Which Aerodrome Mk III

[Allan Lupton]

Heathrow Harry's right and it is Momote, Manus Island, PNG
Photo taken when John Wilson and I were assessing the airfields I proposed the 146s we hoped to sell Air Niugini would operate. While John and the aircrew were doing important things in the terminal shack, I set off on foot to take a few photos of the runway surface: I had just started when a large local in a pick-up truck came roaring up and asked me what I was doing. I explained who I was and what I was up to, as he had a couple of shotguns on the seat next to him and the man with the gun is always right.
“O.K., hop in, and I'll take you to the other end – it's far worse than this.” He turned out to be the airport manager and was hoping that an adverse report would help him get his runway upgraded.
Oh and I can't quite remember when I took it but I think it would have been 1982. Later than year we demonstrated a 146 in PNG but didn't go to Manus.

[Heathrow Harry]

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture549-130919.jpg

a panoramic shot - but the tower is distinctive....... NOT by the sea-side...............

[nvubu]

I think you are going to have to give us a clue.

[Heathrow Harry]

Around the same latitude as Cairns - but not in Australia

there are better ppics but they all have a bloody great sign with the Airport's name on it - I might have tried around Christmas but in the sober light of January...............................

[nvubu]

Thanks for the lead - so Africa or South America if your not by the seaside clue means it isn't on an island!

[Heathrow Harry]

Cetainly not near the sea...................

[turbroprop]

Is it twined with Teeside? Very simular busy apron!

[Heathrow Harry]

More like Prestwick TBH - it has scheduled flights to around 6 destinations with two airlines (including the National Airline)

over 3000 m runway approx 1100 m AMSL

Named after a 19th Century journalist but also sometimes refered to by the date of the Declaration of Independence

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture550-175144.jpg

[jensdad]

Looking at my atlas, and the fact that it's an Antonov 24 / 26 or 32 in the pic (can never tell the difference) I'm going for Angola. Menongue?

[Heathrow Harry]

Good call - Angola yes - Merongue no

[DaveReidUK]

Ondjiva/Pereira VPE/FNGI.

Open House.

[Heathrow Harry]

Indeed!

named after the 19C poet & journalist who advocated odd things like human rights and democracy................... it's a quiet spot

Over to Dave

[nvubu]

As Dave has declared Open House, here's one for the start of the weekend that shouldn't last too long.
https://olwziq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3m0eGhyb2YK6ykANzO0AbK3YC67WAtQmQiltCNtUuZjj7z292ZaEeJhfum_ BuJOyhOPg9aIZWrIa2Kr5WXICBcYoeOSSc0-PEfV8EDAuBErrGlneF2vyTPKuf6uxxn5eFb6SS7Mwwt-lDHX1XWVZG5icUX7ZXy4z9oFRbopbGmEGs?width=1024&height=794&cropmode=none

[nvubu]

Definitely not in Norfolk. Neither is it Pembrey.

[India Four Two]

Looks more like Hampshire or Wiltshire to me.

At first glance, I thought it was a WWI aircraft. Then I noticed the "drop tanks"! ;)

[nvubu]

Not Hampshire or Wiltshire.

Definitely WWII

Here's another one - don't know if it is of any help, just wanted to post it:ok:
https://asxkra.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3maT-G5CJ_kmenHqX6eyePpKA8lgwSvIdHmI4V-ustJnfT0YMMF61bfdwkKPSub9tkzcBdQy9NKrepeqm1so7cKEM36O29D-xT3JAmYP-GLCDSQl7MMbkH_M5YN8u12G1ynBQGHzD8OzT3W-gcXf5lqJsIy7o3Ww8doYv5_F7yaRM?width=1024&height=794&cropmode=none


The image in the middle of these is a dead giveaway :)

[zetec2]

Reckon with a Defiant in the picture must be West Midlands ?

[sycamore]

How`s about Thruxton..?

[nvubu]

Neither in the W Midlands nor Thruxton

[DaveReidUK]

So not such a giveaway, then. :O

[nvubu]

The one I haven't shown you yet is definitely a dead giveaway.:ok:

I did think that this would be one of those airfields named almost immediately.




edit to add: to clarify: on re-reading my other post, I meant that I've shown you two pictures out of three - and they are either side of the one in the middle - which is the dead giveaway.

[David Thompson]

A nice dome trainer in the first photograph , a Walrus and a Defiant too so could well be a FAA base ? How about Angle or Dale ?

[nvubu]

Bingo, Shoreham it is - here's the middle picture.
https://nudy5g.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mwSXtFD_PdLxVn_PI_kgFFPu-H8DnFVgoR7ZazePUHd8a604DRDUHyuFlsg5Eclc1nj815VrTFDUYolKI3aKX 2bupp1KmjAz1_yez9DObE0QZqCIqWufUBBZjCyKERPKn0FcB5nIgB_pPnFln 6eDBmIPBWlr2Uno1C_VQc9ciZ7A?width=1024&height=794&cropmode=none

30 minutes into the 1943/4 film "For Those In Peril" - a very good watch.


David - there is still a Dome at the airfield today. Same one I assume?


Over to you Jenkins - do you have something for us?

[nvubu]

Used to live near Langham (Blakeney). Got some photos of the control tower somewhere, the turkey farmers were a bit suspicious of me wanting to take a photo.

[nvubu]

OK, another one from me
https://z1emoq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mjQa2sVknwlolO8KTBMBWtHj6j9HBfzRaPAro6LGw6zRqOEA7HQlvy05Nt YDBVaQHaeHq0AcIA6w75oJxDDDoW5hWOh31mVwB3sV-SLQPzwTPMhlkYXlNe1ESUX20euU2SfDOeaj2J3UyKXDDq6JW_0Y-ZyvXPP8kPeCA8CWKK7k?width=1024&height=746&cropmode=none

[India Four Two]

Leicestershire?

[nvubu]

Nope, not Leicestershire

Have another photo :)
https://lvmvuq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mHehlzZhmkryKMiE21a2SEVFuoOnTvXl1euMps-0UKVXGeSbYfuO1LxQsJhncp3vIoZeIo0koH074tIKEok9AeKDlK8iUtjhK1r dS7OuOOVRiNfMncJAwBFmE_DpWDw-baHpurRVMHsfiHI50GmcHO7Ds4LyHcxq8BdW3BRjiE40?width=1024&height=849&cropmode=none

[nvubu]

Got a couple more for you this morning
https://nud15g.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mlOlzkrEmZGex0MTC10GJrouTn0gDr5JMdudMg-KxuLoSVM_ATtrU423-1bEmUpb9GbSyIEpwzPKioD7dh1ExwrdFeTbwE92QIEfVniAsb1MUqArWKVaw y4e8GNwQ7H6DUWbhSpbUw7tfd2-A55d76TIFxLNEgiLDBB8HwPGotWs?width=1024&height=746&cropmode=none


https://mw5xxa.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mdMag3So13ZA1EEiqBMapQx3zJiYb_hE2f3WSg_YWH6zNHRMNlJzf6P2Vt W0gZ1hIty8wLIrISXKjc_DokAkCXUQLzmA_XjQqfdzXBBFSn2PVnfgkllXEC zyA3xv6-nYqhQsQKwUtb-MzXWU7DUogGxLpk1_cAmjbduovCSsgVzM?width=1024&height=746&cropmode=none

[India Four Two]

North Weald?

