1. Aerodrome Identification
Name of ALA
Jaspers Brush Airfield
Address
Swamp Road, Jaspers Brush NSW 2535
Location (BRG & DIST)
025°M / 10 NM from Nowra (YSNW)
Lat / Long
S34°48.10' E150°39.7' (S34.8159 E150.6617)
Elevation
5 FT AMSL
Nearest Town
Berry Township — 7.5 km SE
Reference Chart
WAC Sydney / VTC Sydney
FIR
Melbourne
Time Zone
UTC +10 (AEST) / UTC +11 (AEDT)
CAG Reference
Listed in Country Airstrip Guide as "Jaspers Brush (Berry), NSW"
Other References
OurAirports AU-0359 / Airport Guide AG17759
Status
Open for public use
2. Aerodrome Operator & Contact
AD OPR Name
Anthony Boucaut
Phone
+61 415 787 223
Available Hours
HJ (daylight hours only) — HN military and government service
Bookings & PPR
The airfield is open to public use under a standing users agreement. Pilots without an agreement must contact the AD OPR by phone before first use. Military and government service — no notification required. Nowra TWR clearance may be required — refer Section 4.
Emergency CTC
As above / 000 for life-threatening emergencies
3. Communications
Primary Freq
118.85 MHz — Nowra TWR when ATS active; CTAF + AFRU when ATS not active
Nowra TWR
118.85 MHz (VHF) / 267.2 MHz (UHF military)
Nowra APP
123.5 MHz / 352.15 MHz. 118.35 MHz rebroadcasts to ATC via the Bherwerre ridge repeater where terrain shielding degrades coverage.
Nowra SMC
135.85 MHz
Nowra ACD
128.35 MHz
Nowra ATIS
125.65 MHz / 280.4 MHz — check for ATS status
Area Freq
Melbourne Centre 121.2 MHz
Radio Requirements
Carriage and use of VHF radio is MANDATORY. Jaspers Brush lies within Nowra military controlled airspace. When R421A/B is active, contact Nowra TWR on 118.85 and obtain a clearance before entering. When deactivated, 118.85 operates as CTAF: broadcast all inbound, outbound and overflying intentions. Confirm ATS status on the YSNW ATIS before departure; ATS may be activated at short notice.
Frequencies sourced from Airservices Australia DAPS, Nowra (YSNW), editions 2025-SEP-04 and 2026-JUL-09, and the RAAF FIHA Nowra AD2 Supplement. Verify against current ERSA and NOTAMs prior to flight.
4. Airspace & Priority
- Jaspers Brush ALA lies within NOWRA MILITARY CONTROLLED AIRSPACE (R421A / R421B). R421A extends SFC to FL125 when active.
- ATS hours are notified by NOTAM. When R421A/B is active, a clearance from Nowra TWR on 118.85 is required before entering. When deactivated, 118.85 operates as CTAF — all operations self-announce.
- It is the pilot's responsibility to confirm R421 status via NOTAM and the YSNW ATIS prior to arrival.
- Drone / UAV operations, including drops from drones, are permitted only during tower-controlled periods with Nowra TWR monitoring and by prior agreement with the AD OPR. All drone activity MUST cease for inbound aircraft.
- Active hang-gliding / para-gliding / cable tow / parachute activity possible in vicinity — see Sections 10 and 13.
- Military helicopter training OPS may be in progress — see Section 12.
5. Approved Aircraft Types
Jaspers Brush ALA supports a broad range of aircraft and aviation activities, subject to PPR.
| Category | Operations |
|---|---|
| Light fixed-wing aircraft | AVBL — typical GA types |
| Turbo-prop aircraft | AVBL — subject to weight and strip condition |
| Ultralights (incl. RA-Aus) | AVBL — must comply with RA-Aus OPS requirements |
| Towed aircraft (gliders, banner tow) | AVBL — coordinate with AD OPR |
| Winch / cable launch aircraft | AVBL — see Section 10 Cable Tow Area |
| Drones / UAVs | AVBL — see Section 11 Drone Operations |
| Helicopters (civilian & military) | AVBL — see Section 12 Helicopter Training |
| Parachute operations | AVBL — see Section 13 Parachute Operations |
6. Runways & Landing Areas
6.1 Gravel Runway Summary
| RWY | Length | Compacted Strip | Surface | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 800 M | 10 M | Gravel road base | Secondary RWY. Windsock at intersection (unlit). |
| 13/31 | 1000 M | 10 M | Gravel road base with sealed intersection | Primary RWY |
Gravel strip dimensions: each gravel runway strip 10 M wide.
