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
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

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". 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

References

  1. 1 2 YDBY – Derby (PDF). AIP En Route Supplement from Airservices Australia, effective 2023-11-30, 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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