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Aircraft Spotting at Yorkshire's Airfields and Airports
ASKERN-CHURCH FARM - TWR 129.825
Come off M62 at J34, head south on A19. Village is 7 miles south of M62. I suggest ringing the contact number on the site – there is also a map of the runway but no entrance directions, however I assume the entrance is along Rushy Moor Lane off Moss Road. Turn right off A19 and it’s the fourth right after the railway line. The lane turns into a farm track and goes to the left – please close the gate behind you once you have gone through it. The Jetsteam is on the right near the 2 hangars/barns. Very friendly here, ask the farmer/owner for access. Gaps in hangars if no one around. For more info visit http://www.brobdignag.flyer.co.uk/
Correct 9 May 2008
BAGBY - TWR 123.25
Head southeast out of Thirsk along A19. After about 2 miles turn left at crossroads (presumably signed Bagby?) and you are looking at the airfield. Continue down road, through village and take first right as
you leave village. Follow this for the airfield. From the other direction, before you enter the village there is a dirt track on the right, there is a sign but it is facing the wrong way. Go slow down the track it is very uneven. Very friendly, ask in tower/clubhouse though it’s guided tours only due to damage to aircraft. If you don’t get access to the ‘barn’, there are plenty of gaps so you should log around half what’s in here. Website http://www.bagby-airfield.co.uk/
Updated 23 November 2007
BIRDS EDGE-NEW HOUSE FARM
Head south out of Shepley on A629 and over the A635 crossroads. Go through Park Head village and you will shortly be in Birds Edge. Turn left. I believe this is the only track on the left. Strip is to right of buildings.
Updated 2 August 04
BREIGHTON - TWR 129.8
Head into Bubwith (8 miles east of Selby on A163) and turn south, following signs for Breighton. The airfield access is an unmade track about half a mile down and before the village. On the airfield’s News page of their website they have stated that they can no longer grant access to the airfield to the general public. This means we can’t visit the airfield, let alone get access to the hangars. Not only that, but there is no access to any of their fly-ins and events due to health & safety and insurance reasons. If you wish to visit Breighton, you have to join the Real Aero Club for £25 a year, which allows access throughout the year. Website http://www.realaero.com/index.htm.
I have had to remove this paragraph as access is no longer available. I have left this here in case you become a member and can therefore get access [Entrance fee is now £4 for casual visitors which allows airside access including hangars, except the maintenance hangar which is usually open anyway, and if you’re lucky you’ll be given a guided tour. However, if you want to just sit and watch the flying it’s free. There are also 3 small hangars at the eastern end that are sometimes outside the public area so it is often up to club members if they will escort you down there. This end is also used for visiting aircraft so there are always people walking up and down to them. Presumably entrance fee of £4 is same for the numerous fly-ins all-year round so it is best to visit then.]
Updated 22 May 2008
BURN
Head south out of Selby on A19 in to Burn. Airfield is signposted. Friendly, ask for access. Gaps in hangars if no one around. Website http://home.btconnect.com/burnglidingclub/.
Correct 9 May 2008
CHURCH FENTON – APP 126.50, GND 122.1
Just east of the village of Church Fenton. There’s only one road out of the village that leads east and it bends to the left just before the airfield. No entry as RAF. There is a big lay-by and waste ground at end of the runway for views, and from the road that runs down the south side of the airfield. From 3pm onwards they start putting the Tutors in the hangar, so don’t visit too late.
For more info visit http://www.warplane.co.uk/AirfieldGuides/Churchfenton.htm
Updated 29 September 2007
CROSLAND MOOR/HUDDERSFIELD - TWR 122.2
Take A62 southwest out of Huddersfield, go through Linthwaite, airfield just east of this village. Very friendly, ask for permission to look round.
Correct as of 12 March 2005
DEIGHTON
Head south out of Naburn
on B1222 and take the first left onto Moor Lane, signed to Deighton. After about a mile, you’ll see the
runways on your left, take the next left for the strip.
