Sale Airport

Not Applicable. The facility has never closed. The erroneous 'closed' status likely stems from a data-entry error in a third-party database, possibly confusing the secure military base with a public civilian airport or misinterpreting its restricted status.

The site is a premier military aviation training facility for the Australian Defence Force. It is home to several key units, including the Central Flying School (training flying instructors), No. 1 Flying Training School (basic pilot training on the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft), the School of Air Traffic Control, and the Roulettes. The base has undergone significant redevelopment to support modern training systems and remains a secure, fully operational military installation.

The site is RAAF Base East Sale, which has major historical significance. It was established in April 1943 during World War II as a base for No. 1 Operational Training Unit, training crews for Bristol Beaufort bombers. After the war, it became a central training hub for the RAAF. Key historical roles include hosting the School of Air Navigation, the Air Armament School, and, most notably, the Central Flying School (CFS) since 1953. It has been the home base for the RAAF's 'Roulettes' aerobatic display team since 1976.

Not Applicable. As the base is fully operational and has never closed, there are no plans for 'reopening'. It is expected to remain a cornerstone of RAAF's training capability for the foreseeable future.