Mareeba Facility

Mareeba Aerodrome is approximately 22nm west of Cairns International Airport. During World War II Mareeba Airfield was known as Hoevet Field and there is quite a bit of history relating to the airfield. Mareeba aerodrome is maintained to the standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority by Mareeba Shire Council.

Mareeba offers many benefits to students, value for money being one of them. The ability to train outside controlled airspace allows for more time to focus on the lesson you are undertaking and gives you more time in the air due to reduced air traffic.

Mareeba aerodrome is 1560 feet above sea level, and offers a different climate to Cairns. Visitors to the Mareeba Aerodrome may have the privilege of watching aircraft from a bygone era grace the skies, as North Queensland Warbirds operate their fleet of warbirds from the Mareeba Aerodrome.

If you are interested in learning to fly, Mareeba has a lot to offer. Register your interest by contacting our office on 07 4092 2043 or email admin@nqaeroclub.com.au

Limited car parking is available immediately outside the fenceline of the premises. Should the car park be full when you arrive, a large carpark is available near the airport terminal building which a short 150 metre walk from the NQAC premises.

Your flying training will be significantly cheaper if you join the NQAC as a member. Copies are also available from the Mareeba Base office, or can be completed and submitted on our website using the button below. We have New Member, Renewing Member and Junior Memberships (Under 18) available, in the later half of the year pro-rata membership prices will apply.

Become a Member

Bookings for flying training, scenic flights, charter and general enquiries can be made in the following ways:

Phone our office on 07 4092 2043 between 7.30am and 3:30pm, 7 days per week
Most of the time we are out flying, so if we don't answer the phone, you can send us a text on 0438 531 583
Email admin@nqaeroclub.com.au

As a general rule of thumb you should allow the following times for your bookings

Trial Flights – 1 hour
Ab-Initio Lessons – 2-3 hours
Navigation Exercises – 3-5 hours

Students can purchase theory books through the NQAC. We stock the Aviation Theory Centre Student Pilots Pack, which is our recommended text for people starting their flight training. We also stock Bob Tait PPL Theory for students continuing on past an RPL. We will order other theory books as required on request.

The NQAC also stocks WAC charts and other essential aviation supplies.

Simply speak to your instructor at your lesson to organise.

Alternatively you are able to call our office on (07) 40922043 or email admin@nqaeroclub.com.au to arrange purchase of your copy.

A selection of other theory books are available through our pilot shop.

Closed in footwear must be worn at all times while learning to fly with NQAC. Flying with open shoes is not appropriate in the flying training environment.

It is recommended that you wear sunglasses to improve visibility and reduce glare. Please note that polarised lenses can affect your ability to read some aircraft instruments, therefore it is best to choose an unpolarised type.

Cool cotton or similar clothing is suggested, as synthetics tend to be hot in the aircraft and lack fire retardant properties.

Suggested clothing include:

Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Lightweight Cotton Shirt
Cotton Pants
Closed in shoes with substantial tread

When completing a Commercial Pilot Licence, the expectation is that students dress professionally as they would flying for an airline, this includes White Cotton Shirt, with navy or black business trousers and black closed in shoes.

It is recommended to all students that long pants be worn as skirts or dresses are not practical items of clothing for flight training.

We also ask that anyone coming to a flying lesson is neatly groomed and freshly showered as the flying training environment is a small space and good personal hygiene is important.

Please note there are no food facilities or shops at Mareeba Airport, or anywhere within walking distance of the Mareeba Aerodrome. It is suggested that you bring your own refreshments. A fridge is provided in the hangar if required. A microwave is also available on site if heating of food is required.

We recommend that you carry a water bottle with you, particularly during hot weather and on long flights. A cold water cooler is available in the hangar for refills. Bottled water is also available in the hangar.

The temperature at Mareeba can be very hot and dry so it is vital that adequate hydration is maintained during flying training. Dehydration is a big risk in this environment, it is recommended that you remain conscious of your fluid intake.

At any time whilst you are operating an aircraft you are required to be fit to fly. It is imperative for your safety, and the safety of others, that you report any ill health to the CFI or your instructor.

For General Aviation flight training, you must hold a valid aviation medical and maintain a level of fitness acceptable to holding these medicals.

The NQAC endeavours to make your flying training experience as enjoyable as possible.

To enable us to improve on the services we deliver we would appreciate any feedback, we welcome both positive or negative experiences that may have arisen during your training.

Please Contact Us to provide any feedback.

Contact Us

Throughout your training there may be times where you will need to access the facility outside hours. This may be in the morning prior to opening or in the evening after the business has closed. Some reasons for after hours access include:

Flight Planning
Private hire early in the morning
Private hire late in the afternoon
Study

To organise after hours access you will need to be a current club member with prior approval. Speak to an instructor to organise.

WiFi is available to club members by requesting the WiFi password from one of the staff.

Please note that Mobile reception is limited in the hangar depending on your carrier but we do have a comfortable outdoor seating area where most people can get mobile reception.

A guide to flying with the North Queensland Aero Club

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