DISHFORTH – TWR 122.1, APP 125.0
Exit A1(M) at J49 and follow signs. RAF airfield so no entrance but there are lay-bys on the A168 for you to pull in and have a quick look over the fence for views of the ramp, but with Lynx helicopters any heat haze and you'll struggle to read them. But they do park on the flight line side onto the A168. Parallel to the A168 is the main runway so any fixed wing approaches or visitors will be right next to the road. For more info visit http://www.warplane.co.uk/AirfieldGuides/Dishforth.htm
Updated 23 January 2008
DONCASTER/ROBIN HOOD
FINNINGLEY – TWR
128.775, APP 126.225
Heading north on A1(M), come off at J34 and turn right on A614 to Bawtry. Head through Bawtry and the road becomes A638 to Doncaster. After 3.5 miles turn right in to Hurst Lane signed to Auckley and after 1.5 miles, turn right at the crossroads in to Hayfield Lane. Airport is on the right in less than a mile. Best place at the moment is Old Bawtry Road that runs parallel to the main runway giving an unobstructed view, running down to the old quarry site and adjacent to the old tower. It's accessible from Finningley Village Green, past the Harvey Arms pub. At the very end of the lane it's possible to see across to the terminal. As this is where they are building the new fire station, be aware that a lot of site/construction traffic are currently using the road. There is also a good public path with the sun behind you most of the day. Drive out of Doncaster on A638, passing the passenger road entrance. Turn left signed Austerfield which takes you past the 02 threshold. At the roundabout take the old road/lane that goes off to the left sharply right up the east side perimeter fence. You can drive along the fence for about a mile and walk beyond that close to the control tower. The only view at the terminal now is a fence to the left of the terminal as you look at it and you can use 15 minutes free parking to jump out and have a look. For more info visit http://www.plane-mad.com/guide_view.php?guide=dsa.
or 
Updated 27 March 2008
DONCASTER-AERO VENTURE
MUSEUM
Please visit the museums website http://www.aeroventure.org.uk/ for all information including directions, entrance fees and exhibits. There are a lot of unmarked and covered up aircraft here so don’t be shy to ask the staff for help in identifying them. If you want to look round the ‘back’ at the storage areas, it might be wise to phone ahead as this depends on staff availability.
Updated 12 August 04
EDDSFIELD-OCTON CROSS
ROADS
Head north out of Langtoft on B1249, the cross roads are no more than 2 miles away. Website http://www.eastyorkshire.co.uk/eddsfield/
Added 4 May 2006
ELVINGTON
Southeast of York but
northwest of Elvington just off B1228.
Home of the North Yorkshire Aviation Museum - http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/. Website http://www.elvington.org/
FULL SUTTON - TWR 132.325
Take the
A166 east out of York. After going through Stamford Bridge turn right into Full
Sutton. At T-junction turn left
and continue through the village.
Leave the village and after a mile, turn right at the
crossroads
down a track. This leads to the
airfield. There are two hanger
areas one on either side of the runway.
Head through the industrial estate, following the RVP signs and you come
to the runway. The main 2 hangers
are on the other side of the runway and about 100 yards along. You have to drive along the runway to
get to the car park, so please keep a good lookout for any movements. Ask in the office for access. The second hanger area, one end
maintenance the other spraying, is at the side of the mill at the opposite end
of the runway. Can be accessed by
following the runway or driving back through the mill and parking by the
hanger. Also friendly, ask for
access.
Correct 9 May 2008
HUSTHWAITE-BAXBY MANOR
Head in to Husthwaite after going through Carlton Husthwaite, keeping the airfield visible on your right. Go through the village of Husthwaite and take the first farm track on the right. The entrance is marked by white stones directly opposite a cemetery, and there are small BAC signs on the track. The track starts off okay, but then becomes a bit bumpy, made up mainly of stones. Apparently there are two other ways to get to the airfield, but these are only advisable if you have a 4x4. The airfield is situated quite near some big electric pylons and electric lines - look out for these and you won't go far wrong. A very friendly microlight field - permission granted from the clubhouse. 3 hangars on the field, one is behind the clubhouse in a separate field. Not the easiest place to find by road as there are no signposts for the field. Website http://www.baxbyairsports.co.uk/
Correct 9 May 2008
KIRKBYMOORSIDE
From the roundabout on the A170 in the town, head south down Ings Lane. Keep going down the single track road and eventually the airfield entrance is on the right. It is where Slingsby make/make T67s.
