Gateway

to the COFFS HARBOUR World REGIONAL AIRPORT

• 42 flights a week to Sydney (Virgin Blue and QantasLink) • 16 flights a week to Brisbane (Brindabella) • Weekly direct flight to Melbourne (Saturdays, Virgin Blue) • New Airport Lounge • Pilot Training School • Upgraded Security Proudly produced by the Coffs Coast • Friendly Service Independent MAYOR’S MESSAGE

The development of Coffs Harbour One of the project was the widening internet stations, wireless broadband Many of those coming to the Coffs Regional Airport is acknowledged as of the main runway to give it greater and a flat screen television, the lounge Coast are using the airport, as are the driving force behind the area’s operational flexibility and to cater for provides the comfort and facilities that more and more residents travelling economic growth in recent years. future aircraft. tourists and business flyers expect and elsewhere. With more than 320,000 passen- At the end of 1999, work began on need. Being able to provide them with gers using the facility every year, it can the $4 million terminal expansion to Keeping pace with developments is the comfort they would normally only rightly claim to be one of NSW’s meet the expected growth in passen- key to the airport’s success. associate with a metropolitan airport largest and busiest regional airports. ger numbers. The new expanded ter- The Coffs Coast has grown hugely hub, will ensure that Coffs Harbour Achieving that status has been the minal became operational in in popularity as a holiday hotspot in Regional Airport remains the key result of the vision of former Coffs November 2000. recent years. Similarly, Coffs Harbour economic driver it has always been. Harbour City Councillors and the The latest development – the new is increasingly being recognised as the airport’s staff. passenger lounge – is just the latest destination of choice for national and In 1992, planning began to upgrade stage of that vision. regional conferences and sporting Keith Rhoades AFSM the airport terminal and runway. Stage With seating for 64 passengers, events. Mayor, City of Coffs Harbou r

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT

f you’re a regular flyer, you’ll Airport Local Ownership Plan. Harbour Regional Airport run- understand why Coffs Har- As part of that agreement, the way is actually longer and wider Ibour’s airport is widely airport was upgraded to F28 jet than those at the Sunshine acknowledged as one of the standard in 1986. Coast and Mackay airports, finest regional airport facilities Council became responsible which handle two-and-a-half to in Australia. for all the development and op- three times as many passengers This special supplement was erational costs of the airport per year,” says Airport Manager, put together to make the when the Commonwealth Dennis Martin. entire Coffs Coast community discontinued the Airport Local “In fact, our runway was aware of all the great facilities Ownership Plan in 1991. even longer than the Gold we have at our airport – a facil- The main runway was up- Coast’s runway until theirs was ity we can all be proud of. graded to Boeing 767 standard upgraded in March 2007, and What makes the airport so in 1999 and a further upgrade the Gold Coast handles more special is a combination of of the terminal building was than 4 million passengers a good infrastructure, the wide completed the following year. year.” variety of facilities available, Our airport is well used, The modern terminal build- strong leadership, the staff who with traveller numbers increas- ing is fully air-conditioned and run the airport so profession- ing every year. In the 2007-08 provides comfortable customer ally, the airlines who make the financial year, 323,000 passen- facilities along with state-of-the- Coffs Coast so accessible and gers passed through the gates art baggage handling and secu- all the wonderful and friendly and the airport handled 26,362 rity systems. people working at the various aircraft movements. With the infrastructure and businesses located at our With a main runway length facilities to handle up to a airport. of 2080m and a width of 45m, million passengers a year, the Coffs Harbour City Council the airport is capable of han- Coffs Harbour Regional Airport has owned and operated our dling most jet aircraft types up could well be the catalyst for regional airport since 1984, to the likes of a wide body stimulating future growth on when the Commonwealth Boeing 767. the Coffs Coast and even more Department of Transport trans- “Not many people are generally, the NSW North ferred ownership under the aware of the fact that the Coffs Coast.

How the Coffs Harbour runway measures up against other regional airports. AIRPORT MANAGEMENT STAFF

>>These are the people who ensure the smooth running of our Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. Pictured (back from left) is Mark Fitton, Operations Officer; Boris Svrznjak, Airport Reporting Officer; Terry Cooper, Airport Reporting Officer; Anton Veugen, Compliance Officer; and (seated) Melissa Schultz, Administration Officer; Dennis Martin, Airport Manager. Missing is Guy Vidler, Airport Reporting Officer. The Coffs Harbour Regional Airport operates as a business unit of Coffs Harbour City Council. While council sets policy and direction for the airport, the Airport Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the airport.

