Originally Posted by
jmtw2
Arc,
This is sad but probably to be expected I suppose. You don't happen to have any photos do you?
Pity the grass has all been ploughed up. Was the grass used for Viking launches and/or landings by 611 or just the runway? And how many take-off/landing runs were there - just runway direction (11/29) or were there others for when there was a significant cross-wind?
Interested to know the facts, as are a few other people, if you can help.
jmtw2
jmtw2,
Google Earth shows what Watton airfield
used to look like before it was handed over for farming. You can see clearly that there was a grass cross-runway, which was important (as you suggest) for coping with the Viking cross-wind limits. These limits were (and still are as far as I know) 5 knots for a cadet solo and 11 knots for Grade 1 pilots and Qualified Gliding Instructors.
Someone out there may have some more recent photos for you to take a look at so you can see what state the airfield's in now.