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Derby Airport (Australia)

Derby Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OperatorShire of Derby/West Kimberley
LocationDerby, Western Australia
Elevation AMSL24 ft / 7 m
Coordinates17°22′19″S 123°39′45″E / 17.37194°S 123.66250°E / -17.37194; 123.66250
Map
YDBY is located in Western Australia
YDBY
YDBY
Location in Western Australia
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
11/29 1,736 5,696
05/23 1,158 3,799 Gravel/asphalt
Sources: Australian AIP and aerodrome chart[1]

Derby Airport (IATA: DRB, ICAO: YDBY) is located 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) southeast[1] of Derby, Western Australia.

History

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A Transwest Airlines aircraft refueling at Derby Airport in 1979

The site of Derby airport was first set aside for aviation uses in 1922.[2] The airfield played a key role in the search for Charles Kingsford Smith's Southern Cross following a forced landing in the Kimberley region during 1929 in an incident that would become known as the "Coffee Royal Affair".[citation needed] Aviation pioneer Norman Brearley used aircraft of his West Australian Airways in the initial search effort flying outwards from Derby.[3]

In 1938, it was proposed that Derby to be used as a base for flying boat services carried air mail from London to Australia via Egypt and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b YDBY – Derby (PDF). AIP En Route Supplement from Airservices Australia, effective 28 November 2024, Aeronautical Chart
  2. ^ "Shire of Derby / West Kimberley - Facilities - Airports - Derby Airport". Archived from the original on 27 November 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  3. ^ "Australia - Historical Stories". Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  4. ^ "Derby May Be New Bose For Flying Boat Service". Sunday Times (Perth, Wa : 1902 - 1954). 30 October 1938. p. 1 – via Trove.
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