Pilot reviews of Sleap Airfield

“Visited Sleap again today (Sunday 13th July 08) Another very very enjoyable visit to a smashing little airfied. Really well looked after and probably the friendliest airfield I have visited as a rookie pilot. Great cafe. Spoke to Gordon Ramsey (ish) and he opens daily Mon-Fri 10 - 5-0 and Sat Sun 10-6 He assured us it isnt a cafe that opens one day and then misses a few. He says it is open 7 days a week ! If anyone is looking for a nice little trip out and a nice lunch then do give it a try. I am surprised there are not more reports on this little gem. It will be a regular for us. ”

“Visited Sleap today ( 17th March 08) Great little airfield. (Right hand seat) Lovely welcome and very nice cafe. Excellent value in the cafe and very friendly. Busy and could take a while to get on runway and backtrack if circuit is busy as a previous visitor described. I will certainly be back soon R Chamberlain Bolton (Flying from Blackpool ) ”

“I regularly fly into Sleap and I really do feel that it is one of the best around. The food is good, the service freindly and generally you can get an and out without too much hassle - unlike some places. One thing I find is that the A/G controller will actually say thank you for good airmanship (positioning wide behind a student for instance' keeping him well informed of your intentions) - I like that.

One of my personal flying highlights when I was based there was to arrive back at 8pm on a glorious summer evening in the 172 - everyone had gone home so we had a message to 'please lock up'. The sound of the skylarks, the ticking of the engine and the WW2 Control Tower were really very evocative.

Great bacon sarnies too.

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“Just been aerobatting at Sleap. A beautiful oasis in the relative tranquility of the borders betwixt England and Wales. ATC brilliant. The small collection of WW2 artefacts were wonderful. And the evning spent camping, while watching lapwings, barn owls and the like was just magical. Well worth making the effort to go to. And the cafe while not licenced is art gallery of some very atmospheric B&W work. Everything you could need on site.”

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“Visited Sleap for first time in Jan 05, on a sunny Sunday. No great difficulty getting in (other than being No 2 to someone doing a major cross country for a circuit), but getting out...waited 30 mins at hold, with eventually at least 7 others (incl some who had landed and were holding on the far side of the active!) before being able to backtrack and go (N'ly wind). Main problem was 4 or 5 doing circuits...not sure if that is a standard problem, but was a shame as it spoilt an otherwise excellent visit.”

“visited Sleap yesturday nice place to sit and watch the world go passed, cafe shut. £7.00 landing fee. A twin spitfire was there when arrived that was interesting to see on the ground and take off and to a fly by.”

“I have a soft spot for Sleap. I converted my FAA licence to the NPPL here last year, every time I go back I enjoy it. Great people and friendly atmosphere. Jeremy always makes us feel welcome.”

“I have just arrived back after an aerobatics weekend at Sleap. What nice people and great facilities. Food and drink was excellent (It was a Friday and Sat so I'm not sure it is available all week). They helped with a B&B and everything else in a relaxed, how can we help way. Its out in the country but would be great for a day out.

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“Last visit to Sleap was in about 1989, it was a bit tatty then, however 13 Years later I flew back, not knowing what to expect, but i was very surprised. Everything was restored, the old war time control tower has been renovated and now included a super bar and restaurant (which was full), new buildings had been added providing an excellent pilot briefing area and the airfield had new grass parking area which was well kept. Very friendly airfield with lots to offer. Landing fee £7.00 and overnight parking £10.00. ”