6.2 Tow Area — Grass
Tow areas are separate landing and cable tow areas. They are shorter than the gravel runways and are not continuous through the intersection — see Figure 1.
| Tow Area | Length | Width | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 tow grass | 400 M | 20 M | Alongside RWY 05, SE side, threshold to intersection. |
| 23 tow grass | 350 M | 20 M | Alongside RWY 23, SE side, intersection to end. |
| 13 tow grass | 600 M | 20 M | Alongside RWY 13/31, NE side. Extending SE to intersection. |
| 31 tow grass | 600 M | 20 M | Alongside RWY 13/31, NE side. Intersection, extending NW. |
Surface: natural grass over dirt base. Serviceability degrades after rain. Cones and thresholds are not marked on grass strips.
6.3 Markings, Lighting & Surface
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Markings | NIL — no runway edge or threshold markings. |
| Windsock | Located at RWY intersection (S side). WINDSOCK IS NOT ILLUMINATED. |
| Lighting | NIL — no RWY lighting and no windsock illumination. Daylight OPS only unless PRIOR ARR with AD OPR for portable lighting. |
| RWY Strip Width (RWS) | Gravel RWY: compacted strip 10 M. Grass strips 20 M — see 6.2. |
Surface Condition Warnings
WARNING — GA aircraft remain on gravel surfaces only.
WARNING — Gravel runway not suitable for high-speed, low-wing, small-tyred aircraft. Rock and gravel hazard.
WARNING — Helicopter operations produce significant dust from gravel runways and may lead to a brownout event.
WARNING — Bluestone, rock and loose gravel potentially on surface.
WARNING — Surface may be unserviceable and may pose a risk to aircraft. Pilot to assess.
WARNING — Grass strips may be wet, boggy and have uneven surfaces. Higher risk after rain.
WARNING — Pilots to assess suitability for their aircraft prior to landing on any surface at the airfield.
6.4 Circuit Directions
| RWY | CCTS Direction | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 05 | RIGHT hand | Pattern flown SE of strip, clear of dwellings NW of the ALA. |
| 23 | LEFT hand | Pattern flown SE of strip. Downwind 1000 FT AGL. Final APCH abeam dwellings NW of the ALA flown at idle or low PWR setting. |
| 13 | RIGHT hand | First turn after DEP initiated EARLIER than standard to avoid overflight of dwelling clusters SE of the ALA at high PWR. |
| 31 | LEFT hand | See escarpment turbulence warning, Section 15. Initial turn after DEP made EARLY to prevent climb toward rising terrain W. |
CCTS height 1000 FT AGL all RWYs
Circuit directions and associated noise-abatement procedures derive from operating practice established at Jaspers Brush and documented by the South Coast Recreational Flying Club, January 2012, under runway designators 05/23 and 13/31.
7. Schematic Layout
Figure 1 — Jaspers Brush ALA schematic layout (not to scale). Gravel compacted strip 10 M. Grass tow strips 20 M. Windsock at RWY intersection (unlit).
8. Parking
- Gravel parking RHS of RWY 31 threshold, SW corner.
- Helicopter PRKG: S of intersection on grass near windsock; also gravel parking RHS of RWY 31 threshold, SW corner.
- Own tie-downs required to secure ACFT — seasonally strong W and S winds.
- Chocks recommended. No fuel, no GPU, no maintenance services on site.
- Overnight PRKG only — refer Section 18 Fees.
9. Noise Abatement / Fly Neighbour Friendly
- FLY NEIGHBOUR FRIENDLY — avoid overflight of populous areas on arrival and departure where operationally possible.
- LIMIT CIRCUITS — minimise CCTS count to reduce community noise impact. Consolidate training sorties where practical.
- LIMIT OVERFLYING NEIGHBOURS — avoid repeated overflight of adjoining properties and residences.
- CCTS RWY 05/23: downwind leg flown at 1000 FT AGL. Final APCH abeam dwellings NW of the ALA flown at idle or low PWR setting.
