About Caloundra Aerodrome

The site is approximately 145 hectares and includes two sealed runways. These are runway 05/23 and runway 12/30, which are both 795m long and 18m wide.

The aerodrome is surrounded by urban development in the east, north and west. Recent approvals for Caloundra South will add urban development to the south.

Approximately 40,000 take offs and landings happen at the aerodrome each year. Most of Caloundra’s air traffic is flight training.

Pathfinder Drive (accessed via Caloundra Road) Caloundra

The aerodrome is located approximately 3 kilometres south-west of the Caloundra town centre.  Caloundra is situated approximately 65 kilometres north of Brisbane Airport, 22 kilometres south of Sunshine Coast Airport and 55 kilometres south of Teewah Airfield.

Open on Google Maps

The Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan is a strategic land use planning document. The master plan guides future development decisions, and helps council achieve its strategic vision for the aerodrome.

View the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan 2042 [PDF, 22MB]

The aerodrome employs over 120 people. An additional 50 active volunteers help at the Queensland Air Museum.

View council's current vacancies.

There are two sealed runways at Caloundra Aerodrome. These are runway 05/23 and runway 12/30, which are both 795m long and 18m wide.

There is also a sealed taxiway leading to an apron, which extends to the north-east beyond the end of 05/23 runway. Caloundra Aerodrome is categorised under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations as “Other Aerodromes – operations under proposedCASR 135”.

Location coordinates

South:   26'48.1"

East:   153'06.3"

Elevation:   38 feet

Location identifier:   YCDR

Download a printable version of the aerodrome map[278KB].

Fees and charges

For current fees and charges in this area refer to page 3 of the fees and charges register.

En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)

The En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) contains information for pilots using the aerodrome, including:

• pictorials
• physical characteristics
• hours of operation
• visual ground aids
• lighting and airport operators' details.

ERSA is a joint military / Airservices Australia publication which contains vital information for planning a flight and to assist the pilot during flight. It is available by subscription through Airservices Australia.

Fly Neighbourly Policy

Pilots and aircraft operating at Caloundra Aerodrome must comply with regulations and procedures stipulated by Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This includes the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) and the Visual Pilot Guide. These requirements include noise reduction procedures.

Although the aerodrome was in place before most residents moved to the area, Caloundra Aerodrome has developed and implemented a Fly Neighbourly Policy[16KB].

The Fly Neighbourly Policy ensures pilots and aviation businesses consider operational noise impacts and how they can minimise noise in and around the aerodrome.

Caloundra Aerodrome engages with the local community through a quarterly Community and Aviation Forum.

Forum attendees include:

• divisional councillors
• local community group representatives:
  • Bellvista Community Association
  • Caloundra Residents Association Inc.
  • Parklands Community Group - email representative Ron Burnett rburnett@bigpond.net.au
• aviation businesses
• aerodrome management.

For more details about the Community and Aviation Forum, please contact your local community group, divisional councillor, or call council's Property Management Branch on (07) 5475 7272.

In encompasses:

• raining and education
• manufacturers
• pilot training
• project management companies
• mechanical design
• charter and emergency services
• maintenance and overhaul facilities.

Importantly the region also possesses key aviation and aerospace precincts providing a unique competitive advantage of complementary investment and business development opportunities.

Council is committed to supporting the growth and evolution of the Aviation and Aerospace industry via a clear and defined economic development agenda. The Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 provides a vision and blueprint for the new economy - a prosperous, high-value economy of choice for business, investment and employment, while offering an enviable lifestyle and environment.

Importantly a dedicated high-value industry and investment plan (IIP) 2013 to 2018 has been developed and is being actively implemented for the aviation and aerospace Industry specifically. To learn more about the plan please see:

• industry and investment action plans
• aviation and aerospace industry infographic (PDF, 175.64 KB).

Caloundra Aerodrome is recognised as a vital cog in the Southeast Queensland general aviation network already accommodating approximately 20,000 aircraft movements per annum plus a diverse range of highly rated businesses. It's importance is reflected in the Aviation and Aerospace Plan and the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan, developed to guide its evolution. The aerodrome aims to attract traditional general and recreational aviation businesses and high value niche businesses to complement the existing industry sector.

The region's diverse aviation and aerospace community combines with unique infrastructure assets to make this an industry taking off now and into the future.

To learn more about investment and business development opportunities in the region and to be part of its future, please visit Invest Sunshine Coast.