LEEDS-BRADFORD - TWR 120.3, APP 123.75
On A658 just north of Yeadon. No access, but there are views of the new Multiflight apron
from the terminal. You get free 10
minutes parking in front of the terminal, so you can run up the stairs to look
across to Multiflight.
Alternatively, head towards the airport from Leeds and at Yeadon
crossroads, with big Murgatroyd’s fish shop in front of you, turn right and go
up the hill. When you reach some
rough ground on your left, pull in and you can see most of the airport from
there. From the terminal building
there are limited views from the upstairs cafe area. Every movement on the
runways can be seen although you are looking through about 3 sets of windows
and a walkway, therefore photo shots are impossible. From this area you can
only see limited stands at the western end containing the smaller commuter
types. If leaving the terminal take a right turn and walk past departures and
you get a view of around half of the larger stands. The best views can be found
"off airport". If arriving from the Bradford direction on the main
Harrogate road you will arrive at a crossroads about 1/2 mile from the airport.
On the right hand side of the crossroads you will see the Brewers fare pub
along with the Travel Inn. If arriving by bus you can get off at the bus stop
opposite the travel inn outside of Murgatroyd's Fish and Chip shop. If arriving by car there are plenty of
vantage points. 1) When arriving from the Bradford direction take a right turn
at the above crossroads and drive about 1/4 mile up a steep hill. Just before
the top of the hill take a left turn onto waste ground and park up (you will
see plenty of vehicles on here watching the aircraft). From this point from the various angles
you can see all of the stands and read off most things parked up. The large new
Multiflight hanger does obscure the views although photography is possible from
certain areas using a 300 lens. To get to this area on foot from the terminal
exit the airport complex by taking a left turn from the terminal. On reaching
the main road turn left and walk through the tunnel under the runway until you
reach the crossroads above. Walking time is about 30 mins. You can also catch
the Bradford service bus and get off after passing the travel inn. From here, you can walk down to the
perimeter fence, follow it along to the right and eventually you will come to
an emergency gate. In the far
right corner you’ll see a narrow gap, which leads to a narrow pathway that runs
all the way round the perimeter of the southern end of the airport and round
the end of runway 32 threshold.
From various points along this path you can get excellent landing and
rolling take off photos though it can be overgrown and muddy. 2) When arriving from the Bradford
direction continue through the crossroads towards the airport. You will shortly
see the tunnel, which passes beneath the runway. Before you reach the tunnel
take a left turn onto a small housing estate and park up. Cross the road and
walk towards a grass banking at the side of the runway. Here you will find a
couple of seats. Good views can be had of the main runway with good photos possible
of traffic lifting off early from RW32. A limited number of stands can be seen
from this area. If walking from the terminal follow the directions in 1) and
you will see the area once you have walked under the tunnel. 3) When arriving from the Bradford
direction take a left turn at the crossroads described in (1). Travel down this road for about 1/2
mile until you reach a small roundabout. Take a right turn just before the
roundabout (or if you miss it go round the roundabout and take the 1st left
past the Indian take away). Travel for about 1/2 mile and you will see the end
of runway 14. You will see a left turn onto a small raised parking area where
you can park up and watch the proceedings. If landings are on Runway 14 (only
about 30% of the time) you can get very good shots of aircraft on short final.
You can also get reasonable line up shots by climbing onto the wall by the
cemetery (please do not do this if there is a funeral in progress). The view of
the stands is very limited from here.
4) Go to the crash gate off Bayton Lane (It runs between the golf course
and the moor). You can actually see onto the Multiflight Apron from this point,
but everything is fairly tail on. You can normally read the registrations, but
if you like to appreciate what you’re seeing it's not too good. Also the new
parking diagonal on main apron stands 1 to 5 means this stuff is now tail
on. If leaving the airport on foot
exit the airport and on reaching the mini roundabout walk straight ahead. You
basically walk parallel to the runway until you find the above spot (15-20
mins). From this elevated spot you will see a large lake in your 2 o'clock
position. If you follow the footpath around the lake you can get photos from a
different angle in the afternoon (there's plenty of grass to lay out on if
needed!) For visitors to LBA, I
would advise on starting on the waste ground in 1) to read off what is parked
up. If you want to take photos, I
would go to point (2) if on runway 32, or point (3) if on runway 14. To see any
of the bizjets parked at Multiflight you really need to go into the terminal
and view from the first floor food court.