2 COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is the and the many millions of dollars they the airline industry, which has seen an edge over its neighbours. city’s major gateway for the thousands inject into the Coffs Coast’s economy rapid expansion of companies and a Coffs Harbour City Council has of tourists and business people who – are directly behind a huge percent- hunt for new routes and markets, has never underestimated the airport’s come to the area every year. age of the rapid growth of the city, been of direct benefit to Coffs Har- importance to the health of its local Since 1992, significant financial and which is now seen as one of the Mid bour Regional Airport – and the city. economy and we will continue to human resources have been invested North Coast’s key regional centres. The airport is currently serviced by work towards ensuring it remains at in the planning and development of the That is why ensuring that the air- three carriers – Qantas, Virgin the forefront of NSW’s regional air- airport and this facility is now a crucial port continues to expand and offer Blue and Brindabella Airlines – and has ports. business asset for the city of Coffs the range of facilities that both airlines the capacity to handle aircraft up Harbour. It is also of key strategic and passengers demand – and expect to the size of a 240-seat Boeing 767. importance to the surrounding – is vital for its continued success in The airport has seen important Stephen Sawtell regions. the future. changes in recent years, changes that General Manage r The visitors that use the airport – The recent fierce competition in have given the city of Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour City Council LOUNGE UPGRADE

On July 1, 2009, Coffs Harbour City Council officially opened a new lounge for passengers and visitors to the terminal, in addition to the existing two departure lounges and the Biggles coffee lounge. The new lounge seats 64 people and includes internet facili- ties, a work station and a 40” flat-screen television.

WHAT’S THAT IN YOUR BAG?

hen watching your carry- until we press a button, which will security standards applied by the on bag go through the make them disappear when they’re company, which adheres to strict WX-ray machine at the not really there.” federal legislation to ensure nothing airport, have you ever received an The security company, which that isn’t supposed to be there gets alarmed look followed by a friendly Chris runs together with Mark into the ‘sterile area’, as they call the smile by the security officer? Bohan, currently has 14 staff who departure lounge, apron and aircraft. Well, it’s possible that for an handle all passenger and baggage Trying to keep up with changing instant there they saw a prohibited screening at our airport in shifts of airline regulations can be a challenge or dangerous item in your bag that six at a time. for passengers. you certainly didn’t pack. “We focus a lot on staff training Two of the most common items How is that possible? and all our officers are well trained to be confiscated are scissors, which Chris Assigal, of M&C Services, to handle conflict situations,” says are given to local charities, and the security operators at Coffs Har- Chris. cigarette lighters. bour Airport since 2001, explains. “We understand flying can be “One lighter in your pocket is “We use hi-tech screening equip- stressful and we are also well aware allowed, but we once found 17 in ment that actually trains and tests that we are a tourist destination, so one handbag,” says Chris. our alertness by randomly showing we always greet people with a smile To avoid surprises, read up on banned items inside bags on our and really try to make everyone feel what you can bring on domestic and screens sometimes,” says Chris. welcome and at ease.” international flights by visiting >> Security officers screen all passengers, carry-on bags and “We don’t know if they’re real The smiles don’t impact the high http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au check-in luggage for dangerous and prohibited items.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SECURITY

Our airport features state-of-the-art passenger and baggage screening facilities. Coffs Harbour City Council recently completed a $1.4 million upgrade of the terminal to accommodate new checked baggage screening facilities as required by the Australian Government from December 1, 2008, for all airports receiving jet services.

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 3 BRINDABELLA AIRLINES

Brindabella Airlines has been providing daily flights between dard of service offered to customers travelling to and from Coffs Harbour and Brisbane since it took over the route Brisbane. from Sunshine Express Airlines in 2006. With a cruise speed of 540km/h, the fully pressurised J41 It operates a same-day return flight from Monday to aircraft is the fastest and most fuel efficient in its class. The Friday at a time that is convenient for both Coffs Coast and highly efficient twin-engine turboprop offers optimum bal- Brisbane residents. ance of performance, comfort and larger baggage allowances. In the current schedule, there’s a flight from Coffs Har- The larger aircraft also means Brindabella can now carry bour at 8am each weekday, arriving in Brisbane at 9am. The 30 passengers on its daily flights to and from Brisbane, with a return flight leaves Brisbane at 5.30pm, which allows a full flight attendant available to ensure you have a comfortable day in Brisbane for business or pleasure. Weekend flights are journey. also available at different times and Brindabella also offers Brindabella is a Qantas affiliate airline and bookings can flights to Port Macquarie. be made either through Brindabella or Qantas. Last year, Brindabella introduced its new J41 Jetstream Visit www.brindabellaairlines.com.au to make a booking aircraft to the route, which considerably improved the stan- or for enquiries, call 1300 668 824. LET’S JUMP!

