Pilot reviews of Draycot Aerodrome
23 Sep 12 -
Paul Sample - Salisbury
| “ | Flew in on a very pleasant Saturday in late September. It was deserted except for two guys pushing an aircraft into a shed. Very rural and unspoilt. You could bring a picnic and spend a very nice summer afternoon here. Watch out for the roller coaster ride on take off. Be aware of rapidly rising ground to the South on take off runway 18. Will happily return, but £10 landing fee (there is an honesty box) is a bit steep. Maybe they don't want casual visitors. ” |
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15 Sep 07 -
Pete Snipe - Swindon (Draycott Farm)
| “ |  I have been lucky enough to operate a number of airplanes at Draycott Farm for some years. I'm told Draycott has operated since the late 1950's. Here are some tips that may be of use to visitors: Located within Lyneham zone (123.40). Changing crops and seasons can make Draycott hard to spot. A good point to enter the zone is junction 15 of the M4. From J15, fly West until the concrete 'curly' pedestrian bridge, turn South and Draycott 18 will be on the nose at circa 2 miles. Circuits are not encouraged, but if you have to, do them to the West (avoids overlying most houses). The grass runways drain very well indeed (chalk under the soil). It's usually the case that the runways recover very quickly from heavy rain. When arrving at 18, stay clear of the white house, just to the left of finals (noise abatement), dog leg required. Watch out for potentially violent turbulence / wind curl when on very late finals for landing 18 with a westerly wind (the trees create the turbulence). Suggest you land long to avoid this - if possible. Picture shows the trees and building causing the wind curl. Have a plan when arriving at 36 as there is a substancial 'dip' / depression in the runway that will / has caught out the unwary (go round if you bounce or you could find yourself high over the dip, with no airspeed. Both ends of 18 - 36 have dead trees - so slight dog legs are required. Sept 07 and Avgas is 1.60 per litre. Avtur also is seen to be available. Helicopters are many at Draycott, so a good lookout is required. Be aware that Lower Upham is very close by to the East and they operate on Safetycom. East West is no longer in use, and is partially obstructed by containers (being used as huts). Model flying takes place on the airfield (within the field to the West). Watch out for clay pidgeon shooting range 2 miles to the South West (near Barbury Castle). (C) sign is on what is locally known as 'the wendy hut'. It affords simple protection from wind and rain, plus seating and planning space is available. Draycott is my favourite airfield. Located close to the Ridgeway and a number of chalk white horses carved into the landscape. Nearest pub is Patriots Arms in Chiseldon. No recommendation implied. My description makes Draycott sound a demanding hell hole, but Draycott Farm is the most tranquil, delightful and pleasant place I can think of to fly from. Email me if you want more of the above. pete.snipe” |
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23 May 07 -
Mick Mitchell (Fly out of Lee-on-Solent) - Fareham, Hants
| “ | Fly into Draycott today. Dificult to find amongst the crops! Tea available in Ops Room, (make your own). had the misfortune to have a starter motor failure, but the owners were superb, especially Mandy who works in the Office. Helped out with phone numbers for technical aid etc, made us some more tea...and even gave us a lift to the local pub!
Will go back again...even if only to take her some chocs!! ” |
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