[nvubu]

Thought you might say that - but no, it isn't North Weald.

[India Four Two]

But I've got the right squadron - 56?

[nvubu]

What these markings?
https://olwciq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mH9DppK_Tdb_mEjWoascrZ9TMFG7rAQ0oqfPAKzBWXPTLlNOdqojw9-K1yH-_Kfgoln4bus_8uwe7Z5dzaoZWxUYjNFeSIggJpcEJk4TeArjl-Hvno6OUPX_RJBGebPUL-wcCfF10X9wFNxvllq37YE1YvvwndoaUoONRGNO8muM?width=1024&height=746&cropmode=none


They might be marked as 56 Squadron.

[nvubu]

Tis not Debden either.


I'm just about to go out (daughter playing hockey), so I won't respond for a while, so here's one more photo for now.
https://asxnra.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mQPmB1b2RECwjdq77asec7doCOhyo2dz6elzuPZNGistA4Fxi00llbg1ax J8cTPekOdq8tnYGGh1sooGVXDhID9vAlxwjxJNapYIrVrwUoHh9xzUyu6Gtq 7wZFEG_Xz93Gb5j3NCRdNAveQMNdQuEsoLydmaMkdTe4yXYmmT3g5M?width =1024&height=746&cropmode=none


I've got one more image that should give it away. May try to post it from my phone later

[India Four Two]

Kenley?

Offline now.

[chevvron]

I would say Kenley too; that huge apron in the initial photo is very Kenley like; definitely not Bovingdon.
Angels One Five was on telly yesterday too!

[kcockayne]

A wild guess - Little Rissington ?

[Heathrow Harry]

Boscombe Down?

[nvubu]

Kenley it is. I did think that the 56 Squadron markings would lead you on a wild goose chase. As chevvron pointed out Angels One-Five was on the telly yesterday. It was really good to see Kenley active, as I lived 1/4 mile away for 25 years and could only imagine what it was like. My house was just behind the trees on the left towards the top of the picture.

I was wondering about the twin-engined aircraft. Only picked them up from the screenshot. Would they have been present in 1940?

Here's the give away shot.
https://0ylela.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3m0F1wUgclvfPNCgIwfMTpwFbHkW4vr6mm5v6sfdgorRwMyVVwDlU9KzPqs w1VgnxhrLq0jKeIn56v1Bbx_Egqo62vf85dlNvn8LmojB4cOkFHeFIkHvmYs nfa02gGLtlmSZOjZgrroNcLkQnNvKK4Bc1FWhWCa6uydyu3nipd0JQ?width =1024&height=746&cropmode=none


India 42 has control.

[India Four Two]

nvubu,

You sneaky bu:mad::mad:er!

Was 56 on detachment to Kenley? Aahh, I get it! Fake 56 markings in a movie!

I've decided to concentrate on airfields that I've flown into as a pilot. I've done a few before, but I've still got about 50 in eight countries to choose from!

Here's a starter. I'll zoom out as required:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/WAD%202017-01-08_zpsbbn09pwa.jpg

[nvubu]

1976 Cessna (http://www.airport-data.com/manuf/Cessna.html) 172N Skyhawk (http://www.airport-data.com/search/search2.html?field=model&search=Search&code=Cessna+172N) C-FTLN @ Pitt Meadows Airport :)


Open House for now as I'm watching another film :ok:. Will have another one tomorrow if no-one else posts

[India Four Two]

Good detective work there, Sherlock. I had wondered about editing out the registration!

Pitt Meadows, just east of Vancouver:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/pitt%20meadows_zpscr5ugqgo.jpg

I was surprised to discover that according to ForeFlight, the price of AvGas is cheaper than that posted in my photo, at $1.60 per litre. Of course you have to add 5% GST (VAT) and 7% PST, making the price $1.76 (~£1.09). Cheap by UK standards?

To be strictly honest, I've never set foot on the airfield. I was doing touch-and-goes on the Fraser River. :)

When the active runway is the EW one, parallel to the river, floatplanes fly circuits south of the river and landplanes fly north of the river. Things get a bit more interesting when the NS runway is active!

Couch-potato nvubu has declared Open House.

[chevvron]

Would the price not be per US Gal? Would make the price per liter even less.

[chevvron]

Kenley it is. I did think that the 56 Squadron markings would lead you on a wild goose chase. As chevvron pointed out Angels One-Five was on the telly yesterday. It was really good to see Kenley active, as I lived 1/4 mile away for 25 years and could only imagine what it was like. My house was just behind the trees on the left towards the top of the picture.

I was wondering about the twin-engined aircraft. Only picked them up from the screenshot. Would they have been present in 1940?

Here's the give away shot.
https://0ylela.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3m0F1wUgclvfPNCgIwfMTpwFbHkW4vr6mm5v6sfdgorRwMyVVwDlU9KzPqs w1VgnxhrLq0jKeIn56v1Bbx_Egqo62vf85dlNvn8LmojB4cOkFHeFIkHvmYs nfa02gGLtlmSZOjZgrroNcLkQnNvKK4Bc1FWhWCa6uydyu3nipd0JQ?width =1024&height=746&cropmode=none


India 42 has control.
The cowlings on the Ansons would indicate later marks such as 19 or 21, which could mean it is a post war photo.

[India Four Two]

chevvron,

US gallons. Would that it were thus!

Canada has been metric since the 70s. The price in the picture is CAD $ per litre.

ForeFlight shows Canadian prices in CAD $ per litre and US prices in US $ per US gallon. It's actually very annoying when flight planning border crossings and you are trying to find the cheapest Avgas.
Fuel prices are the most valuable feature of ForeFlight, for impoverished light-plane pilots, never mind all that magenta line nonsense! ;)

Here are today's prices - Pitt Meadows is in the top centre.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_7242_zpsa5cynqqi.png

The prices are colour-coded according to low-medium-high prices.

The $4.54 price at Bellingham is equivalent to CAD $1.59 per litre. The $5.47 price to the south (Skagit Regional - home to a great museum) is CAD $1.91 per litre.

The cowlings on the Ansons would indicate later marks such as 19 or 21, which could mean it is a post war photo. You, like me, swallowed nvubu's bait - hook, line and sinker! ;)
He posted screen grabs from "Angels One Five", which was made at Kenley in 1952. In retrospect, I did think there was something odd about size and style of the squadron codes.