Skydiving only for the young, fit and adventur- ous? Think again. Both skydiving centres at the Coffs Harbour Airport would like to get the word out: anyone can jump from a plane. With advanced equipment, experienced instructors and strict regulations in place, an increasing number of older people and people with disabilities have been enjoying tandem jumps. That includes people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and, yes, even 90s. Between the two operators – Coffs City Skydivers and Skydive Coffs Harbour – you have a variety of options to choose from. Landing on the beach, at the airport close to lounge and club facilities, or at a location of your choice, a photo and/or DVD package, and various heights to jump from. >> Eric Hughes enjoys a coffee at the Jumping from the ultimate height of 14,000 Biggles airport lounge. Eric and his feet means you will be freefalling at 200km/h wife Christine moved to Coffs Harbour for over a minute, followed by a smooth 5-7 in 1995, and two years later found what minute canopy ride – safely strapped to your they were searching for when the skilled instructor – during which you can enjoy Biggles business became available. the spectacular views of the Coffs Coast beneath you. Coffs City Skydivers also offers training courses to learn how to skydive solo, join canopy formation jumps or become an instructor. It has about 30 members in its skydiving club who do regular solo jumps. Skydive Coffs Harbour is part of Skydive Australia and can convert bookings between its various drop zones along the East Coast, which is particularly useful for travellers whose planned jump in one of those places can’t go ahead due to bad weather. In Coffs Harbour, you can book a tandem MEET ‘MR BIGGLES’ jump for any day of the week, but there’s no jumping in rain, heavy wind or low cloud ou’re flying out of Coffs Harbour. Biggles – and he hasn’t looked back since. conditions. The minimum age for tandem You’ve parked your car, checked in, WHAT IS BIGGLES? He’s like a fish in water, or should we say, jumps is 14. and there’s 20 minutes left before like Captain Biggles at an airport! Y • Café – coffee, tea, cakes, snacks, For more information, contact Coffs City boarding. What do you do? sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips Eric still chooses to come into work Skydivers on 6651 1167 or Skydive Coffs Well, you browse the Biggles magazine every day of the week, but he doesn’t make Harbour on 1800 800 840. racks for something to read on the plane • Bar – alcohol is served in this the long hours he once used to. licensed bar and order a coffee and a snack, of course! With seven part-time ladies to help him To many, Biggles may be the famous • Shop – newspapers, magazines, serve customers, he doesn’t have to. They fictional pilot and adventurer Captain James lollies, souvenirs work in shifts from the first arrival to the Bigglesworth. • Internet lounge – Wi-Fi available to last departure of the day, generally from However, in Coffs Harbour, Biggles is go online 5am to 8.30pm. synonymous with Eric Hughes, the friendly • Car park ticket office – payment point “My staff is absolutely great, and they’re gentleman in his mid-50s with the British for the security car park loyal to the core,” says Eric. “Five of them accent who owns and runs the airport café. Biggles’ opening hours are 5.30am- have been with Biggles for longer than five Like so many of his contemporaries, Eric 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and 7.15am-years. They don’t hesitate to cover for each moved to Australia from the UK in search 5.30pm on Sunday, with someone alwaysother, even at 5am, and stay late without there until the last plane has landed for of a better lifestyle back in 1971. car park ticketing duties. complaining if the last plane has been de- He started working in retail in Sydney, layed.” where he met his wife Christine, had a milk Eric reckons he has the best place to run and worked in bakeries before running work in Coffs Harbour. his own bakery and working six long days a open ticket to see if we could live there,” “There’s good camaraderie between week. says Eric. “But when we heard that Biggles everyone working at the airport, we get to “I came to Australia looking for a better was for sale, we jumped at the chance to meet and talk to a lot of travellers, even life, but somehow living and working in have another go at our lifestyle change. meeting the occasional celebrity and getting Sydney ended up being not much different “We were soon back in Coffs Harbour their autograph for our special celebrity from the UK,” Eric recalls. and I took over the business together with boards, and we can look straight from our “You work hard, make long hours, and a friend in September 1997.” shop out onto the runway,” he says. “What hardly have time to enjoy family life.” The pair decided to stick to ‘Biggles’ as more could I want?” So the couple, together with their three the name for the coffee lounge, which had Eric obviously has no plans to go children, decided on another lifestyle change been established by Derek and Ann King anywhere else. and moved to Coffs Harbour in 1995. Scott in 1987. He’d better not either, because his For the first few years, Eric went back to It was originally located on the other friendly demeanour, old-fashioned chivalry Sydney for work during the week and he side of the terminal before moving to its and continuous presence at our airport still didn’t feel he’d made much of a change. current location in 2001. since 1997 have made Eric Hughes the >>You’re never too old to experience the thrill of The turnaround came in 1997. When his business partner returned to unofficial ‘face of the Coffs Harbour air- a tandem skydive. “We actually went back to the UK on an Europe in 2002, Eric assumed full control of port’.

