Memories of all things Booker airfield related

[K4235]

Hi

I am new to the forum and would like to hear about any stories, annecdotes and memories that any members have of anything relating to my local airfield at Booker or Wycombe Air Park as it is known these days, I am currently putting a book together on the history of the airfield and would appreciate anything that anyone would like to contribute regarding their time at the airfield that I could include within the book. So if anyone has stories to tell from the past please feel free to post them or get in touch. Anything from people you knew or aircraft you have flown, perhaps even photos of some of the personalities and display pilots that have frequented the airfield over the years.

Darren J Pitcher

[B Fraser]

First solo after 7 hrs and some minutes :ok:

Second solo was not so good. I made a Pan call when the engine didn't like having an even number of cylinders. I suspect lead fouling as it was right when tested on the ground, the undercrackers nearly had a bit of fouling on them too.

[chevvron]

First visit was 1962 when it was still RAF operated. It was then home to Bomber Command Communication Squadron, (HQ at RAF High Wycombe/Knaphill) and (possibly) Signals Command Communication Squadron (HQ at RAF Medmenham) before all the Comms Squadrons (Fighter Command and Coastal Command were the others) were combined to form a single unit at RAF Bovingdon in about 1963/1964. Not absolutely sure if Signals Command CS was at Booker as I believe they used Varsities rather than the usual Ansons/Devons/ Pembrokes/Valletas so they might have been at Benson or even Abingdon.
Years later when I was CO of Marlow ATC Squadron, I discovered that Booker was originally built to serve Marlow rather than High Wycombe. The editor of the Marlow Times c1985 told me he had been the last CO of the FTS at Booker and had closed this down in the early '50s.
I suspect that civil aircraft were always present there both pre and post war and of course, the airfield was 'modified' to resemble Brooklands in about '64 for the filming of 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines'.

[Steve Bond]

I too knew Booker when it was still RAF, and used to visit it from about 1957 onwards. I well remember being there one Sunday morniong with the local model aircraft flying club when we all had to clear off the apron in a hurry because C-in-C Bomber Command wanted to go flying in his Pembroke (XL929). There was also a Meteor NF.12 on the dump around this time.

A few minor corrections to Chevvron's notes if I may. All the RAF Communications Squadrons had an S on the end of Communication.. The Coastal Command Communications Squadron had the only Varsity flown by one of these units and was based at Bovingdon, while Signals and their Valetta (spelling) were at Benson as Booker's runway was not long enough for the type. Booker was confined to Ansons and Pembrokes.

When the individual command squadron's were merged, they actually formed two units not one, with Northolt having the Metropolitan Communications Squadron and Bovingdon the Southern Communications Squadron. Then there was the Western CS at Andover, the Northern CS at Topcliffe, and so on, but that's another story.

Anyway, back to Booker. Yes, lots of stories, lots of photos, happy to help if I can.

[dave7274]

Hi Darren,

I just came across PPRuNe and your post of 2-Mar-2012, regarding RAF Booker. I was stationed at High Wycombe Air Station (Daws Hill Lane) from mid-1959 to early 1962. I was attached to the USAF 7th Air Division (SAC) and was fortunate to oversee the USAF Aero Club operations at Booker during my stay.

The purpose of the Aero Club was to provide basic flight instruction and general flying opportunities for U.S. military personnel and civilians for a very low cost. I was the maintenance officer and had a small office immediately facing the hardstand and flying field. We were given one of the large hangers to the rear where we parked our aircraft. We had two Piper Cubs - a J-3 and a PA-12. We also acquired a de havilland L-20 Beaver - all single engine aircraft.

RAF Bomber Command utilized the field periodically for pilots to fly a Pembroke and a single engine Chipmunk. While Booker was not very active most of the time, the control tower always had an operator on duty. It was an ideal location for the uses there at that time. With the option to use the concrete runway or grass field, take-offs & landings were a pleasure.

If my recollection serves me correctly, the BOAC and BEA flew gliders there on weekends. I met many fine people there and was even fortunate to have a go at
gliding. Down the hall from my office was large room that was used for building and/or modifying gliders. The chap that oversaw the operation was an RAF flight officer. He was nicknamed "Lefty", short for Leftowicz - I believe. He had been a Polish pilot during WWII and flew with the RAF during that era. He was getting on in age so I assume the RAF accommodated him with a place to work until he retired.

Booker was a wonderful place at that time and I cherished every moment while there. I visited the High Wycombe area back in 2004 and was astounded at all the changes made since I was stationed there. One day I'll make it back and do my dreaming there.

Enjoyed your post and wish you well on your book writing endeavor.

Cheers,

Dave Pettrow

[Lancman]

My first "solo" was a low hop in, or more accurately on, a Dagling glider at Booker c.1947.

[Dr Jekyll]

I discovered that Booker was originally built to serve Marlow rather than High Wycombe.

I did read somewhere that Booker was once called 'Marlow airport'.