[nvubu]

They are all screen shots from the film, so they are all definitely post war photos. I see I42 has beaten me to it :)

What I was wondering was would there have been twin-engined aircraft present at Kenley in 1940, and if so, would this have been a regular occurrence? Or is their presence in the image a continuity issue with the film? I only noticed them in the screenshot and not when the film was playing at normal speed.

[chevvron]

I suspected they might be screen grabs but didn't want to say in case I was wrong.
I dare say the odd Anson or Oxford might have visited in the early 40s, maybe an ATA ferry. Were there ever night fighters based at/detahced to Kenley? In that case the odd Beaufighter might be present.

[nvubu]

Where might this be?
https://nedu5g.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3moPsGjIGTmjLISzHNoyYEng-2ebCwJ6-BAMZ4g_A_LzoHJmNdHZOxZPRCoBazRH6VMjoAV6_i2LTlN7IHTDyxu1MYiPe 8XKk59gc-rCIfo3N_aoIrOfmQwtZuMVliKKBHV9PSmazxXkAIrxWzt2-RN1Mz88cZGQV5GJq6JQzq-Hk?width=1024&height=804&cropmode=none

[sycamore]

Somewhere without ground equipment,ie Arctic ,or Antarctica...

[kcockayne]

I am sure that I saw this 'photo many years ago & that it is at a Russian Antarctic base. But, I don't know the names of any !

[nvubu]

Antarctica - Yes
Russian Air Base - No

[nvubu]

Same Place
https://pvzatg.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mU3y1ZV4OacbsyN3TxF5OT-5XiDDDbiazGOLIZ_v2cxZBl4vZrYsE4GihOte8jMr_BWHXHe_TatNMv1WS_e QgV4Muh32qs8FLQScIm7XmSZpTWcG_9OUSpeFKoNeBSjAR908WbJxH77InB1 8-rSUkygcrhrHa_uavZtyJFpc9hmU?width=1024&height=789&cropmode=none

[DaveReidUK]

Could be McMurdo. If so, Open House.

Even if it isn't, the following may be of interest, courtesy of Joe Baugher:

"Lockheed UV-1L Hercules 148321 (MSN 282-3567) ex USAF 59-5925 (later redesignated LC-130F). Assigned to VX-6, 1961 to 31 December 1968. Code JD-18. Assigned to VXE-6, 1 January 1969 to 1971. Code XD-03. Named Phoenix.

After unloading a French traverse team on December 4 1971, the pilot made a JATO take-off to return to McMurdo 750 nautical miles away. At an altitude of about 50 feet, two JATO bottles separated from the left-hand side of the fuselage and struck the inboard engine and propeller. With the gearbox and propeller torn off and the outboard propeller damaged by flying debris, the aircraft was seriously damaged on impact. The ten man crew were uninjured but had to live in survival shelters for 80 hours until the weather improved enough to allow a rescue plane to land. Recovered after being buried by snow for 17 years in Antarctica. Returned to VXE-6 from 1993 to 31 March 1999. In 1996 ownership was transferred from the US Navy to the National Science Foundation.

To AMARC as CF0193 Mar 29, 1999. SOC Apr 2, 1999. Has been restored and now with VX-130. Back to AMARC as 2G0025. SOC Jul 8, 2003. Still on AMARC inventory Jan 15, 2008 as CF0193."

[nvubu]

Dave is correct - Williams Field at McMurdo as part of Deep Freeze 64. The IL18 was one of two aircraft at Williams Field carrying 99 Russians enroute to Mirny.

A couple of other aircraft also involved:
https://zleeoq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mhCG1umB7e2bHJEz0yErBFLVP1cG6dQoIjHLDBUYO3b6KrgP4g_7W_GXQd Nc_PbQKw3kz_Jf-Hmc0AMpJzaJfBk8QMB_S2zIavhdkrn1OVW4Mx1eBkZbjTJy7rUPcaviIN7KC u3AYamOF_39lhXFpm35QQUzPBtLxqNuU9taRdUM?width=1024&height=755&cropmode=none


https://lfmnuq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mlr07J55gHVbcrx6w-DRativ0YhedHCaH7ZzW9-WO0dmsv-V_X-C41phBFjQNFbpJhelY77i_HN9Mc7M1rlkrRbUVFwE9Vi6XclTGDNwWJCHIN1 oQ9cOnlsESUSiMHX-hZYw7ck_MLFCS184HF58Xe3l2pkcB-z14G2JRDDf1LHI?width=1024&height=745&cropmode=none


OPEN HOUSE IT IS - WHO'S NEXT?

[asw28-866]

Long time lurker, may I present this rather easy one, bonus point for naming notable achievement of the subject aeroplane...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah4/CaptNia/617OB1SF260_zpsfxtd7s93.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/CaptNia/media/617OB1SF260_zpsfxtd7s93.jpg.html)

[nvubu]

I have managed to find the aircraft and the cup, I reckon you are on the button with Manston. That wasn't on my radar at all.

[asw28-866]

The Northern grass at RAF Manston in the early 80's. G-BDEN, an SF.260 was campaigned on the handicap air racing circuit for many years by my father and the owner, winning the championship twice and Kings Cup once. This occasion I have been given a lift to commence instructing for a week long Air Cadet camp at 617VGS, the OC of which is in the right hand seat. Happy days.

Quite correct Jenkins on both counts, you have control!

[Terry Dactil]

OK. Similar theme as the last photo, but further back in time.
Enough of your "green and pleasant land"!
Lots of clues here - should make it easy.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d3d8xvltxm5in7i/PICT0017.JPG?dl=1

[nvubu]

Broken Hill?

[Terry Dactil]

Well done JENKINS. Parafield it is.
Ansett Air Race 1964 (Brisbane to Adelaide).
Parafield was just a big open paddock then.
It looks a bit different now. It's got runways.
Luxury!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bmnmzxli51gjdb7/Capture.JPG?dl=1

[India Four Two]

First place I flew a Hawk XP:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/DDDC5DB1-07A4-4A9F-B2A1-403A71D128B0_zpsa2rgqgcq.jpg

[Terry Dactil]

Can we eliminate it being in New Zealand?
Not many parallel runways there in that direction.
Thought it might have been Nelson, but it's not. :{

[DaveReidUK]

Monterey Regional, CA (KMRY).

Open House again, I'm afraid.

[India Four Two]

Dave is correct.

Open house.

[nvubu]

The when is 4th September 1917, but where is it?
https://z1ezqq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mPYvWD26FcFLL_R3g4H8fD4Ii_wV-PxXjEWVJt_Be3g-QKjvBrQ5_S7gz3CL3lb0Y_22un5n9PZoeRJZOzHwOumB_ufapXDbz7AyXTFy _EXUbYCzIRx8IscD3N_YCwsXnRJsw86UZk95NqcURMCo2Nff_LUKa6SS-1WbVZZ_h7nI?width=603&height=800&cropmode=none

[nvubu]

Good first attempt, but this isn't Thetford.