4 COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 PROFESSIONAL PILOT TRAINING

ight young, uniformed pilot cadets sit in a pur- “PPT is a small pilot school, but we focus on pro- art facility like that. pose-built ‘flying classroom’ and closely watch viding high-quality airline training,” says Rob. “I’m very proud of all the students who graduate Ewhat happens on the 62” flat screen as the in- “We specialise in training foreign students for Air here. Our pilot school may take longer than others, structor behind the controls performs a demo of a Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea. but we factor in that these students have to adjust to tricky aircraft manoeuvre. We currently have seven very talented PNG stu- a different culture, we’re patient, but we really push This scenario is part of daily reality at Professional dents living on site and undergoing our full-time them to make them work hard and there’s a 100 per Pilot Training (PPT), Coffs Harbour Regional Airport’s 15-month pilot training course. cent pass rate among our cadets. full-time pilot school for budding commercial airline “Other students who want to become a com- “Air Niugini is very satisfied with our services and pilots, which is owned by John Brien and Rob Lore- mercial airline pilot are welcome too, but they have keeps sending us new cadets to train every year. tan. to undergo the exact same schooling as the Air “We have room for 24 on-site students, so we’re Rob, who has been PPT’s Chief Flying Instructor Niugini students.” working towards securing a contract with another and Chief Pilot since 2000, is an experienced aviator PPT, located on Aviation Drive, currently employs airline to provide their new recruits with profes- whose impressive CV showcases four decades of in- three flight instructors and has four airplanes plus sional pilot training here in Coffs Harbour.” ternational aviation experience. two training cabins that operate much like flight sim- “We have a good relationship with all the other As part of the RAAF, he has flown heads of state ulators to help train the pilots. operators on the airfield and Coffs Harbour City around Australia, worked in Malaysia and the US and “Our pilot school has a number of classrooms, in- Council has done an excellent job providing facilities was a member of the 1980 Roulettes aerobatic team. cluding one theatre-style room with a flight simula- and incentives and giving proactive support to foster He also was the Chief Instructor at NASA (Cess- tor and a large screen that allows us to show the this.” nock) for 14 years and spent another five years in aerodynamics of different airplanes in a way that all PPT can be contacted on 6651 5199 for more in- >> Rob Loretan has been PPT’s senior positions at the Civil Aviation Authority be- students can really experience it,” says Rob. formation about its professional pilot training Chief Flying Instructor and Chief fore coming to Coffs Harbour. “We are the only flying school with a state-of-the- course. Pilot since 2000. LOCAL STUDENT NOW INSTRUCTS Two years ago, Sheldon Adams of Coffs Har- bour was studying economics in Brisbane. This time last year, he was learning to be a pilot at Professional Pilot Training (PPT). Now, Sheldon is training to become a flight instructor. “I went to uni because all my friends were going, but my heart wasn’t in it,” says Sheldon, who in his pilot uniform looks older than his 20 years. “I’ve wanted to be a pilot since I was four, and when I found out I could train right here in my hometown, I returned within 24 hours to join the course that had only just started.” Graduating in December last year, Sheldon looked around for a job as a charter pilot, but without a lot of flight hours under his belt he found it hard to compete with more experi- >> PNG students Rhoda enced pilots. Ilave and Jehutha Juju. “I’m very lucky that PPT asked if I would like to stay on to train and work with them as a flight instructor,” he says. DREAMS COME TRUE IN COFFS FOR PNG CADETS “It’s a bit weird because it was only last year that I was in the same shoes as the students Seven lucky Papua New Guinean students a good feeling to be flying, you’re doing “I actually stopped my course before I I’m starting to instruct now, but it’s very satis- are currently living and studying at the Coffs something that humans aren’t actually de- was accepted because I just had this strong fying to see this group of cadets who are so fo- Harbour Regional Airport to become a pilot signed to do.” feeling that I would be successful,” says Je- cused and happy to be pursuing their dream.” for Air Niugini. Although Rhoda’s parents are both econ- hutha. Lucky, because they are the ‘chosen few’ omists, flying does seem to run in the family’s “When my dad was young, he was ac- who made it through the rigorous screening blood. cepted as a cadet to train with the first air- and selection process in which the PNG na- Her brother was just promoted to First line in New Guinea. But his mum, my tional airline narrows down a field of more Officer on a Dash 6 with one of Air Niugini’s grandmother, was afraid he might die so he than 1000 applicants to just the cream of the domestic alliance airlines; Rhoda is well on took up business management instead. crop. her way to start her own flying career; and at “My dad is quite proud that I am now These seven bright individuals, aged 20-24, age 10, her youngest sister now says she training to become a pilot, and my grand- mother has come around and is OK with it get to spend 15 months in Coffs Harbour to wants to be a pilot, too. too.” become an airline pilot. Ever since Rhoda’s fellow cadet Jehutha The students all enjoy living in Coffs Har- The youngest member and the lone girl in Juju was a little boy, he has known exactly bour and when they’re not flying or studying the group is 20-year-old Rhoda Ilave, who is what he wanted to do when he grew up. they may go shopping or go to church, to the only the fourth female to be trained by Air “A piwot” is what he reportedly always beach or see a movie at the cinema. Niugini. answered when his uncles asked him what he Their proudest moment will come in De- “I was in medical school, but my brother wanted to become. cember, when they get to take their visiting was doing the pilot training here last year The 21-year-old was studying mechanical family members up into the sky with them as and he loved it so much that he got me ex- engineering at university, but when he saw part of the graduation ceremony. And by >> Sheldon Adams now stands at the front of the cited and I decided to apply too,” says Rhoda. the Air Niugini recruitment ad for cadets he that time a new batch of recruits will be here class after graduating from PPT last December. “My dream is to fly big airplanes, it’s such dropped out and applied. to start their Coffs Harbour adventure. 10 REASONS TO HIRE A HELICOPTER

