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| Located in
the scenic countryside of the Goulburn Valley Region, Mangalore
is strategically based just north of the Great Dividing Range, which
separates Mangalore from Melbourne. While this has significant impact
on the type of weather conditions encountered, it is still only
a 100km drive to the city centre of Melbourne.
Mangalore was originally used as an alternate to Melbourne International Airport because of its recorded stable weather conditions. Students at the airport have come to appreciate the efficiencies that come as a result of the ideal weather, which means that there are rarely delays due to poor weather. Melbourne is approximately 20 minutes away to the south by air.
To the east, also about 20 minutes flying time, lie the mountainous
areas of the ski resorts at Mount Buller and the 'High Country'.
This allows students to experience a large spectrum of weather
conditions and terrain. Initial (or 'abinitio') training however
is all conducted over the relatively safe farmlands surrounding
Mangalore Airport without the necessity to fly over built up areas.
The airport boasts first class facilities, including a runway capable of handling large passenger jet movements. The runways are 2,027m (05-23) and 1,461m (18-36) in length and have International standard airport lighting. Mangalore is an ideal location for night training due to the lack of curfews and restrictions, and also for its isolation from city lighting this teaches candidates realistic night experience. The navigational aids include an NDB, and VOR. While normally operating as an unrestricted airspace, the Airport's fully operational control tower allows any airspace procedure to be simulated; allowing students to be prepared for any and all airspace procedures. Mangalore has easy access to the controlled zones to the south (or north if the weather conditions are unsuitable), yet maximum efficiencies are gained during all phases of training because of the non-requirement for clearances and repetitive travel to the training area. Students training at Mangalore are accommodated on the airport in modern serviced units. Recreational facilities include a tennis court and 25-metre swimming pool. Various social activities are organised throughout the year, which take advantage of the large range of recreational activities available in close proximity to Mangalore, from golf and horse riding, to snow skiing and camping. Nearby, Seymour and Nagambie are also able to offer plenty of scenic attractions and nightlife. Transport Kestrel Aviation is located 100km north of the city of Melbourne. For interstate or overseas students, airport transfers can be arranged. For those coming by car from Melbourne, the trip takes approximately 1 hour from the airport or 1½ hours from the city. Directions by car are as follows:
Students are also able to travel by train to Seymour or Avenel station and a pickup arranged. For those without a car, a student car is available for rent on a 'per kilometre' basis making it far more economical than a rental vehicle. Currently the price per kilometre is 55 cents including GST and fuel. A day rate is also available if required for longer trips. Overseas students are recommended to obtain an overseas licence
prior to traveling to Australia.
About Kestrel | Mangalore Base | Our Staff | Our Aircraft | Newsletter Copyright © 2004 Kestrel Aviation. All Rights Reserved. |