[chevvron]

There were one or two RLGs/ELGs in the vicinity which I presume were part of the wartime EFTS. One was at Crazies Hill on the road to Henley from Burchetts Green, another at Cock Marsh south of the Thames opposite Cookham. I did hear a rumour of a third between Marlow and Cookham, just east of the Marlow bypass where the gravel pits are.

[India Four Two]

Dave,
I was delighted to see your post. I was going to ask a question about an American aircraft at Booker and it is clear that you are the person qualified to answer it.

I was in an Air Scout troop in Maidenhead and in 62 or 63, I cannot remember, we visited your Aero Club to go flying. However, there was some mixup with the permission forms and we were not able to get airborne. So instead, an American (perhaps it was you) piled us into the L20 and started her up and let us set up various MP/RPM combinations. I used to have a photo, but subsequently lost it. I remember the L20 was civilian with an N number. Do you know what it was or do you have any photos?

[robstitt]

I only visited Booker once but my recollection is the Doug Bianchi's Personal Plane Services and the Neil Williams connection were a significant part of the Booker story.

Interesting post: Doug Bianchi & Neil Williams (http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?76635-Doug-Bianchi-amp-Neil-Williams)

Come to think of it, I blundered into an office trying to find a way into the hangar and there were Ray Hanna and the fellow who was lost in the P-38 at Duxford planning some flying routine. I remember how welcoming they were in spite of my sudden intrusion.

Robert

[treadigraph]

" fellow who was lost in the P-38 at Duxford "


Hoof Proudfoot :(


Must be some stories about Manx Kelly out there?

[JEM60]

Learn't to fly there with W/Cdr. Kevin Dearman as my instructor. Great guy. Had just got my licence when Neil Williams arrived in Yak11 G-AYAK. By coincidence I had his book 'Airborne' with me, which he autographed with a personal message whilst standing by the aircraft. Two weeks later, he was gone..........

[K4235]

Hello

Many thanks for all the recent activity everyone who has posted.
Very interesting to hear from dave7274 thank you very much for that information from your days there great stuff, if you have any photos from your days at Booker I would be very glad to hear from you if you would like to send an email of any you have it would be great to see some.

And for India Four Two the L20 was serial no. N9822F.

If anyone is interested I have recently published my book which is hopefully the first in the series (volume II to possibly follow sometime)

Wycombe Air Park - Booker A photographic History.

[India Four Two]

And for India Four Two the L20 was serial no. N9822F.


K4235,

Thanks for that. I see she was still alive and well in 1995 as N530BJ on amphibs at Lake Hood AK. N530BJ on ramp at Lake Hood, Anchorage, AK. (http://www.dhc-2.com/id55.htm)

PS You like Autogyros perhaps?

[l.garey]

I have fond memories of Booker, starting in August 1970 when I joined the Zitair club (named after its first aircraft, Jodel G-ATIZ. We had Cherokee 180 G-AVSF. After a 50 minute check with Leon Langer, I was admitted! My next flight was a week later taking my wife and children to Alderney via Southampton. We had lots of fun and some exciting trips, like to Le Bourget, Copenhagen, Dijon, Chambéry, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Laarbruch (to visit an old chum Canberra pilot).
Then in early 1971 we decided we wanted a full IFR equipped mount, so we went after one, which we found at Fairoaks. By complete coincidence this was G-AVSG, another Cherokee 180, oddly slightly older than SF, but fully equipped. This was great for me as I had just started work on an FAA instrument rating with my friend Gary Ball, F-111 pilot at Upper Heyford. George Ferber and I went to collect SG in March 1971 and brought it back to Booker, with an ILS at Gatwick and Luton on the way! I continued my IR with Gary, taking our wives on little trips in Europe.
With the IR in my pocket I was able to leave Booker in typical Berkshire weather, get special VFR below 1000 feet through the zone, then join airways and trundle off to Geneva or wherever in the sun. This all lasted until September 1972, when we went to California for a year and then to Switzerland, where I still fly.
Booker was one of the cradles of my flying, and an added bonus was the variety of aircraft we shared the place with, including the Bianchi collection. We were often parked next to a Spitfire or Mosquito.
Happy days.

[ExAscoteer]

With the IR in my pocket I was able to leave Booker in typical Berkshire weather, get special VFR below 1000 feet through the zone, then join airways and trundle off to Geneva or wherever in the sun.



Aside from the fact that Booker is in Buckinghamshire!

[Talkdownman]

We had Cherokee 180 G-AVSF
She's still going strong. I had a share in her for fifteen years, did over a thousand hours in her...

[stevfire2]

kevin dearmans still there.:ok:

[l.garey]

Talkdown man: good to hear that SF is still alive and kicking. I saw it had a lovely new paint job some time ago.

ExAscoteer: apologies, but I don't recall the Bucks weather being much different from that of Berks (where I lived at the time)!

Laurence

[JEM60]

Stevefire. That's good to know. Should you see him at any time, please tell him John Maxwell sends his best wishes. Many thanks.:ok:

[l.garey]

Anyone have news of the ex-Zitair folk, like Leon Langer, George Ferber etc?

