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Gliders from the LGC fleet queueing at the South West Run Launchpoint

Having last visited some 4 years ago, I thought a trip to the seaside was in order on one of the last warm flying says of September. EGHF have invested in some interior decor and extracting £ 20 for an SEP is now done in a more convivial atmosphere. COVID security is good with the now ubiquituous perspex screen at the payment/reception point situated beneath the imposing control tower. WC facilities have been spruced up too. Pedestrian access to the coast is simply out of the back of the control tower building rather that a pilot's gate as was the case in the past. Another improvement. parking for aircraft is on long and somewhat bumpy grass in front of the tower (although nothing too bad or alarming). We had asked to park on the hard somewhere (twice -once in writing, once again over the phone) sadly both were ignored - but no problem. It's sad that such a large airfield can't accommodate a simple request but hey ho. The town is not up to much and for those hoping for more than a cafe or fish and chips perhaps a pub might be a better option - there are several. There are plenty of nice benches on the coast to sit and admire the boats on the Solent. There is also a cafe attached to the control tower block although we wanted a short walk so didn't visit. The Hovercraft museum might be worth a look - but was closed .... hey ho..... & people wonder why small towns struggle....

Arranged an impromptu visit having contacted them to PPR. Henstridge very much has a flying club atmosphere and is rather different from very many airfields. Consider it to be a club run by members for members and you'll understand the ethos. It's fantastic to see they are in the process of completing their clubhouse with catering facilities (very generous sandwiches); all day breakfasts etc.

At present they are operating a cash system (like I say it's a club) so bring pound coins and change (required for the tea and coffee machine) and the folding stuff for landing fees (just ten quid) and lunch.

We asked very nicely (remember it's more like a club) if we might be able to see some of the aircraft/hangars. This is a airfield known for it's resident Tiger Moths and other exotica (both old and new) and we were treated to a most generous escorted tour of their copious fascinating aircraft.

For GA to thrive, this is very much the sort of airfield we should be visiting and supporting and I'd urge anyone to visit. It's very relaxed and very friendly. Nice wide runway. There appears to be a concrete section part of the way down (which hasn't been coated with a bituminous top). Worry not about it - the condition is fine - it's more of a visual anomaly than something to dwell on.

Very good website & diagrams for noise abatement (basically don't overly the surrounding hamlets).

https://henstridgeairfield.com

Flew into Old Warden on Friday 4 September 2020 from Blackpool, prompted partly by having always wanting to visit, but also by having just read Mike Brookes’ recent book, ‘Flying Past’, covering lots of his flying experience but in particular, including his time flying some of the Shuttleworth Collection aircraft. (I have all five of his aviation memoire books – well worth a read, they are an excellent insight into post-war RAF and test flying.) What I cannot understand is why this airfield isn’t mentioned more often on here!

So here’s the thing: I love old country houses and their gardens, old-fashioned museums and grass airfields and Old Warden has the lot. With Covid-19 restrictions, I had to book a slot in advance, (easily done on-line); and wear a face-mask indoors. The restaurant, house and visitor’s centre were closed due to the restrictions, but the gardens and museum were open together with a snack bar inside a huge marque, serving lovely sandwiches and some of the nicest coffee I have ever had at an airfield - plus I could sit in the glorious gardens whilst eating the sandwich.

Fuel was a snip at only £1.60/litre at the self-service pumps, again really easy to use, even for me. The landing and entrance fee was only £10, which covered the aircraft, and entrance to the gardens and museum for all occupants. On the basis that entry by car or foot is £15 per person, this must be the only place I have visited that gives a discount for arriving by air. What is more, the whole site is dog-friendly, (although our greyhounds had a better offer that day and I travelled on my own.)

I took an hour long walk around the gardens before spending three hours looking at the aircraft, cars, motorbikes and pushbikes at the museum – I could have easily spent twice as long. I sat with my final cup of coffee looking at the radio-controlled gliders doing aerobatics whilst sat in the sun with the smell of newly mown grass in the air. Does life get any better?

I was smitten by this airfield: the easy going atmosphere; the amazing museum, (including the oldest flying aircraft - and aero engine - in the world, the 1909 Bleriot XI); the glorious gardens; and the friendliness of every member of staff. This is now my top airfield destination, and I just cannot wait to get back, perhaps to one of the evening flying events when life gets back to normal.

If you haven’t already been, I think you will be charmed. (If you have any soul at all!)

Visited Coventry airport first time. On positive side, very welcoming, friendly and helpful ATC, superb tarmac runway that seemed endless in length, reasonable landing fee of £13. The down-side is mostly COVID19 related as café and toilets were closed; people in one of the office blocks kindly allowed us to use their toilets. Oh, and I didn’t like being told-off for not wearing high-vis jacket; so, I told them back that I read pilot information on the website very carefully and didn’t see any mention of high-vis being mandatory. I felt that the pilot information on their website should have mentioned that although the airport is open, the facilities are not and about the need for high-vis. During my phone call to the ATC for a PPR as well, I was not told about these two essential pieces of information. It is out-rightly a GA airport although microlights are welcome. It was very busy with a lot of GA training activity – I was 3rd in line to land. No other visitors at the time of my visit, probably related to COVID19. I wouldn’t recommend going there till the pandemic restrictions are over, then I might have another look.

G-CFNW parked up after arriving from Perth

Main building

A few shots of our home base at Teesside International Airport