubhouse. Two additional hangars house privately owned gliders and aircraft. These are located to the west of the main hangar. Aircraft Maintenance WorkshopThe club reserves one hangar for glider maintenance. There is a limited range of tools, appliances etc available. Please ask a club member to assist you if you require to use any of these facilities. Tie-down AreasTie-down areas for gliders are marked on the airfield map. |
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Last update 22/12/08