When you see or hear a helicopter other reasons to hire a helicopter – a 15-minute flight around the harbour, above you, some people up there may be aerial photography and filming, pipeline up to Moonee and back across the having the time of their life enjoying the and powerline surveys and inspections, Orara Valley, but there are countless best possible views of the Coffs Coast. fire spotting and fire bombing, flood re- other itineraries and packages and you But then again, the chopper may just lief, property surveys and inspections, can even design your own helicopter be on an entirely different mission alto- aerial agriculture such as seeding and tour. gether. spraying, stock mustering and feral ani- With only window seats available and Yes, the two commercial helicopter mal control, charter flights for transfers the ability to take the door off, the flights companies based at Coffs Harbour Re- in style and helicopter pilot training. offer the most amazing views of the gional Airport do offer scenic flights, but Scenic flights are also known as joy Coffs Coast’s natural beauty, which is so they are just one of the services on offer. flights, and for good reason – everyone different from the air it surprises even Photographers, farmers, government loves them. locals who have lived here their whole departments, media organisations and Between them, Precision Helicopters lives. power companies are among those who and Strath Air Helicopters offer a range For further information about scenic regularly hire a helicopter for other pur- of scenic flights that start with a ‘taster’ flights or hiring a helicopter, contact poses. of about 6-7 minutes in the air. Strath Air on 6652 7508 or Precision >> Precision Helicopters. Besides scenic flights, here are nine Both operators’ most popular tour is Helicopters on 6652 9988. >> Strath Air.

