Southport Flying Club, located in the beautiful Gold Coast in Australia, is a sports club dedicated to promoting and encouraging the flying of aircraft for sport and recreation while prioritising safety and airmanship. The club also provides and maintains a landing area and premises for housing and maintaining aircraft, making it a convenient facility for private aircraft owners.
The club's origins date back to 1971, when a group of pilots and gliding enthusiasts started clearing the area. By 1972, the clearing had expanded, and the first hangar was built. The Gold Coast City Council later purchased the land in 1978 to act as a buffer zone around the sewerage treatment works. The land acquisition was supported by a grant from the State Government, which came with the condition that the land be used for municipal purposes only.
Over time, the club's members have transformed the swamp land into a licenced aerodrome through their substantial physical and financial efforts. Visitors and guests are often impressed by the facilities and amenities provided by the Southport Flying Club. The club takes great pride in being entirely self-funded, with no reliance on government grants or subsidies from the council.
Potential members have several options to choose from when joining the club. Ordinary membership grants the right to fly, vote, purchase a hangar for aircraft storage, and even assign the membership to certain family members upon retirement. This level of membership also comes with benefits such as the ability to purchase fuel from the club's bowsers and carnet cards from BP, Shell, and Mobil.
For those who are more interested in the social aspects of the club, there are four levels of social membership available. These levels offer different benefits and privileges, allowing members to enjoy the club's social events and community while not actively participating in flying activities.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast looking for a place to indulge your passion for flying or someone who wants to be a part of a vibrant and supportive community, Southport Flying Club welcomes you. With its impressive facilities and dedicated members, the club has established itself as a prestigious institution in the Gold Coast's aviation scene.