Which Aerodrome?

[Fitter2]

Since both Coltishall recently and Bicester were instantly recognised at first glance, but weren't up long enough to get in, I have no shame in posting a more recent offering:

[old fart]

Is it in South Africa?

[Fitter2]

Old fart is getting warm.

[Fitter2]

The airfield is, for what the owners believe are very good reasons, prior permission only (likely to be refused) for powered aircraft, but quite friendly to unannounced gliders.

[grizzled]

Good Clue!

And if I read you correctly, it's Lajes Air Base, Azores.

Grizz

[Fitter2]

Not Lajes.

Sorry, I should have been a bit more positive in confirming that Oldfart was in the right country.

Although the airfield looks a little bereft of buildings (or parking) it is in very regular business use for secure transport.

[Old Bald Pilot]

Based on your clues I would guess it might be an operating base for Williamsons Diamond Mines but I have only ever seen them playing away from home so can't be specific.

[Fitter2]

And if you knew where they (or one of their competitors) conducted their operations you could check whether that was a good guess.

[Old Bald Pilot]

Gotcha,
De Beers at Kleinzee perhaps

[Fitter2]

Or perhaps not. Actually definitely not. The large hole in the ground is to the North of the airfield.

[nacluv]

After a good bit of Google Earth-ing I reckon it looks like Koffiefontein.

[Fitter2]

So like Koffefontein it is. And here's the hole as well, which might have been an assist for GoogleEarth. Nacluv's in the chair.

[nacluv]

Thanks, Fitter2. What's the story re gliders - I gather it's nothing to do with deadstick Airbuses or Space Shuttles?

Here is the next challenge:


Bon chance!

[Fitter2]

Hi Nacluv

A bunch of UK glider pilots ship a couple of container loads of gliders to Bloemfontein over the winter, and fly in the sunshine (enjoying cheap good wine and large steaks in the evenings). Occasionally big CuNb cut off the way home, and convenient airfields are few and far between, so Koffeefontein can be a welcome sight. Farm fields usually involve many kilometers down tracks at 10kph, and hordes of hungry mosquitoes.

F2

[Upyer RRR]

I'll get the ball rolling with Paris CDG.

[Hen Ddraig]

I'll suggest CYVR Vancouver International Not been there for a while but it looks familiar.

Time to spare, go by air

Hen Ddraig

[nacluv]

I didn't think it would last very long! Well done - CYVR it is, looking south-east (ish). I tried to crop the shot, as I thought the water would make it too obvious, but you saw past that lame subterfuge!

Full pic:


Hen Ddraig has control...

[India Four Two]

Nacluv,

Your photo brings back fond memories. I did my floatplane rating on the river immediately adjacent to the south side of the airport. Imagine a UK airport allowing floatplanes to operate that close to their main runway, including crossing the final approach at right angles, at less than 1 mile.

The red "fields"in the background are commercial cranberry bogs.

[Hen Ddraig]

Sorry guys, away at the moment, have to be open house

Time to spare, go by air

Hen Ddraig

[brakedwell]

Thanks Hen Ddraig, here we go then