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 5 VIRGIN BLUE

On July 31, it will be seven years since the tions are strictly adhered to. first Virgin Blue Boeing 737 jet touched “It’s because of this time-consuming ad- down in Coffs Harbour, the first regional ministration and passenger safety that NSW airport to welcome Virgin’s ‘next gen- check-in needs to close 20 minutes before eration’ plane. each flight,” says Clancy. With it, an era of greater competition Checking in online could save you some arrived on the NSW North Coast. time, but only if you have no luggage. Today, Virgin Blue operates two daily jet “Around 20 per cent of our passengers services to Sydney and a weekly direct flight now use web check-in and they can go to Melbourne on Saturdays. straight to the departure gate,” says Clancy. Virgin Blue’s Coffs Harbour operations With bags, however, you would still have are managed by Clancy Willoughby, who has to go to the check-in counter. lived in Coffs all her life. At just 22, she’s be- lieved to be Virgin Blue’s youngest Station Virgin Blue has been using its new Manager in Australia. 104-seat Embrear 190 E-Jet for most of its “I started working part-time at the Virgin Sydney-Coffs Harbour flights since early this Blue check-in counter during my last year at year. Although it looks very similar to a Southern Cross University where I was Boeing 737 on the outside, with a two-by- doing a business course,” says Clancy. two seating configuration the aircraft is “I was promoted to Station Manager in more streamlined and offers better fuel con- May this year after receiving extensive train- sumption and more comfort for passengers. ing.” As for its Melbourne route, Coffs Coast Her team consists of six counter staff and residents should be pleased to learn Virgin 10 baggage handlers, some of whom are uni- Blue recently rescheduled its direct flight on Saturdays to a more convenient 12.15pm de- versity students who only work a few shifts >> Clancy Willoughby manages the Virgin Blue operations in Coffs Harbour. At 22, she is believed parture time from Coffs Harbour, also allow- per week. to be Virgin Blue’s youngest Station Manager in Australia. “Because we only have one morning and ing for easier connections to and from other one afternoon flight, all our staff work part- major cities in Australia. time, but we really enjoy working together “We’re like a little community here, Sharing supervision duties with Aaron Call Virgin Blue on 13 67 89 for enquiries and with the other people stationed at the there’s a great atmosphere and we all get Martin, Clancy is responsible for the official or visit www.virginblue.com.au to make a airport,” she says. along very well.” paperwork for the flights, ensuring all regula- booking. NEW TRAVEL AGENCY OPENS In April this year, Coffs Coast Travel opened its office in the building next door to the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport terminal. Owned and run by Rick Haines and Paul Kelly, the original owners of Kelly Travel, the agency makes travel bookings and arrange- ments for businesses, families and individuals, while specialising in sporting groups and cor- porate travel. “We gladly welcome past and new clients to our agency,” says Paul. “Our promise to our clients is to provide them with excellent personal service and they will benefit from our expertise that comes from many years of experience as leaders in the travel industry.” Although many people now book their own travel online, using a travel agency is still a good idea, especially if you need more than just one flight. Coffs Coast Travel can help you get the best flights for the best price available and organise >> Safe and secure. Coffs Airport Security Carpark has been part of the airport’s landscape for 10 years. smooth connections, arrange accommodation, visa and insurance and get a cost-effective overall package. Corporate clients, in particular, will appreci- SECURE PARKING GIVES TRAVELLERS PEACE OF MIND ate the agency’s advanced financial reporting system. s it a hangar? A storage facility? A private minal and fly out in the knowledge their Coffs Coast Travel is also the official re- carpark for airport personnel perhaps? LOCKED UP car will be safe and waiting for them when gional representative of Qantaslink. No ladies and gentlemen, the large they return,” says Therese. For more information, contact the travel I • No bookings required white building on your left as you drive to- Upon arrival back at the airport, trav- agency on 6651 2022. wards the Coffs Harbour airport terminal • Fees $2/hr, $13/day, $78/week • Payment at Biggles upon return ellers simply validate their ticket and pay is a state-of-the-art security carpark. (cash, Visa, MasterCard, bankcard) their parking fees at Biggles Coffee Lounge You would think that the various signs • Open daily from 5.30am until 30mins and off they go. along the road and at the car park en- after arrival of last scheduled flight The Murray-Priors’ approach to busi- trance and the huge ‘Coffs Airport Security ness hasn’t changed since they owned the Carpark’ sign across the front of the build- storage facility, and it shows. ing would give it away. Strangely enough, The place is kept immaculate, there’s that isn’t always the case. Tom and Therese got the idea for a se- anti-slip flooring and good lighting and the “The security carpark has been there cure carpark at the airport when air trav- whole experience is as smooth and pleas- nearly 10 years now and although it’s well ellers started storing their cars at Hi-Tech ant as can be. used and appreciated, a lot of people tell Self Storage in Toormina, which the couple Thanks to all the hi-tech security fea- us they didn’t recognise it as a carpark,” built and ran during the 1990s. tures, which allow Tom and Therese to say Tom and Therese Murray-Prior, who Starting with 44 car spaces, the security monitor the carpark from home, the cou- built, own and run the facility. carpark at the airport has gone through ple is able to enjoy the best of both worlds “Maybe it’s because you can’t see the several upgrades over the years and cur- – run a successful business while having cars from the outside.” rently offers dry, safe and secure parking enough free time to enjoy hobbies, attend Of course, that’s exactly what makes it for 120 vehicles. And it has stayed dry, various board meetings and visit their four such a safe and secure building – it’s not even at times when other parts of Coffs children and nine grandchildren. just undercover, but fully enclosed and were flooded. It’s also a breeze to use, And don’t think you need a Benz or a locked up, with a security gate and 12 with no time wasted when parking your Bentley to use the carpark – a peek inside cameras to monitor what goes on inside. car. reveals cars of all brands, ages and price And secure it is. “There has never been “Travellers find it incredibly convenient ranges standing happily side by side, wait- >> Paul Kelly from Coffs Coast Travel can help a security breach in all these years,” the to simply drive in, take their ticket, walk ing for their owners to return from their with all your travel needs. couple proudly proclaims. the short undercover walkway to the ter- business trip or holiday.

