Cheddington?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Smurph Castle
Age: 45
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheddington?
Does anyone know anything about the status of this airfield? My map seems to think it's still open and I have consulted a couple of very seasoned aviators in my acquaintance who seem to think it's a fine place to land, as long as you're aware that the runways are quite narrow.
However, according to a bit of web research I have just done, it was closed after the war (when it was a USAF bomber base or something), was used by the army for a bit (gather there was a nuclear bunker based very nearby for a while...) and is now used for agriculture.
Obviously there's a fascinating history attached to this place, but the burning question is 'could I go and land there?'
This is probably a very daft enquiry; I have to admit, I still haven't quite got to grips with all this stuff. I've been flying for quite a while, but only just got my PPL. It would be a fun project for me, because I have a friend who lives in the village. The idea of literally descending one day seems a bit irresistable, but I wouldn't want to do anything naughty.
However, according to a bit of web research I have just done, it was closed after the war (when it was a USAF bomber base or something), was used by the army for a bit (gather there was a nuclear bunker based very nearby for a while...) and is now used for agriculture.
Obviously there's a fascinating history attached to this place, but the burning question is 'could I go and land there?'
This is probably a very daft enquiry; I have to admit, I still haven't quite got to grips with all this stuff. I've been flying for quite a while, but only just got my PPL. It would be a fun project for me, because I have a friend who lives in the village. The idea of literally descending one day seems a bit irresistable, but I wouldn't want to do anything naughty.
Oops!
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: London
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi P,
Checked all of my info and couldn't find anything on it but maybe give the boys and girls at RAF Halton ("next door") a call and see if they can help?
Their number is: 01296 623535 Ext 6367.
Hope that helps. . .
Cheers,
G
Checked all of my info and couldn't find anything on it but maybe give the boys and girls at RAF Halton ("next door") a call and see if they can help?
Their number is: 01296 623535 Ext 6367.
Hope that helps. . .
Cheers,
G
"Trust Me"
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Egham, UK
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Penguina
-I flew in a few years ago to collect local friends.
I have just checked and it is still open, but a private strip and PPR. Quite narrow from my memory.
E me direct for a contact number. I don't want them being besieged with calls!!
DOC
-I flew in a few years ago to collect local friends.
I have just checked and it is still open, but a private strip and PPR. Quite narrow from my memory.
E me direct for a contact number. I don't want them being besieged with calls!!
DOC
"Trust Me"
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Egham, UK
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quite right A & C!! Forewarned is forearmed!!
Mind you, these strip owners briefings do vary a bit, don't they!!!
From mind bogglingly every detail and pit fall to b*gger all.
I remember flying into Westbury some years ago -very full brief about the curved runway in a filled in railway cutting with electric cables on the north side and a six foot drop from one end to the other. What he didn't prepare me for was the tree I had to lift a wing over on short finals and the state of the surface -basically road scrapings!! Never again.....But I was collecting someone, so had to go back again that day to drop them off........
DOC
Mind you, these strip owners briefings do vary a bit, don't they!!!
From mind bogglingly every detail and pit fall to b*gger all.
I remember flying into Westbury some years ago -very full brief about the curved runway in a filled in railway cutting with electric cables on the north side and a six foot drop from one end to the other. What he didn't prepare me for was the tree I had to lift a wing over on short finals and the state of the surface -basically road scrapings!! Never again.....But I was collecting someone, so had to go back again that day to drop them off........
DOC
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton. UK. (Via Liverpool).
Posts: 5,068
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DOC.400 says it is narrow. Well, judge for yourself............
Taken from here----->Cheddington Airbase.............
Taken from here----->Cheddington Airbase.............
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chigwell, Essex
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheddington
Hi
The former Raf Station at Cheddington is at
Grid Ref SP910160 or Lat / Long N5150-W00040
There is also a strip at Church Farm, cheddington at
Grid Ref SP919155 or Lat / Long N5149-W00040
Regards Martin Burney
The former Raf Station at Cheddington is at
Grid Ref SP910160 or Lat / Long N5150-W00040
There is also a strip at Church Farm, cheddington at
Grid Ref SP919155 or Lat / Long N5149-W00040
Regards Martin Burney
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Smurph Castle
Age: 45
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, thanks, that makes more sense now. Well, who knows, maybe one day before too long. I'm in a position to check it out from the ground first, after all.
Evo - that's often the welcome you get at Elstree, so I'll feel right at home!
Evo - that's often the welcome you get at Elstree, so I'll feel right at home!