[nvubu]

Well done Jenkins, the Great Government Aerodrome at Narborough it is - at the time the largest Aerodrome in the UK - right next door to present day RAF Marham.
https://lvmiwq.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mjp2u-9UnisI2AHnBk1nti9zKh-DFCqsH2ETGgilJll7uT5HCvy0kucXnFt7C_eDhaiFE8JHFE6rovkjbXOUgoi RlCU28o6Oq1DpBTSQlwuODePudTw8SoAT4Erj38560C1gI8iY_AIyp_OtTB_ awI0xYRhoi4XpHq81ZIksAHmI?width=1024&height=796&cropmode=none

Open House - or do you have an image to share with us?

[nvubu]

TS - OK I got rid of the numbers, I'll have to remove all the text next time :ok:

Open House it is

[Dora-9]

Here's one! It's the same airfield; the photos virtually touch (i.e. the single runway is immediately north of the two parallel strips, the taxiway in the top LH of the second image is the same one leading off on the lower LH of the first image). I'm having all sorts of issues posting images currently; ideally I would have one above the other (sorry!):

http://www.pprune.org/images/attach/jpg.gifhttp://www.pprune.org/images/attach/jpg.gif

[nvubu]

Japanese ?

[Terry Dactil]

ideally I would have one above the other
Like this?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ml35a1lua9yxak/3%20runways.JPG?dl=1

It looks jungly. New Guinea perhaps?

[Dora-9]

Thanks Terry, just like that. Not Japanese, and not New Guinea either...

[Terry Dactil]

Alright.
The taxiway & revetment layout reminds me of some of the satellite airfields around Townsville in WW2.
Are we in Australia, then?

[nvubu]

Northern Russia/USSR ?

[Heathrow Harry]

that looks tropical to me - but THREE runways - all with loads of dispersal areas hidden in the woods?

Only the US is normally that ... open handed ............. and two parallel.... quite a modern idea

Okinawa??

[Heathrow Harry]

more thoughts - someone expected to be bombed - 3 runways and all that dispersal and no buildings........ they must have been important - starts me towards Biafra in the late '60's................

[Dora-9]

Sorry for the belated reply, it's in Australia but not a Townsville (Garbutt) satellite (I can already hear Terry whirring into action!).

[Terry Dactil]

Right. Let's go to far North Queensland as if we are on the way to New Guinea.
Found some text about 'Iron Range Airfield' Built by the U. S. Army. Three runways were built: Claude 1, Claude 2 and Gordons (bomber strip).
The Gordons runway is still in use today, known as "Lockhart River Airfield". The other two runways are disused since the war and overgrownThat figures. Dora-9 likes showing us runways that have disappeared. :ok:
Here it is today:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fbbe9ru6z9omp08/lockhart%20river%203.JPG?dl=1
If you squint hard enough you can just see remnants of the two parallel runways.
Fortunately, some of the roads and the bends in the river match those in the original photos, so I will claim the answer to be Iron Range Airfield / Lockhart River Airport (or to be pedantic - Claude 1, Claude 2 and Gordon bomber strip.
OPEN HOUSE if correct.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jz107viona738wb/lockhart%20river%201.JPG?dl=1

[Dora-9]

Well done Terry - it is indeed Iron Range!

Heathrow Harry - someone certainly did "expect to get bombed"! Other than Horn Island and Higgins, this was the closest mainland airfield to New Guinea.

The site was selected because of its proximity to the nearby deep water pier at Portland Roads, and construction by the US Army's 46th Engineer Regiment commenced in April 1942. It was a very active base until mid-1944, being used by the at various times by the USAAF's 26th BG (B-26 Marauders), 43rd BG (B-17 Fortress) and 90th BG (B-24 Liberators).

The northern runway was known as GORDON, while the SW runway was OLD CLAUDIE and the parallel more easterly runway NEW CLAUDIE.

The separated runway configuration was not that unusual for the period. Other examples that come to mind are Mareeba (another very active US base), Carpentaria Downs, Antill Plains, Woodstock, Fanning, Macrossan, Condamine, Brymaroo and Strathpine. The parallel runaway arrangement was unusual though, probably because Old Claudie was found to be flood-prone, while New Claudie was never fully completed.

Gordon is still in use as Iron Range Airport (sometimes called Lockhart River), while nature has totally enveloped the Claudie strips. Old Claude (which was bituminized) and some of the taxiways remain very (and I mean very) faintly visible as the photos show.

Over to you, Terry....

[Terry Dactil]

Nothing to hand just now and I need to recover from that last challenge. :)
It's open house.

[nvubu]

I've created an update version of Mel's list as the original doesn't seem to be available. I had downloaded a copy from three years ago and have just spent an enjoyable afternoon going through from where it left off updating it.

You should be able to view it by clicking here (https://1drv.ms/x/s!AsBD9MvRbikxl3cYfdKz-hT8F_At)

I've slightly changed the format as the Page & Post entries were out step as some people have deleted their posts so changing the order. Made it difficult in a couple of places where the post with the answer on was deleted and the OP just said "Correct, your turn".

[nvubu]

Here's the next aerodrome
https://0yk6na.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mJBKKrLxSa5hkK_tFfH99k2WoNu3fW6p1vvyfzlm9WmLRe7kIqWhfsilys QgIvu3VnfakIJXnYnev6ryEjR7oSgDSDz2xieGPbcxdQFPbjzmytjkDRol-kAdUhOrPQk8tZ6_jetBg7g9kb9Vytfh97RzW_nWlj5DQjW3YTP0rUic?widt h=731&height=624&cropmode=none

Aerodrome no longer exists, almost correct orientation, road layout recognisable.

[India Four Two]

California?

PS Well done for updating the list. Clearly a labour of love.

[nvubu]

Not California


Not too many new ones in the last three years, more so recently though. Was an enjoyable exercise.

[India Four Two]

Ah, I thought the orchards might be orange groves.

[nvubu]

Oranges don't grow here

[India Four Two]

Oranges don't grow here either, but I assume you mean your challenge and not sunny Hertfordshire. :)

So how about Europe, specifically north and east of Paris?

[nvubu]

Yes to Europe, but not in France.


You are correct, in that I meant in the challenge, so the aerodrome cannot be in Hertfordshire either, but as you have surmised, other fruit does grow in this location.


Right off out for breakfast :)

[chevvron]

Cricklewood?

[nvubu]

No, it isn't Cricklewood, but you are in the correct country.

[nvubu]

India 42 mentioned that he lived in this county in a post on another thread a couple of days ago.

[India Four Two]

Well, this is the first time I've been used as a clue! :)

They must be apple trees.

[nvubu]

Thought you'd like that :ok:


There's a River Class Frigate with the same name as the aerodrome.

[Terry Dactil]

You would have to make it the aphabetically last on lists of RAF airfields and frigates to compare :(
I'm going for Wye.
Even in 1940 there was nothing left to see there.
Google earh history slider takes you back to high resolution aerial photos from about 1940. Neat!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mtwi2dcng7qtd11/Wye.JPG?dl=1
If declared correcr, I'll hand over control to India Fur Two, as he was the main clue and I think I had a time zone advantage in responding just before he did. :ok:

[India Four Two]

And Wye not?

