Cooma–Polo Flat Airport (ICAO: YPFT) is an unlicensed airfield located in Polo Flat, an industrial area of Cooma, New South Wales, Australia. The airfield is used primarily for recreational flying. Polo Flat is at a lower elevation than the nearby Cooma–Snowy Mountains Airport and is less prone to closure during bad weather and fog.[2]
History
Polo Flat airfield was established by 1921, when the aviation pioneer Charles Kingsford Smith arrived at the landing ground on a barnstorming visit to the region.[3] In the 1950s and 60s, the airfield was further developed to service the Snowy Mountains Scheme and the original hangars and terminal building are still in use today.[4]
In 1998, the 57 ha (140 acres) site was sold by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority for private use. In 2001, the facilities were adapted by the new owners to provide facilities for training pilots with disabilities through the "Wheelies with Wings" charity organisation.[4] In 2003 a flying school, Snowy Aviation Academy, was established at the site.[5]
Current operations
Polo Flat airport is currently closed to fixed wing aircraft.
Accidents and incidents
On 20 May 1976, a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter aircraft, registration VH-SMB owned by the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority struck a radio tower and crashed on approach to Polo Flat, killing all four on board.[6]
