GEELONG AERO CLUB
OUR HISTORY
(contributor unknown)
The Geelong Aero and Gliding Club was first formed in 1914 on the Belmont Common, the site was known as the Geelong Aerodrome. Not long after it was formed, the Club was conducting flying lessons and membership reached a healthy 130. After WW1 numbers dropped off due to the relatively high cost of flying and a number of accidents which depleted the Clubs training aircraft.
During the 1920's and 30's many famous aviators such as Captain Bert Hinkler, Amy Johnson and Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith visited the Belmont Common, the latter providing joy flights for many locals.
The Club finally folded and it was not until 1946 after WW2, that the Club re-formed.
Wing Commander John Meehan formed the new Club at the Belmont Common in 1946. The Clubs first aircraft was a Ryan trainer followed by two Tiger Moths.
Many Geelong local identities became involved during 1946 - 1948, but unfortunately its identity was short lived and once again the Club closed its doors due to the economic climate and remained inactive until 1978.
The Belmont Common was still used as an airfield on a small scale until the mid 1960's, when building development in the area put an end to its viability.
The re-birth of the Club in 1978 was at Connewarre on the site known as Polly's Field. The Club purchased its own premises during the 1980's (a former church) which is on the corner of Barwon Heads Road and Lake Road, Connewarre. The Club has never looked back and a lot of work has been recently done to up-grade the building and amenities for its members. It now has a very healthy membership base, which caters for Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the Greater Geelong Region and beyond.