One final point – the airport is fairly quiet so check teletext for
scheduled and charter information before you leave to time it right. For more info visit http://www.spotterspots.com/LBA.htm,
and http://users.telenet.be/fvh/lbaspotter/. Yahoogroup http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/lba2. For airport parking visit
or
Updated 22 January 2008
LEEDS-CONEY PARK
Head north on A658 and go under the Leeds-Bradford airport runway. Coney Park is on the left.
LEEMING - TWR 120.5, 122.1, APP 123.3,
127.75
Just off A1 south of Leeming. Exit the A1 following the signs for the lorry park, NOT the station itself. At the end of the road take a left turn and this will take you down to a dedicated viewing area. This road has a small wall running along it over which you have a decent view of the visitors and 100 Sq ramp. Two preserved aircraft - an F4 and a Javelin - are visible to the left of the ramps. Following the signs to the lorry park takes you down to a crash gate, not very good views from here though. For more info visit http://www.warplane.co.uk/AirfieldGuides/Leeming.htm
Updated 23 January 2008
LINLEY HILL – TWR 123.05
From Brandesburton, head south along A165 and turn right at next roundabout signed Leven. Follow road for 2-3miles and strip is on right and signposted. Be careful with the track leading to the strip. It's either extremely muddy when wet, or potholes and bumpy when dry. Ask in the control point for access, which is not always granted. If it is denied they are usually ok with you logging from the car park. Website http://www.hullaeroclub.co.uk/.
Correct as of 25 February 2008
LINTON-on-OUSE
North of the village, follow the signs. There is a dedicated viewing area here with very good views across the ramp, anything parked out is read off easily. There is a smallish lay by at a white crash gate set aside specifically for cars to park and to view. This is the only spot you need to go to for the active ramp - you'll see all the flightlined Tucanos from here. There is still a Jet Provost on the gate though, so you'll need to venture round the corner to see that.
Added 23 January 2008
MELBOURNE-MELROSE FARM
Village is southeast of York near B1228. From village head south and turn left after 1 mile at crossroads. Go under power lines and take next right for strip. Airfield/drag racing strip well signposted though entrance to airfield is difficult to find. You have to drive through the farm and they park just south of the middle of the runway. Only go on Saturdays when the gyros are flying - most are in containers with a couple more and a few microlights in an open shed.
Correct as of 11 March 2008
NETHERTHORPE - TWR 123.275
Head east out of Whitewell on A619 and take the first left after about 2 miles. Couple of sharp bends then after a mile turn right. Continue to T-junction, airfield is straight ahead. Turn right for entrance. Alternatively, from M1 northbound come off at J30 and take the A619 towards Worksop. After you pass two junctions on the right to Whitwell you need to take a minor road on the left, marked for Thorpe Salvin. There is soon another left off this road down an even narrower road! When this road ends turn right and you will then see the airfield on the left. Coming from J31 is possibly easier. Again take the A57 towards Worksop. Take a right into Shireoaks and you should go over the level crossing next to the station. Take a right marked for Thorpe Salvin. When you get to Netherthorpe you need to turn left and then the airfield is on the right. Very friendly, ask in clubhouse or control tower for access. Logging airside is only allowed with an escort, contacting beforehand to arrange a visit will get you a tour. Websites http://www.phoenix-flying.co.uk/ and http://www.sheffair.f9.co.uk/welcome.htm.
