Australia’s second busiest airport isn’t where you might think. Moorabbin Air Traffic Control Tower oversees a bustling hub. This tower stands as a vital point for aviation in Melbourne. It is more than just a structure. It’s a place where safety meets the sky.
Moorabbin Airport opened its control tower on December 15 1949. The airport itself started operations later that month. The airport was almost named Mentone. But this was too similar to a French airport’s name. Cheltenham was also considered but sounded too close to a UK airport. So it was named after the local municipality.
The Moorabbin Air Traffic Control Tower plays a crucial role. It manages diverse aircraft operations. These include commercial flights and training exercises. It is a complex environment. The airspace is near Melbourne’s busy airspace. The airport has a unique parallel crossing runway layout.
Moorabbin Airport wasn’t always the aviation hub it is today. Essendon Airport was once Melbourne’s primary airport. By 1946, Essendon was getting too congested. The government decided to build a second airport. This led to the creation of Moorabbin Airport.
In 1989, the airport got a new name. It became Moorabbin Harry Hawker Airport. This honored Australian aviator Harry George Hawker. It marked the centenary of his birth.
The Moorabbin Air Traffic Control Tower is essential. It guides aircraft through five intersecting runways. Runway 17L/35R is the longest. It measures 1335 meters. Usually, two parallel runways operate at the same time.
The tower’s controllers manage a wide array of aircraft. Moorabbin is planned for 720 fixed wing and rotary aircraft. These aircraft occupy hangars and tarmac areas. Some park on open land.
The Moorabbin Air Traffic Control Tower provides critical services. It ensures the safe operation of flights. It supports various aviation activities. These include flight training and commercial services. It stands as a testament to aviation’s growth in Melbourne.
Several flight training facilities call Moorabbin home. The Royal Victorian Aero Club is here. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy also has a campus here.
Moorabbin Airport contributes significantly to Victoria’s economy. It is recognized as a state significant asset. The airport supports aviation training and education. This benefits the City of Kingston and the wider state.
The tower’s role extends beyond daily operations. It ensures backup navigation. The airport retains a non-directional beacon NDB. This supports older aircraft. It also serves as a backup for newer satellite systems.
Moorabbin Airport continues to evolve. A master plan guides its development. It ensures the airport meets future aviation needs. The Moorabbin Air Traffic Control Tower remains central to this vision. It watches over every takeoff and landing. It keeps Melbourne’s skies safe.