Dunwich – Heck Field

On Saturday 20th April 2024 Garry Ayre and I made the most of the perfect weather in the morning to fly to the monthly breakfast at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island.

After topping up with fuel we departed at 7:30, crossing over to Moreton Island and flew past Tangalooma Resort.

There were numerous pilots on the Dunwich frequency announcing their intentions as they headed towards YDUN or joined the circuit. All were joining downwind for RWY15 as there was a strong southerly blowing. I decided to delay our arrival a bit by tracking to Point Lookout first. Garry hadn’t flown over it before and it would also allow us to enter the circuit mid downwind.

From Point Lookout we flew direct to YDUN and by the time we arrived all the other planes had landed or were on final. Joined downwind, turned base and then final and were buffeted a bit by the wind over the hills. Nevertheless it was a smoothish landing and we taxiied up to the parking area where a guide showed us where to park.

It was a great breakfast where we caught up with old friends and made some new ones.

After brekkie we watched a few other planes take off, including Mark and Phil Ware in Mark’s 182 NDP.

We took off again and headed south for a 10 minute hop to Heck Field near Jacobs Well.

It was my first time there and it was bit difficult to spot the strips at first but once we were only 3 miles out it became clear. We joined downwind for RWY10 ahead of a Sling that was doing circuits and made another smooth landing on the rather narrow sealed strip.

After a cup of tea and a chat to a few of the members we noticed some clouds were building up so Garry climbed into the left hand seat and we headed back to Redcliffe, taking off over Jacobs Well.

Now I was in the passenger seat so I had time to take photos. We headed direct to Target and crossed over the South Eastern Freeway.

Garry obtained a clearance from YBAF tower to fly direct to Walter Taylor Bridge and we passed over ANZ Stadium, Griffith Unit and had a good view of Archerfield airport.

From there it was the old route via TV Towers and Enoggera with a great view of the CBD and the inner northern suburbs.

We also had a great view of the bay as we descended into Redcliffe.

We landed and parked the plane just as the first few drops of rain fell. Perfect timing. Oh and it was a bit of a personal milestone for me, as I passed 1000 hours total flying time.