6 COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 QANTASLINK Since the start of its regular Sydney-Coffs ing to stay on, he completed a travel course route on Boxing Day 1992, QantasLink’s here and worked at Kelly Travel, the local Coffs Harbour services have come a long QantasLink representatives, before starting way. his job at the airport. From two flights a day on small 36-seater Rob now supervises the QantasLink staff aircraft, the Qantas subsidiary has introduced shifts on rotation with Lisa Burns and Matt larger planes and more flights over the years Endemi, who have both been with the airline to cater to demand. more than 10 years as well. Since mid-2008, most flights on this popu- Their team is made up of 12 staff mem- lar route are now carried out on new, 74- bers who do the ground handling for all seat Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, QantasLink and Brindabella flight arrivals and currently flying to Sydney up to four times a departures at Coffs Harbour airport. day. In an effort to be involved in local com- The Q400 travels at jet-like speeds of munities, Qantas regularly offers support to 667km/h and passengers who have travelled local charities and events. on it will have noticed the cabin is more comfortable and less noisy than previous, That support extends to our local econ- smaller turbo props that were used by the omy, with refreshments on board most Qan- airline. tasLink flights out of Coffs Harbour being Having been there since the start, when prepared by our own airport café Biggles. QantasLink was still operating under the >> Matt Endemi checks in Kate at the QantasLinkInset: desk. Rob Crawford “A lot of passengers comment on what a name Eastern Australia Airlines, Customer beautiful airport this is,” says Rob. Services Officer Rob Crawford confirms a done manually then. Hailing from New Zealand, where he “It’s a very progressive airport and we’re lot has changed in 17 years. “Now all Qantas staff around the world served customers in a post office for 20 lucky to be working here.” “We didn’t even have computers those are on one and the same system and are years, Rob originally came to Coffs Harbour For enquiries, call Qantas on 13 13 13 or first few years,” says Rob. “Everything was looking at exactly the same information.” for a week-long visit to see his sister. Decid- visit www.qantas.com.au to make a booking. SNAKES ON A PLANE Sending documents, parcels or pets around Australia or overseas is easy at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. With the only airside airfreight facility be- tween Newcastle and the Gold Coast, putting a dog on the plane or having fresh flowers de- livered is a simple process. Door-to-door parcel delivery service Aus- tralian Air Express (AaE) has its office and warehouse right next door to our airport ter- minal. “We can use any flight in the Qantas net- work to transport freight across Australia and to most other countries around the world,” says Coffs Harbour’s AaE Agent, James Bianchi. “Our trucks will pick up and deliver the parcel or people can drop it into our office at the airport and choose next flight, same day, overnight or 48-hour delivery.” Since his first freighting job at the airport – with Ansett in 1978 – James has seen just about anything flown in and out, including ex- otic snakes and reptiles, live bees for the US and penguins for the Pet Porpoise Pool. AaE >> The Control Tower at the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport handles up to 120 aircraft movements on an average weekday. specialises in perishables, such as bloodstock and fresh produce. Toll Priority also operates out of Coffs Har- KEEPING COFFS AIRSPACE SAFE bour airport, but has its warehouse off-site. To find out more, contact Australian Air Ex- ith air traffic increasing, Coffs but we use radio communications with the flight plan with us, from commercial airlines press on 13 12 13 or Toll Priority on 13 15 31. Coast residents can rest easy pilots, visual monitoring using our eyes and to charter planes, helicopters, skydiving op- Wknowing that our skies are kept binoculars and constant calculations to erators, private aircraft and the pilot safe by professional air traffic