Aircraft Spotting at Lancashire's Airfields and Airports

XM173, NEWTON WITH SCALES

This Lightning is on the A583, behind the Abacus garage in Newton with Scales.  You need to go down the left hand side of the garage to see it, the fence blocks it down the right side.

Added 10 March 2008

BLACKPOOL - TWR 118.4, APP 119.95

M6 then onto M55, follow road until end. At roundabout with statue turn left, at next roundabout turn right, follow road and airport is on left. The apron has good views from either side of terminal though none from within.  1) Westair hangar - for access ask at reception just inside hangar if weekday, at weekend ask in hangar to the Club, which is on left of hangar- no probs. 2) Goldstar access will probably be denied though apron can be viewed from the viewing area to the left of the terminal. 3) Heli 2000, access doubtful, best to ring beforehand. 4) ANT - they are a bit wary as it means going airside but generally no problem.  Ask in clubhouse. 5) Blackpool Air Centre - charge a couple of pounds for looking round hangars but definitely worth it if first time visitor.  Ask them if you can look in Hangar 42 as well but its up to them if they go and unlock it for you. 6) Helicentre at top by Morrison's again should prove no problem.  There are other hangars as you will no doubt see but I don’t think access is possible.  7) Morrison’s supermarket – exit the airport and turn right..  Turn right again at the lights, then right at the mini roundabout.  Head towards Morrison’s and then round to the right, keeping the supermarket on your left.  You’ll see the airport in front of you – gives you a different view of the airport to maybe pick up a few more and see inside a hangar or two. 

For more info visit http://www.blackpoolspotters.com/.  Yahoogroup http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/bplspotters.. For airport parking visit

Correct as of 23 June 2006

 

COCKERHAM-BANK END FARM

Home of Black Knight Parachute Centre.  Head north out of town on A588 towards Lancaster and turn left after no more than a mile just after the Texaco petrol station, down Hillam Lane.  Follow the road to the end, signed Drop Zone.  Ask for access, there is an aircraft stored in the hangar.

Correct as of 23 June 2006

 

COCKERHAM-ROSSAL FIELD

From Cockerham, head west on A588 and take second turn on left (first leads to houses). Follow this road and take first left signed Gulf Lane. Road will fork after several sharp bends. Take stone track around the right side of the house to the car park. Permission given in portacabin, though do not post your logs on the internet or in publications – the owner specifically requests this. Three hangars and check the two sheds behind the car park and portacabin near the farmhouse for a couple more.

Correct 11 May 2008

As an addition, there is Mercury Micro Club nearby. From Cockerham, head west on A588 and stay on this road until you go through a small village. After several bends and then a post office, the road bends sharply to the right with a left turn signed (though obscured) to Great Eccleston. Follow this road round a series of bends until you come to a straight. Part of the way up there is a stone road leading to a house (if you reach the T-junction you have gone too far). Go through the gate, round the back of the house and ask in the portacabin for permission. One hangar, a smaller shed and a few locked in trailers.  Websites http://www.flyrite.net/, http://www.morecambebayfs.co.uk/, http://www.thebayflyingclub.fsnet.co.uk/

HOGHTON-HIGHER BARN FARM

West of Preston. Exit M6 at J31, head east on A677 and get in right hand lane for right turn in about half a mile. Follow the road signed Roach Bridge under the opposite lane of the duel carriageway, through the crossroads and through Roach Bridge. On other side of village the road goes uphill, when near the top the farm is down a track on the right. Ask in the farmhouse for permission.

 

PILLING-BROOK FARM

Head south out of village on A588 and turn left on sharp bend to Scronkey.  Over half a mile turn right, over the river and through sharp bends.  After 1-2 miles go past right turning for Hole Nook/Stalmine Moss and take next right for strip.  Very friendly, ask for access to the hangars.

Correct 11 May 2008

 

St. MICHAEL'S ON WYRE-MYRESCOUGH LODGE

From J32 M6 onto M55, exit at J1 and head north on A6, through Broughton and Barton and just before next village of Billsborrow, take left turn signed to Myresclough agricultural college. Go over bridge, past college entrance until you get to two small bridges. Microlight sign on left before the second bridge, go down the stone track, park near the caravans and get permission from clubhouse before you go on the grass.

Correct as of 23 June 2006

 

WARTON - TWR 130.8, APP 124.45

Along A584 in Warton. As its a BAe site there is no access. Go down Bank Lane which looks over western edge of airfield. You can only see over the fence at the apron but may be nose/tail on. For views of landings/take-offs on 26, try Naze Lane which is in Freckleton. It takes you under approach of 26 and you eventually get to Flight sheds and southern entrance/gate house.

For more info please visit http://www.warplane.co.uk/AirfieldGuides/warton.htm

Correct as of 30 December 2006