Looks like it to me.

[chevvron]

Colney Heath?

[nvubu]

Wye it is - I did notice it was last in the list, but it was the only clue I could come up with:ok:


https://asxdta.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mGg80vX8jn6Xhfy6637za7ggU0FbqQdYX7byB3vuNLMM1M3rcKf6Q-e53Iur8xFyk47UwH2mqEMT9LXFLrLsQkX88mrqqju1n7cN1KqrENnLf5Z9Nk 3kHQErQ-8OsCv504VJiKbNZphJdK1ANARCLPgVTHwefsCn_CkBaSN3587Q?width=800&height=604&cropmode=none

Here's the first image in a modern context.
https://nudr7g.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mmjgG6f-SrAx6707mC1RiV5Xlmm9Ov20IuOGOHV4cPjavtr_SidnO4yEh94uNLWnWz9r YHkFUYBdNAozd9_PrWySPY_53qY_biDAVMpng6WG5ACgkqxLV10zJ0H4jgqF e-BIeEsctbwFZ3ixdLxiMvfU194wekjd-RNphVUKvsHo?width=1024&height=811&cropmode=none

It is surprising how little is left of the WWI aerodromes in this country. Although looking at that 1940 overhead, looks like one of the flight sheds might still remain.

So Terry has it, but as India Four Two was the clue, he has control.

[India Four Two]

Terry,

Go ahead if you have a new aerodrome.

[Terry Dactil]

Nothing handy right now, so India Four Two has control.

[India Four Two]

Thanks Terry.

Here's an airport I landed at once, to refuel a Motorfalke, during a cross-country delivery trip.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/9D2A3A06-6D2B-404E-9458-664670A8251F_zpswlos0xuz.jpg

I was warned in advance that I might have difficulty understanding the chap who would reply to me on the traffic frequency. Sure enough, the only word I understood was the airport name!

[Russell Gulch]

Scotland then? :ouch: :O

Russ

[nvubu]

Could be Norfolk - no hills and there's definitely an accent :)

[India Four Two]

Russ,
Not Scotland - I can cope with most Scottish accents, with the possible exception of Aberdonian. ;) I don't expect there is that much flat land anywhere north of the border.

Nvubu,
I am sure the Singing Postman never delivered around here. Sad to see he's no longer with us.

Norfolk thread drift. I flew out of Marham a long time ago. There's a joke along the lines of "They had miles and miles of flat land, but they chose to build an airfield on the only hill in Norfolk!"

[Terry Dactil]

I am sure the Singing Postman never delivered around here.
Does that mean we are looking around Norfolk, just not near Grimsby?

[India Four Two]

Terry,

Since Grimsby is YMEN 303/9077, I'll forgive you for not knowing that it is in Lincolnshire. ;)

However, "for the avoidance of doubt", I should advise you that this aerodrome is not in Lincolnshire or Norfolk.

[Terry Dactil]

Ahh. Thanks.
Wikipedia said that the 'singing postman' grew up in Norfolk and later became a postman in Grimsby, so I took it to be in the same county.
You have just saved me checking the list of 90 odd airfileds in Norfolk.:)
Perhaps I should be looking in Canada?

[India Four Two]

Canada eh? Now there's a thought! ;)

[Terry Dactil]

OK.
Looks like it will be the Canadian prarie then.
Were you enroute to or from Calgary?
(I've now gotta find out the max range of a Motorfalke).

[India Four Two]

Strictly speaking. No.

[DaveReidUK]

Canada eh? Now there's a thought!

If you had trouble with the accent, that would suggest Quebec or possibly the Maritimes.

[India Four Two]

Dave,

That's the obvious thought, but the radio operator was not speaking "Joual"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joual

nor "Quebec English".

Also not any Maritime accent.

[chevvron]

I thought at first the rubber marks were from landing aircraft, but they're so even, spaced well apart and start right at the beginning of the runway so I would guess it's used as a dragstrip too.

[Heathrow Harry]

Great Plains - now to folow all the rivers on GE........................

[Heathrow Harry]

More thoughts.... Plains but not the sort of drumlin country of N Minnesota, looks really flat out there.... possibly used by a flight school shooting apporaches over and over again.

Shadows on hangars looks like mid-morning if that Runway is 21 with small shadows so possibly south of the border...............

But he did say "strictly speaking not en-route to Calgary" but maybe somewhere close (where "close" has a Canadian value) like Edmonton..................

and in a Motorfalke he'd be well away from any major airport (and I suspect any large mountains)

Accent tho'.... not French, not Atlantic, possibly Texecan? or similar

[India Four Two]

No Scandi tones.

In the Palliser Triangle.

My destination was closer to Calgary than Edmonton, but not CYYC or CYBW.

The day before, I was getting checked-out in the Motorfalke at my departure airfield. I was sharing the circuit with an aircraft with a 150 kt overtake on the downwind leg!:eek:

[India Four Two]

JENKINS,

Well done. Vegreville, Alberta (CEV3). A correct if somewhat cryptic reply. Now to the 'why'.

My gliding club was leasing a Motorfalke. I went to Cold Lake (CYOD) where it was based, to get checked out by the owner and then fly 230 nm home to Airdrie (CEF4). I did my checkout using a taxiway for touch and goes, while a CF-104 was doing circuits on the runway to my right. An impressive sight!

My flight home was on a Sunday and back in those days, there was no self-serve Avgas available, so I was advised the only option for refueling was Vegreville.

Vegreville is one of the larger communities in an area east of Edmonton that has a significant Ukrainian population. Driving in that area, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Ukraine. Every small town has an onion-domed Ukrainian church. My next clue was going to be this:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/DB557C8A-2FD1-4053-A5B1-4E2907F79471_zpsvyc766cn.jpg

Vegreville has the world's largest Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka).

The fellow on the radio had an extremely strong Ukrainian accent and his English was extremely difficult to understand, even face to face, as I discovered when he came to the fuel pump!

An interesting flight for lots of reasons. Being a good thermal day, I dolphined under the good clouds and managed to increase my ground speed to a blistering 80 kts!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/A85CD66E-183E-4DC9-B475-30853CAC6665_zpsb5lnqo4h.png

JENKINS has control and needs to tell us more about his 'chum in the cockpit'. ;)

[India Four Two]

Snowbirds. A great team doing high-precision close-formation work in antique jets. Imagine the Red Arrows with JPs.

http://tinyurl.com/zruk8e2http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o598/simonyouens/snowbirds%20line%20abreast_zpsxbfxibzk.jpg
http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/assets/AIRFORCE_Internet/images/news-nouvelles/2016/01/pinnacle-award-jan-line-mjc75-1144.jpg

I took great pleasure in telling Embassy official that we would not depart Ukraine at very short noticeI bet Sir Humphrey was not happy with that!