controllers in keep aircraft safely separated and to deter- school’s training planes. our airport’s Control Tower. mine the safest and most efficient order for “Even when there are no flights for a While aircraft movements high up in the take-offs and landings.” while, we always have to stay alert because sky are controlled by radar from a major Weather elements are just some of the we can suddenly get several pilots contact- control centre in Brisbane, Coffs Harbour things that are constantly monitored on the ing us at the same time and we have to di- is one of Australia’s 26 airports where the comprehensive instrument panel in the rect each of them safely and efficiently. airspace directly above it is managed from a centre of the tower and the controllers en- “We were incredibly busy during the re- local air traffic control tower. sure that pilots always have the most re- cent floods, when we had to deal with Ours is the only controlled airspace be- cent and accurate information available to around 200 flight movements on some tween Newcastle and Coolangatta. them. days.” “All aircraft that enter our airspace need They also work in close consultation From the outside, the white tower with to get our clearance so that we can ensure with the Brisbane centre, to which aircraft the big windows next to the Coffs Harbour there’s always a safe distance between are ‘handed over’ when they leave our air- Regional Airport terminal doesn’t reveal them,” explains John Ruttiman, who leads a space at an altitude of 4500 feet. just what goes on inside. team of four air traffic controllers in Coffs “We handle around 100-120 aircraft But next time you look at it, you’ll know Harbour. movements on an average weekday,” says that it’s a buzzing command centre where >> You can send items to anywhere in the world “We are a so-called procedural tower. John. “During the 10 hours a day that the experienced air traffic controllers are hard from the Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. That means we don’t have radar coverage, tower operates, everyone needs to lodge a at work keeping our skies safe. SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND LEARN TO FLY Step inside the Coffs Harbour & District Aero decades after the club’s 1928 inception. At the moment, 10 students are learning to to the club’s walls. Club on Aviation Drive and you will see board The flying school and social club is the hub fly at the club, guided by veteran flight instruc- In addition to offering pilot training, the after board on the walls carrying names of pi- of recreational aviation on the Coffs Coast. tors Charlie Smith and David Sercombe. club also carries out charter and joy flights lots that trained here. Anyone who wants to learn to fly a small After successfully completing all course and, as a licenced club, is available for private Although a quick count may reveal about airplane can come here and take a trial intro- components, including 40 hours in the air, functions. 500 names, the true figure is probably in the duction flight or a full training course for their they qualify for their first, restricted pilot li- To find out more, contact the Coffs Har- thousands, as records didn’t start until several Recreational Aviation Australia Pilot Certificate. cence and their names can be proudly added bour & District Aero Club on 6652 2992.

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009 7 AIRPORT DIRECTORY

Airport Administration: Freight: General Enquiries: 6648 4767 Australian Air Express: 6652 7670 Airport Manager: 6648 4737 Toll Priority: 6650 9115

Airlines: Coffs Coast Travel: 6651 2022 Qantaslink Airport Desk: 6651 1966 Biggles Cafe: 6651 2777 Reservations: 13 13 13 www.qantas.com.au Security Car Park: 6651 5211 Virgin Blue Airport Desk: 6658 0696 Reservations: 13 67 89 www.virginblue.com.au

Brindabella Airport Desk: 6651 1966 Reservations: 1300 668 824 or 13 13 13 www.brindabellaairlines.com.au

Ph: 13 13 90 Ph: 6651 4994 Ph: 6651 1899 Ph: 6651 3600 Ph: 6652 5022 Ph: 6652 8622

This 8-page special feature brought to you by Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. Stories by Micky Stuivenberg.

8 COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT - July, 2009