- CCTS RWY 13: initiate first turn after DEP earlier than standard to keep the high-PWR climb clear of dwellings SE of the ALA.
- Departure RWY 31: as soon as safe to do so, make early L turn and track for Shoalhaven Heads. Early turn also prevents the ACFT climbing toward rising terrain to the W.
- Minimise low-level OPS over Berry township and nearby residential areas.
10. Cable Tow, Winch & Glider Ops
- Dedicated CABLE TOW launch areas on the grass strips, clear of active gravel RWY strips — dimensions at 6.2:
- Alongside RWY 13 threshold through to intersection — 1 area, 20 M × 600 M.
- Alongside RWY 31 intersection through to departure end — same area, 20 M × 600 M.
- Alongside RWY 05/23 thresholds through to intersection — 2 areas: 05 — 20 M × 400 M, 23 — 20 M × 350 M.
- Tow run alignment: approximately 130°/310° magnetic, 600 M usable tow run.
- Used for glider winch launching, paragliding, tow, and sport aviation training.
- Cable tow activity ONLY conducted when fixed-wing OPS suspended or by coordination with other users onsite — VHF ground and air required.
- Ground marshals in HI-VIS with hand held VHF present during all cable tow activity.
11. Drone / UAV Operations
Jaspers Brush ALA offers dedicated drone and UAV operational services, including security-controlled testing and exclusive-hire arrangements.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Tower Control Requirement | Drone / UAV operations are conducted only during active Nowra TWR control and by prior agreement with the AD OPR. Confirming ATS status via NOTAM / YSNW ATIS is the drone operator's responsibility. Refer Section 4. |
| Test Flight Area | Dedicated UAV / drone test flight zone within ALA boundary. Suitable for commercial, experimental and R&D OPS. |
| Target Drops | Airfield supports drone-dropped targets and experimental payload release trials, including inert and dummy stores. |
| Experimental Devices | Testing of experimental UAV devices, sensors, and airborne equipment supported, subject to risk assessment. |
| Security Controlled Testing | Secure, access-restricted drone testing available for defence, government and commercial clients. NDAs accommodated. |
| Access Control | Gated access with security-controlled entry during sensitive OPS. |
12. Helicopter Training
Jaspers Brush ALA provides an extensive and purpose-configured helicopter training environment suitable for both military and civilian rotary-wing OPS.
12.1 Training Areas
| Training Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Confined Space | Confined space available. Numerous sites on property. |
| Slope Landings | Multiple slope landing areas across the airfield — contact AD OPR for locations. Gradients from 5° through to maximum cyclic limits and beyond. Single-skid and front-skid-contact-only training available. |
| Dust Bowl | Prepared loose-surface dust bowl for Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) / brownout training. Highly experienced pilots only, with a suitably qualified instructor. Primarily suited to military operations. |
| Grass Paddock Landings | Open paddock landing training on rural grass surface, variable length cut. |
| Gravel Area Landings | Compacted gravel training area — replicates forward operating base / austere surface OPS. |
| Bambi Bucket Pickup | Water pickup area suitable for Bambi Bucket / firefighting bucket collection training. |
| Bambi Bucket Drop Zone | Treed drop area for Bambi Bucket release practice — simulates forested firefighting environment. |
| Live Fire Training | During approved burn season, contained live fires can be arranged on site for fire-fighting rotary training and aerial attack practice. |
12.2 Operating Notes
- All helicopter training coordinated through AD OPR. Briefing mandatory prior to first sortie.
- Military units may book the entire ALA (see Private Hire, Section 11).
- Gravel pads available for fuel trailers / tankers for firefighting equipment.
- Day VFR OPS standard. NVG / HN OPS by prior written arrangement, except military — no prior notification required.
13. Parachute Operations
Jaspers Brush ALA supports parachute operations including sport, tandem, experimental and military training jumps. All parachute OPS require PPR.
- DZ and landing areas vary depending on wind direction.
- Parachute OPS only conducted under PPR from AD OPR.
- Fixed-wing and rotary OPS suspended or segregated during active parachute OPS.
- Military parachute training accommodated.
- Tandem, experimental and cargo drop OPS supported subject to risk assessment.