[Dora-9]

A great team doing high-precision close-formation work in antique jets. Imagine the Red Arrows with JPs!

I often wonder about that.

[India Four Two]

Dora-9,

There were several JP aerobatic teams in the late 60s, but I don't think I ever saw more than a four-ship.

PS I've always had a great deal of respect for pilots flying formation aerobatics in low-powered aircraft, doubly so since I put a couple of hours on a Vampire T11 a few years ago, which is a positive rocket-ship (another 1000 lb of thrust, but admittedly heavier) compared to a Tutor or JP 4.

[Dora-9]

I was more wondering how they must feel representing their service in a 50 year-old aeroplane.

[India Four Two]

Well, they don't really have any option. It's Hobson's choice - the Tutor or nothing. And just like the Arrows, there are rumours every year of the team being shut down.

Having said that, the Tutors are very well looked after. I saw one close-up at Oshkosh last year - it was immaculate - and in true Oshkosh tradition, there was a tent in front of the wing. :)

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o598/simonyouens/snowbirds%20tent_zpsm6wria9o.jpg


https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-airventure-news-and-multimedia/eaa-airventure-news/eaa-airventure-oshkosh/07-28-2016-return-of-the-snowbirds

[Heathrow Harry]

Best close formation team in the world - frightening how close they get. Try this..............

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture552-144001.jpg

[Heathrow Harry]

S Hemisphere - not far from the sea

[jensdad]

It looks a bit barren and windswept. Punta Arenas?

[chevvron]

Dora-9,

There were several JP aerobatic teams in the late 60s, but I don't think I ever saw more than a four-ship.

PS I've always had a great deal of respect for pilots flying formation aerobatics in low-powered aircraft, doubly so since I put a couple of hours on a Vampire T11 a few years ago, which is a positive rocket-ship (another 1000 lb of thrust, but admittedly heavier) compared to a Tutor or JP 4.
I think the Red Pelicans worked up to 7 before they disbanded in favour of the short lived Yellowjacks Gnat team, who were then usurped by the Red Sparrows.

[Heathrow Harry]

Bloody Hell Chevron - that was quick!

Punta Arenas it is - and windswept indeed tho' the lounge does a very decent Pisco Sour and the staff are most helpful

You see some very interesting planes there heading south - or South to be correct

Over to you

[Airclues]

Bloody Hell Chevron - that was quick!

I believe that it was actually 'jensdad' that got it.

Dave

[jensdad]

Well that was a lucky guess! I was torn between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia and got lucky.


Where is this large chap? He's a canny way from home.

Apologies a) if I haven't attached the attachment correctly. Tech isn't my strong point. And b) for the lack of an historical or nostalgic angle. Haven't got a massive collection of photos to choose from!

[India Four Two]

Very impressive and rugged mountains. If the C-130 is a long way from home, how about somewhere in the Alps?

[jensdad]

The plot thickens, I42. Those impressive mountains are known as The (insert adjective here) Alps but they aren't actually a part of the Alpine massif itself.

[India Four Two]

Any vampires nearby? I don't mean the DH kind! :)

[nvubu]

The Julian Alps?

[jensdad]

Nope, not the Julian Alps. Nor are they the 'Alps' that you are thinking of, I42, although this airfield does see quite regular commercial services to that neck of the woods.

[Heathrow Harry]

looks remarkably clean and tidy operation around those tanks - even a fire extinguisher in place - not terribly tropical from the grass - and no-one lounging around

[barry lloyd]

Could it be Trabzon?

[kcockayne]

Any vampires nearby? I don't mean the DH kind! :)

If there are vampires around, it must be in Transylvania, or elsewhere in Romania. For some reason I can't see the photo' , but I'll guess at Timisoara (on the vampire reference alone).

[jensdad]

'Nor are they the 'Alps' that you are thinking of, I42, although this airfield does see quite regular commercial services to that neck of the woods'.


The Transylvanian Alps are the ones I assumed I42 was referring to with the vampires question, so no, they are not those particular 'Alps' and not Timisoara. But the airfield does have service to Romania.
Not Trabzon either!

[jensdad]

Heathrow Harry, those fuel tanks do indeed look neat and tidy, but (to introduce an historical angle) some of the other local architecture isn't quite so well-constructed.

[jensdad]

OK, looks like a clue may be needed...


Not all of the local architecture is quite as perpendicular as those nice, neat fuel tanks.

[India Four Two]

Dinaric Alps?

[jensdad]

Nope. Think of some historic architecture that's not quite perpendicular.

[WIDN62]

Pisa. OH if correct.

[jensdad]

Yep, WIDN62 has it!

The mountains in the background are the Apuan Alps, a sideways spur of the Apennines. The not-quite-perpendicular historical architecture being of course the famous Campanile of the local cathedral.
My next clue was going to be something to do with telescopes (the airfield is named after Galileo Galilei). As with many airports in Italy there are several weekly connections to Romania due to the large amount of Romanians living and working in Italy.
As well as a commercial airfield , it's a large Aeronautica Militare base, although I was surprised to see this Pakistan Air Force C130 there. I photographed it through the window of my Easyjet flight back to Gatwick.

Casa aperta :)

[India Four Two]

The not-quite-perpendicular historical architecture

jensdad,

Nice one. 👍

[Background Noise]

It's a great photo jensdad, because of the huge foreshortening - those hills must be over 15km away. Just be careful not to have the location in the file name.

[Heathrow Harry]

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture553-p45.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture553-p45.jpg)

[DaveReidUK]

Is that a Lodestar ?

[Heathrow Harry]

could be - not sure

[nvubu]

Looks like a hot/sunny climate as you can see sun shade on the balcony, so Colonial maybe, not British though as it look like an British colonial building I've seen.


If a Lodestar maybe South American?

Covering a lot of bases there :)

[Heathrow Harry]

Not sure about the date of the picture could be colonial or just post colonial at the time of the pic Certainly a warm spot

[India Four Two]

Possibly Dutch colonial?

[Heathrow Harry]

Bagus Tuan!

[India Four Two]

Terima kasih banyak! 😀

In Java?

[Allan Lupton]

Well I'll guess Batavia as the obvious example!

[Heathrow Harry]

Yup - big place Java...............

[Heathrow Harry]

Mr Lupton is correct - but not quite there yet..................

[India Four Two]

Kemayoran.

Harry, your picture shows up on the Wikipedia page. The caption says 1940.

I flew to Medan and back on a Garuda DC-9 in 1985, shortly before the airport closed. The most alarming landing I have ever experienced. The cockpit door was open and the approach was so steep, that all I could see was the runway number!

JENKINS,
I think what you have spotted is just a typical locally-made barricade on an access road.

[Heathrow Harry]

India Four Two is correct

My old man was there in late 1945 - driving around Batavia with a jeep full of Japanese POW NCO's shooting up anyone who though that the end of the war meant they'd got rid of the Dutch..... colonialism - don'tcha love it!

