Keith Wallace General Manager
We are sure that many of our clients will identify with Keith Wallace who gained his Pilot Licence in Sydney, at the Illawarra Flying School in1961 at the age of 17. This necessitated taking a day off school, and his class teacher was quite unimpressed.

It took a few years of work to then pay for the hours necessary to get a Commercial Licence. This was finally achieved in 1966, and he went onto work up a most impressive CV some of which was reported in the last issue of Happenings.

Now as General Manager Keith is settling into the more relaxed atmosphere that is Mangalore Airport. We asked him to pen a few words for this issue of Happenings.

“When Colin Rees approached me and offered me part time employment at Mangalore Airport I took some time to consider the ramifications upon our retirement from full time slavery but decided to give it a go.

Upon turning 60 my flying career was over, but not quite! An opportunity presented itself to head up the newly purchased Ansett Flight Simulator Centre and this kept me busy for 18 months, as well as the simulator fidelity checks

I landed at Mangalore Airport many times in DC4-FF-737 [2&300] and was involved in the air shows that were an annual “must do”. So it is an air change and sort of homecoming. These last few weeks the air has been particularly bracing in the early mornings but the days are just delightful.

I am settling into the position slowly, for unlike other airports Mangalore has varied activities and potential conflict is high on the list of things to manage. The owners, Greg Salan the Operations Manager and other staff have been overly supportive but it is now time for me to put my own imprint on the place.

Paraphrasing Bill Clinton “anything we do wrong will be overshadowed by what we do right”. We are a small community with a common love of flying so there should not be any barriers to meaningful discussion which is how I like to operate.

You will notice many changes have and are taking place and these will improve the Airport and make it a place of which to be proud. I will be in the pilot’s seat and developing new activities and initiatives mainly around training but also in the interests of our recreational flyers.

Anytime you want to talk about any issue I will make time to sit and discuss your concerns or suggestions. It is only through communication that we can achieve positive outcomes and keep Mangalore Airport viable and fulfilling.

2007 Agreements and Insurance
New Agreements were posted to all clients who occupy airport owned hangars but several are still to be executed. If you still have to sign and return your documents please do so as soon as possible.

Each Licensee that store planes in Airport owned hangars is obligated to have a Public Liability Insurance of AUD$5 million.

Some clients have been advised details of a company that can supply the requisite cover and anyone else who wants the details only has to ask.

Fire protection
Discussions with the CFA have thrown up some issues about Fire Safety that we are addressing. Our increased water supply and replacement of old mains were welcome surprises to the CFA people.

But as we all know fire can also be a surprise and it behoves us all to be vigilant and not become complacent. All indications are that good spring growth will add to the fuel load in surrounding grazing areas during the summer.

ALSO all private hangars are required to have a Fire Extinguisher installed and suitable for purpose.

Safety concerns
As the airport becomes busier there is also a need for each of us to be vigilant about our own and other’s safety. The ABC of safety is ALWAYS BE CAREFUL.

New building
Regular visitors may have noticed a new building opposite the Lancaster Centre. This is a classroom for training companies using the Airport as home and is also to be an examination room for the regulatory authority testing graduate pilots.

Who would believe it!
In a relatively isolated area one would think that people’s belongings would be safe. But be careful! Some miscreant stole the solar panel that provides power to the safety gate from landside to airside. A flat battery and “locked” gate could have had disastrous results.

Hangar and Accommodation availability

We have limited accommodation available for clients or casual visitors. There is also some spare capacity in hangars for shared or solo occupancy. 

More presentable approach
The derelict “DCA” building on the left hand side coming in has been removed and our neighbour has replaced the fences along the roadway. Coupled to Peter’s grass keeping skills the roadway to excitement is very much improved.

We welcome feedback!

Should you have anything that you would like to address all you need to do is contact Greg Salan and the matter will receive attention.

There are more Happenings on the horizon but for now we wish you clear skies and enjoyable flying conditions.