Flight Simulator Flights at YBTL Townsville Airport / RAAF Base Townsville

Townsville Airport, also home to RAAF Base Townsville, sits on the northern Queensland coast and is a joint civil-military aerodrome serving the city of Townsville. It offers a full-length ILS-equipped runway alongside a shorter crosswind strip, making it a straightforward if busy destination for VFR and IFR pilots alike.

Overview

Townsville Airport, known aeronautically as YBTL and also referred to as RAAF Base Townsville, is a joint-use civil and military aerodrome on the coast of North Queensland. It combines scheduled civil air services with an active Royal Australian Air Force presence, giving it a mix of airline, general aviation and military traffic that makes it a busy and operationally interesting field for a visiting simulator pilot.

Airspace & Location

The airport lies at Townsville, in the State of Queensland, Australia, at coordinates 19.2525 S, 146.7650 E. It sits within controlled airspace served by its own tower and approach/departure control, with Brisbane Centre providing flight service beyond the immediate terminal area.

Runways

Townsville has two physical runways. The main runway, 01/19, is a hard-surfaced, lit strip of 7,990 feet, with an ILS serving runway 01. The secondary runway, 07/25, is a shorter hard-surfaced, lit strip of 3,604 feet. Field elevation is 13 feet.

Radio & Navigation

Air traffic control operates on tower/CTAF frequency 118.3 MHz. Approach and departure is worked on 126.8 MHz, with ATIS broadcast on 133.5 MHz. Ground movements are handled on 121.8 MHz, and a clearance delivery frequency (CLNC DEL) is also provided. A further frequency, 128.1 MHz, is listed as CLD. Flight service is available on 120.55 MHz through Brisbane Centre, and RAAF Air Operations use 897.4 MHz. Runway 01 is equipped with an ILS for instrument approaches.

History

The aerodrome has long been associated with the Royal Australian Air Force, having formerly been known as RAAF Base Garbutt before adopting the name RAAF Base Townsville. It continues to operate as a joint civil-military facility, reflecting its dual heritage as both a defence base and a civil airport serving the city.

The Airfield Today

Townsville Airport continues to function as a joint civil and military aerodrome, combining scheduled airline operations with an active RAAF base. It is designated for customs processing, making it suitable as a point of entry for international arrivals. The field's dual military-civilian status means pilots should expect a mix of airline, general aviation and defence traffic when operating in the area.