Now built over

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture554-kemayoran-ge-2016.jpg

[India Four Two]

My old man was there in late 1945 - driving around Batavia with a jeep full of Japanese POW NCO's That's a little known piece of British Army history - trying to recover Indonesia for the Dutch, which is quite well covered here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_National_Revolution

Dirk Bogarde wrote a very good novel about this period in Indonesia:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1897776.A_Gentle_Occupation

Open house.

PS An interesting fallout from this period is that, in the 1980s, I saw ex-British Army CMP trucks being used in a quarry near Bandung.

[India Four Two]

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o598/simonyouens/WAD%202017-01-21_zpsjuvik0po.jpg

[asw28-866]

I42,

Afraid this one is rather a given for me having flown the caravan at bottom right for a living, I'll leave it for others to name and retire to the 'Bricklayers Pasture' for a wine :-)

[chimbu warrior]

Too easy; Southport Flying Club, Gold Coast, Australia.

Open house.

[India Four Two]

Yes, instantly recognizable if you have been there.

chimbu warrior has declared open house.

[Heathrow Harry]

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture555-abcde.jpg

[chevvron]

Wolverhampton Pendeford?

[Heathrow Harry]

right country, wrong airport

[kenparry]

Castle Bromwich?

[nvubu]

I would have thought pre-war as it has a landing circle.

[jensdad]

Just be careful not to have the location in the file name.
Thanks for the tip, Background Noise. I didn't realise it would be visible. I told you that tech wasn't my strong point :)

[DaveReidUK]

Middlesex ?

[Heathrow Harry]

no longer there but the Council named all the streets after planes and aviation people

[chevvron]

no longer there but the Council named all the streets after planes and aviation people
Shirley not Hendon? OH if correct.

[Heathrow Harry]

no - further from London.................

[sidtheesexist]

Has a good little museum which is worth a visit....Woodley where Bader had his mishap. OH if correct.

[Heathrow Harry]

Sid got it!!!

Went to the Museum a couple of years ago - they have a Gannet & a Herald amongst a lot of other stuff. Roads around the museum are named after Miles, Bader, Comet, Herald, Wright, Hawker, Vickers, Sopwith, Dowding, Mitchell, Tiger etc etc - a nice touch

[DaveReidUK]

Hangs head in shame ... :\

[Heathrow Harry]

thought you were a shoe-in on that one Dave.................

[DaveReidUK]

Time for a re-read of Julian Temple's book.

http://www.flyingbooks.co.uk/acatalog/Wings-Over-Woodley.4726.gif

[India Four Two]

One of the RAF airfields I flew into in a Chipmunk. Now closed like most of them.
http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o598/simonyouens/WAD%202017-01-23_zps3rpn5lqb.jpg

[Heathrow Harry]

An original Mini (not the gross overweight, over priced modern horror) ...
so post 1960...................

"Flet" - so somewhere in the E Counties or the Vale of York

[kcockayne]

Oakington ?

[DaveReidUK]

Oakington ?

I suspect you're right. The other Varsity bases that spring to mind - Stradishall, Strubby, Gaydon - were all a bit more undulating.

[oldpax]

hanger is wrong for Oakington.unless it was taken before 1963 when I arrived there!!

[kcockayne]

I'm only guessing but, Tangmere ?

[India Four Two]

Not Oakington or Tangmere.

so somewhere in the E Counties or the Vale of York That's the area, Harry.

I did approaches at this airfield - PARs or SRAs, I can't remember. The only time I ever wore an LSJ in a Chipmunk.

[chevvron]

Looks suspiciously like Lindholme.
OH if correct.

[India Four Two]

Not Lindholme, although I did fly there.

This is a clue:
The only time I ever wore an LSJ in a Chipmunk.

[Background Noise]

Given the previous clue at #6191, I'd say it is Strubby - not that undulating that close to the sea, and that also would explain the LSJ.

Also the huts, spectacles and tower match with google maps. Viewed from the position marked:

http://i63.tinypic.com/2ymd0qu.jpg

[India Four Two]

Well done, BN. Strubby it is.

I was at my first UAS camp at Binbrook. We did all our instrument approaches at Strubby in order to keep out of the way of the 5 Squadron Lightnings at Binbrook. The approach on 21 took us out over the sea.

The photo was taken during the final parade on 8 September 1972.

Strubby Airfield History - BCAR.org.uk (http://www.bcar.org.uk/strubby-history)

You have control.

[Background Noise]

Thanks - I'm not sure I did much of the work given that its was narrowed down above. I flew in a helicopter from there once though - not that that would have been a clue.

Sorry - OH.

[nvubu]

Here's one to keep us going
https://nedo9g.bl3302.livefilestore.com/y3mckP1txRHVJs-UqPlBhKFVpCwOERm9y-2Ng5NraSKS_W4aCiI0SzCClAf0U5954HrJ6w9WoMYZvIM5OrJVIY89eqI8C5 vX4Q_kZlLteVlAdgkqE-loP2YhmjWGJo_2aw1-ZXSK_6tv3MhR8XjqAi5luhwJ2Wa0TXKLc_wi-vU-2I?width=1024&height=811&cropmode=none

[oldpax]

somewhere in Holland?!!

[Heathrow Harry]

dropping food in 1945? That could be the coast under the nose

[nvubu]

Yes, it is somewhere in Holland

[Heathrow Harry]

Schipol? A long time ago....

[nvubu]

It isn't Schipol

[Heathrow Harry]

looks like dunes along the coast so maybe somewhere North of Ijmuiden?

[Heathrow Harry]

Bergen? Looks possible

[Heathrow Harry]

I think both Valkenburg & Bergen were used as drop zones for Operation ChowHound - but the pics I've seen of Valkenburg show a classic UK style triangle of runways - not one big one down the middle - could be wrong tho'

[nvubu]

My source document has it labelled as Valkenburg during Operation Chowhound. It is normally accurate so I'd give it to Jenkins, but knowing he is unlikely to post a follow on challenge, I reckon HH should have it?


I'm a bit puzzled now as I've now seen the runway triangle also named as Valkenburg!

[Heathrow Harry]

I've got to run - the day job call$$$$

if Jenkins can't do it OH

[India Four Two]

Well, this one is definitely not Holland. :)
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/7CBFB041-25D3-4DB8-94D1-A5B683977D87_zpsutszvckg.jpeg

[Russell Gulch]

Instinct says Sallanches but knowing yuor Canadian wherabouts makes me doubt it

Russell

[India Four Two]

I had never even heard of Sallanches, never mind flown there and I've definitely flown to this town.

[kenparry]

Golden, BC?

[Heathrow Harry]

Certainly looks like it Ken....................... arriving from the North - if you google it there are some clear pictures..........

[India Four Two]

Yes, Golden CYGE.