Correct 4 July 2008
NEWBY WISKE-WATHSTONES FARM
Head north out of village, over the stream and farm is on left just after a road on the left (Back Lane)
OXENHOPE-HAWKSBRIDGE FARM
Or ‘Oxenhope International’ as stated on the welcome board on the hangar! Leave the village of Oxenhope on the B6141 (take care - narrow road with lots of parked vehicles) and in a short distance you will pass a reservoir on the right of the road. Just after the reservoir the road swings sharp left, then just before the sharp right, turn hard left into Blackmoor Road. The strip is to the right of this road, on the top of the hill, and cannot be seen from the road. The rough drive to the strip is the fourth opening on the right. The bench on Blackmoor Road is a good indicator as to where to turn up to the field. The bench is just next to the turning on the left hand side as you turn in to the track. It appears at first glance to be the entrance to a house, but keep right and the track takes you to the hangar. If you miss the turning, go up to the entrance to the caravan park, turn round and then take the first opening on the left. The track up to the hangar runs parallel to, and very close to, the main grass runway, so keep a very good lookout for any aircraft movements, and do not impede! At weekends, the aircraft owners are very friendly, but ensure you ask first.
Updated 1 August 04
POCKLINGTON
West of town between A1079 and B1246. Entrance is off a minor road just on the east side - follow signs for the Gliding Club. One hanger, though most are parked on the field. Friendly, ask in office for access.
Correct as of 25 February 2008
RUFFORTH
Head south out of village. Three sides to this airfield - 1 microlight (Rufforth East), 1 private at farmhouse and 1 glider (Rufforth West). Glider side friendly, ask for access though you may need to be escorted. The workshop usually require a donation for access, but they are friendly. Microlight area will require ID, I suggest passport rather than driving licence, though you will likely be denied access and have been known to be extremely rude and unpleasant. Website http://www.microlight.flyer.co.uk/rufforth.htm
Correct 26 June 2008
SANDTOFT - TWR 130.425
In village, at 5 crossroads, head southwest and airfield is on left
SHEFFIELD CITY
Off M1 J33, follow signs. The free car park to the right of the terminal overlooks the ramp and you can log everything. Similar views can be had through the windows of the terminal building. There are two hangars but access is not possible – if you call beforehand giving at least 24 hours notice it may be possible to arrange a guided tour of the hangars. There is another view of the ramp by the entrance to these hangars. The police helicopter has its own hangar - if you turn left as you leave the terminal area, it is parked by the second (?) roundabout, the same roundabout as the Carcraft used car area.
Updated 20 October 2007
SHERBURN - TWR 122.6
East of Sherburn-in-Elmet on B1222. Ask in the clubhouse for access, very friendly - you will be asked for ID and to wear a high vis jacket to get access for all hangars (maintenance hangar is shut at weekends). Hangars on left are for maintenance and there is also a Pitts hangar round the back of those and next to the car park. Don't forget to take an airside jacket to walk down taxiway to large hangar and there is also a hangar off to the right outside a house but this may be one and the same. Website http://www.sherburn-aero-club.org.uk/
Correct 25 June 2008
SOUTH CAVE-MOUNT AIREY
FARM
Take A1034 into town, turn right at the crossroads (Beverley Road?) and take the next right after half a mile. Long drive up a hill and through the farm. Very friendly, ask for access to hangars and it should be ok to peep through any gaps if they are locked.
Updated 24 August 2006
SUTTON BANK
Take A170 east out of Thirsk and after about 6 miles the strip is on the right. The turning is at the top of a steep hill and is signed Yorkshire Gliding. Website http://www.ygc.co.uk/
Updated 29 April 2007
THORPE AUDLIN-WALTON WOOD
Head southeast out of village on A639 and strip is 1 mile on right. There is a signpost on the side of the road. Friendly helicopter maintenance strip with 2 hangars near the road and another remote hangar some way from the main buildings. Ask at reception for access to hangars – it may be denied due to ‘health and safety’ but you should be allowed to look through the door instead. Website http://www.heliscott.co.uk/
Updated 9 May 2008
WOMBLETON
Turn off the A170 to Wombleton. Go through Wombleton and head towards Harome. The road to the airfield, which also leads to a caravan park, is on the left just outside Wombleton. This will take you to the old control tower. If locked up can get a few through gaps in hangars. To get to the hanger you go past the old control tower and follow the old runways. Very friendly, ask for access.
Updated 2 April 2005