ON a commemorative plaque at the Crookwell airfield, the following is stated:

"On the 27th of April 1929, Captain Geoffrey Hughes MC. AFC with his wife Margaret flew from Sydney to open the airfield at the request of the Crookwell Aero Club. Plaque donated by Tom Hughes."

On that day Geoffrey Hughes, father of Tom Hughes, opened the first Aero Club in NSW, some argue Australia.

The Crookwell airfield has been in continuous use ever since.

Mr Jim Hutson, Ag pilot in Crookwell since 1974 and established at the Crookwell airfield since 1984, has seen many light aircraft land and take off from his 'backyard.'

But the proposed wind turbines on the Gullen Range are threatening the existence of a precious asset.

"I want, and I believe Upper Lachlan Shire residents would also want, to keep the airport circuit clear from hazardous navigational objects, but the proposed Gullen Range wind turbines will be a certain threat to the existence of our airfield," said Mr Hutson.

Full story - Crookwell Gazette Thursday December 20, 2007