14. Obstructions
| Obstruction | Location | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Loose stone and large rock hazard | All RWY's | Agricultural activities, maintenance, flooding, general use by aircraft and helicopters may propel or loosen stones and large rocks capable of significant damage on gravel and grass runways. |
| Tree hazard | RHS, RWY 31 approach | To a height of 10 M. Close proximity to approach path. Avoid low approach RWY 31 / departure RWY 13. |
| Rural fencing | Each RWY start and end | — |
| Elevated emergency access road | Each RWY start and end | 0.5 - 1M high — caution on approach, landing roll and take off. High risk / extreme risk of impact danger in case of T/O engine failure |
| Agricultural activity | Year round | Silage and primary production OPS may be active |
| Escarpment / rising terrain | W of ALA, specifically RWY 31 | Terrain rises beneath DEP path RWY 31. Strong W winds produce turbulence on the lee side of the escarpment, over the ALA — see Section 15. |
| Debris post-flood | All RWYs / low-lying strips | Flooding may deposit debris (logs, branches, silt, fencing) on RWY and strips. Inspect surface before use following any flood event. |
15. General Cautions
ESCARPMENT TURBULENCE. Strong westerly component winds produce turbulence on the lee side of the escarpment W of the ALA, over the airfield. These conditions are unsuited to light ACFT and can become dangerous. RWY 31 is the RWY favoured by these winds. Assess wind strength and direction before electing RWY 31.
USE AT OWN RISK. Precautionary overfly and strip inspection is COMPULSORY prior to landing.
- Give way to military fixed-wing and rotary.
- Unsealed surface — confirm serviceability after rain.
- Possible livestock and wildlife on RWY at any time.
- Possible drone / hang-gliding / para-gliding / cable tow / parachute activity in the vicinity.
- Windsock is NOT illuminated — daylight OPS only unless portable lighting arranged.
- Airfield lies within Nowra military controlled airspace (R421A / R421B). Confirm R421 activation and NOTAMs prior to flight — refer Section 4.
- Make inbound intentions CLEAR before arrival. When R421A/B is active obtain a clearance from Nowra TWR on 118.85; when deactivated broadcast on 118.85 as CTAF.
16. Services Summary
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Fuel (AVGAS / Jet-A1) | NOT AVBL |
| Aircraft maintenance | NOT AVBL |
| Ground handling / marshalling | By arrangement |
| Fire & rescue (RFFS) | NIL on-site. RFS / NSW Fire on 000. |
| Weather / AWIS | NIL on-site — refer Nowra (YSNW) / BoM |
| Accommodation / transport | NIL on-site. Berry township 7.5 km |
| Hangarage | NIL |
| Drone testing (incl. security-controlled) | AVBL — see Section 11 |
| Helicopter training (incl. military) | AVBL — see Section 12 |
| Parachute operations | AVBL — see Section 13 |
| Live fire extinguishing training | AVBL during burn season, subject to approval |
| Exclusive ALA hire | AVBL — see Section 11 |
17. Published References
Jaspers Brush ALA is recorded in the following public aviation sources. These external entries may be outdated — this document is the definitive operator record.
| Reference | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Country Airstrip Guide (CAG) | flightace.com — published airstrips index | Listed as "Jaspers Brush (Berry), NSW" |
| AOPA Australia | South Coast Fly-Away event info | Grass strip min 800 M; 56 NM from Bankstown; suitable for Warrior / C172 |
| OurAirports | AU-0359 | FIR Melbourne; coordinates S34.8159 E150.6617; no runway data on file |
| Airport Guide | AG17759 | Listed under Nowra, NSW |
| metar-taf.com | AU-0359 | External record (may show outdated RWY designators) |
PPR & Bookings
Anthony Boucaut
Phone: +61 415 787 223
Address: Swamp Road, Jaspers Brush NSW 2535
All operations require Prior Permission (PPR). Military traffic has right of way.
18. Fees
| Item | Fee (ex GST) |
|---|---|
| Landing — all aircraft, per visit. Includes the first touch-and-go | $50.00 |
| Further touch-and-goes during the same visit | NIL |
| Overnight parking | $50.00 |
| Students under training, during instruction with an instructor | $50.00 |
All fees are exclusive of GST. GST applies in addition. Fees are subject to change without notice.