100 nm west of Calgary "over the rocks" or 120 nm via Highway 1. My favourite destination to take visitors on a sight-seeing flight. One of my passengers was learning to fly in Houston and she was quite disturbed with seeing mountains above our altitude on either side of us!

During the whole flight in the valleys, far from any terminal radar, the transponder reply light was illuminating. Someone "up there" was watching!

ken has control.

[kenparry]

I42; thanks. I have not flown into Golden, but passed through twice by road and once by train.

Not sure how long this one will last:

http://i64.tinypic.com/30sbt5t.jpg

[sycamore]

Indonesia or Malaysia....looks like someone(8 o`clock from centre,near left edge)has either a very big trampoline or a VOR in the garden....

[kenparry]

Not Indonesia, or Malaysia.

The circle is not a VOR - not sure what it is.

[kenparry]

I'm not sure that such technically advanced plant existed there!

[India Four Two]

Central America?

The "VOR" looks like a water tank to me. :)

[descol]

Solomon Islands ?

[kenparry]

I42 - yes to your location; and you may be right on the circular device.

[Heathrow Harry]

those hills in the background should give someone a clue - could be anywhere in the tropics TBH

[kenparry]

Jenkins, you are on the right track

[sycamore]

Punta Gorda,Belize...lot more builtup now...OH if correct

[kenparry]

sycamore; correct.

The photo is from Dec 1975. The field appears to be unchanged, but, as you say, the town has grown.

[Heathrow Harry]

As it's open house try this one

http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture558-121212t.jpg

[Russell Gulch]

I was so close in saying Tiree bfore I saw the good conditon of the runway!

[broadreach]

HH obviously very new and with the grass and roads very well maintained. Which limits the possibilities.

[India Four Two]

Going out on a magnetic limb here. :)

Given the runway is parallel to the straight road on the right, I'm guessing the runway orientation is 180 T. If so, the variation is in the range 5 E to 15 E, which would put this airfield in the western US.

How am I doing, Harry?

[Chris Scott]

Interesting: no VASIs or PAPIs. Old photo?

[Heathrow Harry]

India Four Two is on the right course (sorry!) it's in the Lower 48 but I'm not sure it would be described as West

It's actually not a very big place but then a lot of places in the USA have good local airports

The luxuriant green vegetation shows it was taken between February and June - on Goodle Earth the colours are very very different

Weather can be a bit rough......
http://www.pprune.org/members/326184-heathrow-harry-albums-what-airfield-picture559-14415391-bg3.jpg

[India Four Two]

Tornado Alley!

Kansas or Oklahoma?

[Heathrow Harry]

The size of the main local crop is measured (alledgedly) with reference to the ocular position of a pachyderm.................................

[India Four Two]

And the wind comes sweeping down the plain? :)

[Heathrow Harry]

and the forecast suggest that you want to be flying before lunch - correct!!

Strange to have the State Song written by Rodgers & Hammerstein but at least its got some zing!!!

[India Four Two]

Well, I haven't found it yet, but I am amazed how many GA airports in OK have a 17/35 runway. It turns out that the wind "sweeping down the plain" is mainly coming from the south.

[nvubu]

Ponca City Regional Airport ?

[Heathrow Harry]

Indeed - well done - rather odd place - a bit to far from Oklahoma City for a quick drive but a bit too close for an air service

Of course the reason it' so big is that it's the historic home of the Conoco Oil Company..........

Open House

[kenparry]

Try this one:


http://i63.tinypic.com/2yo60ro.jpg

[nvubu]

I can't really claim credit for Ponca City, once India 42 determined it was OK, it was the third one I looked at :)

[jensdad]

Looks military and in a cold, mountainous location. Andoya?

[kenparry]

Jensdad: spot on!

Taken in 1966 during a NATO exercise. You have it.

[sycamore]

Ken,.from a Hastings possibly...?

[zetec2]

680 surely AW660 ?

[kenparry]

sycamore - yes, a Hastings. We staged through Bergen on our way back to our Norfolk base. The Hastings fleet was flying again for a while before the C-130 fleet began to build up.

[sycamore]

Jenks/Z2,aaah,but I spent several hours over several winters crossing the pond,curtesy of A2E2 Transport Flight from 1969,huddled in overcoat and sleeping bag in the back of `462`?,then learned curtesy of George Smith and Ken Wells,the art of `kissing the brakes` at 10 ft doing circuits......
Also spent time in the Bedford Sim,handling qualities on a 4-t/fan ,hi-wing(slightly swept) tactical transport.....later becoming the...-146....

[ExAscoteer]

Ponca City was one of two airfields used by the BFTS scheme (British Flying Training School) in Oklanoma during WWII, the other being Spartan School of Flying, Miami.

[sycamore]

Jenks,spent many hours in WD496/8 at AAEE in the company of Ken Halls and George Smith,as a co-opted co-pilot,on radio/navaid trials,and learning the fine art of juggling 4 throttles,and `kissing the brakes` at 10ft on `rollers`,..same on the Valetta,but had earlierexperienced it as another `co-opted` co. in Borneo,with Oldham,Baxter,Gopsil,Capp,and M/Plt Owen.....such a mis-spent youth....!

[jensdad]

1692


Bloody hell, I am getting lucky with these random guesses. Maybe I should start playing the lottery.
At which aerodrome is this beauty? As with the Pakistan Air Force Hercules at Pisa in my last challenge, this aircraft is a long way from where it was born.

[oldpax]

IL-28 in Cuba somewhere!

[jensdad]

Good try, oldpax, but I'm afraid the answers are No and No. :)
Apologies for the blurred photo btw. I took it from a taxying aircraft.

[India Four Two]

oldpax,

jensdad is being sneaky. It's in Europe, but still a long way from home.

A Harbin H-5 at Tirana International Airport

[jensdad]

Absolutely right, I42. Over to you!

[India Four Two]

Thanks.

Like oldpax, I assumed it was an Il-28 and was looking in Indonesia, Africa and the Americas. However, the buildings looked European and after I discovered that the Il-28 had a Chinese clone, Albania was the obvious place to start looking.

Standby while I load my next challenge.

[India Four Two]

Number Six in a Series of Hundreds(?), well actually Tens - Airfields I Have Landed At:

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o598/simonyouens/WAD%202017-01-30_zps94pg0kjt.jpg

If it wasn't for the aerodrome beacon and the passengers sign, it could be mistaken for a bowls club.

[Heathrow Harry]

Doesn't look Australian or Canadian - I'd say sea-side UK and I'd bet the interior looks like Shoreham...... but for soem reason I have a feeling the architecture is similar to New Zealand buildings - Napier/Hastings has loads like that

But it has to be a pretty big town to afford something that big - so we're thinking of Wellington orChristchurch type places

[DaveReidUK]

No basis other than a pure guess, could you be teasing us with Barton Aerodrome? Only one visit, in a Chieftain many years ago.

Can't be Manchester, it's not raining.

[Heathrow Harry]

Well it 's somewhere where it DOES rain a fair bit - Vancouver Airport I think?