Laurence

[edi_local]

I'm afraid my booker story isn't that nostalgic. On my one and only visit there in 2006 I took a helicopter tour of London. G-BOSN was my ride that day.

[stevfire2]

jem60, will pass on your regards, i see him all the time. he often goes abroad,is part of a small group who fly weekly with him. very well respected chap!
laurence, zitair still exists as a mooney 201, g-bjhb. all different people now, though when i first started stuart glover and john race were the oldest in the group.neither in it now though.
steve

[l.garey]

Thanks Steve. Give my regards to Zitair, although no-one would know me I am sure. I was aware of their web site. I still have a few photos of the Cherokees that bring back happy memories of Booker and those who flew there in the 1970s.

Laurence

[brakedwell]

A few minor corrections to Chevvron's notes if I may. All the RAF Communications Squadrons had an S on the end of Communication.. The Coastal Command Communications Squadron 6had the only Varsity flown by one of these units and was based at Bovingdon, while Signals and their Valetta (spelling) were at Benson as Booker's runway was not long enough for the type. Booker was confined to Ansons and Pembrokes.

When I was a pilot on the Coastal Command Communications FLIGHT at Bovingdon in 1961/62 we had four Ansons and one (VIP) Valetta C2 WJ 504. The Fighter Command Communications Squadron had the Varsity.

[Tinwacker]

My one time memory of this old airfield was as an Apprentice jointly from BOAC and BEA in 1967 or '68. Small teams went over with a BEA instructor to work for a week on an old aircraft used as a glider tug. I cannot remember the type or registration now.
The engine was uprated to approx 180HP for better towing performance, we had to modify and weld the exhaust pipes to fit the lower cowl, repair all the damage the CAA surveyor made during his fabric proof testing and numerous little items that he failed during his inspection.
Young men working on this aircraft was a dream of sorts, taking off the elevators to repair the torn fabric back in the workshop, crinkly patches, stitching and doping and painting the 'release' on the glider release lever will probably never get that opportunity again but I never forgot my young days at old Booker.:ok:

TW

[India Four Two]

TW,

Your BEA instructor probably wouldn't have liked the 182 I flew in Canada where the tow-release was a piece of rope, coming through the open window and tied to somewhere convenient! :eek:

[treadigraph]

Tinwacker, there used to be a Beagle Terrier - or maybe an Auster - in BA colours (?) at Booker which I think was used for glider towing.

[stevfire2]

jem 60, passed on your regards to kevin dearman today, he was a bit surprised;)
anyway, one back to you from your old friend richard "dickie" bird, who"s asking after you and where you are now. hes still going strong here, over 18000 hrs and not slowing down at all!
steve

[chevvron]

Dickie Bird!! Known him for years. Used to be a civilian instructor on 613 VGS at Halton when I was a staff cadet there in the 60s; he stayed on and got an RAFVR(T) commision.
He has occasionally given my brother a check ride in GBGWM.

[stevfire2]

thats him alright, gliding at halton, then swapped a police career for driving, then aviation. 100% top guy, HIGHLY respected. as you say, checks out private owners and groups, so i almost certainly know your brother myself if hes in wm.:ok:

[JEM60]

Chevrron and Stevfire. Dickie and I had virtually parallel careers,. I was a Police Officer to start with, then a Driving nstructor in Aylesbury. My partner and I brought Dickie in as a partner in the Driving School whilst he worked for his CPL. When he got his PPL, my wife was his very first passenger, and I was his 2nd. I started as a Staff Cadet at 613 many years ago, and got my PPl shortly after Dickies. Please say Hi to him for me. I have had a rough 3 years with four operations for colon cancer, but I am now completely clear, and back to normal, happily looking forward to cruising down to Casablanca in two weeks time. Teresa and I are fine, enjoying retirement near Bury St. Edmunds. Many thanks in advance for passing this on. I'm pleased that Kevin remembered me!. I couldn't have had a better instructor. Cheers.

[gooneydog]

I did my first ever light aircraft flight with Leon Langer however this was at Denham

[l.garey]

gooneydog:
Thanks for that information about Leon Langer. Tell me a bit more, like when, in what etc. Is Leon still around?

Laurence

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

gooneydog:
Thanks for that information about Leon Langer. Tell me a bit more, like when, in what etc. Is Leon still around?

Laurence

Leon sold his hair salon and emigrated to the USA around 1986. He gave his address as 'Dairy Crest' somewhere in the Orlando area, the last I knew.

Leon and I did our Instructor Ratings with Sid Parker at Fairoaks in 1971. Joan Hughes, the AFISO at Airways Flying Club was too booked up.

[l.garey]

Thanks G-ALHI. I am often not too far from you, in Nyons!

Laurence

PS: I recall seeing G-ALHI at London Airport in 1952.

[Tinwacker]

Thanks India Four Two and Treadigraph for comments......

Beagle Terrier, sounds familiar. I wonder what became of that glider tug??
Pre BA when I was there...

TW