What if I told you that a silent sentinel once guided aircraft over Melbourne? I am talking about the Essendon NDB. This unassuming beacon played a vital role in early aviation history. Let’s step back in time and uncover its story.
Essendon NDB is a decommissioned Non-Directional Beacon. It once operated at 356 kHz with the identifier EN. Now, it stands as a relic of a bygone era. But its significance remains.
Essendon Airport itself has a rich history. In the early days of Australian aviation, from 1919 to 1921, civil aviation was a free-for-all. There were no government regulations. Private enterprise ruled the skies. This meant pilots needed places to take off, land, and service their aircraft.
Essendon was selected as the site for Melbourne’s airport. But why Essendon? How did the aerodrome evolve? Who were the early tenants? And how did it survive as Melbourne’s airport for fifty years? These are all interesting questions to ponder.
Roger Meyer OAM, an expert on aviation history, can tell you more about the origins and early history of Essendon Airport. He sheds light on why Essendon was chosen.
The airport’s location proved ideal. Essendon is about 8 kilometers or 5 miles northwest of Melbourne’s central business district. Richard Green, who arrived in Victoria in the 1850s, named Essendon after his native village in Hertfordshire, England. His father owned Essendon Mill there.
Essendon Post Office opened in 1856. By 1871, Victorian Railways services connected Essendon and Melbourne.
The North Melbourne Electric Tramway and Lighting Company linked Essendon with the city in 1906. This company also supplied electric power to neighboring suburbs.
Today, Essendon Airport has two runways. Runway 08/26 is 6302 x 148 feet or 1921 x 45 meters. Runway 17/35 is 4931 x 148 feet or 1503 x 45 meters.
The Essendon NDB may be silent now. It is a reminder of the pioneering days of flight. It played a crucial role in guiding aircraft safely. Essendon NDB represents a vital piece of Melbourne’s aviation heritage. Next time you are near Essendon, remember this silent sentinel. It guided countless journeys through the skies.