Monday, August 15, 2005

Bruntingthorpe - A Unique Experience

Bruntingthorpe airfield is quite local to myself being an ex USAF base (closed in the 50's). It is home to quite a few ex cold war jets, many maintained in flying condition, although many are not allowed to be flown anymore. About once or twice a year they hold an open day where you can go along and watch aircraft such as the two lightnings and also the likes of a Victor tanker, Buccanneer, Comet and many more carry out full power taxy runs down the 2 mile runway.(the most notable resident aircraft being Vulcan XH558 which is due to return to the air in 2006). It's a unique experience as you can stand right by the runway, much closer than at a conventional airshow. I believe the next open day is going to be August bank holiday Sunday. For more info check out: www.ColdWarJets.co.uk

Very often other aircraft will visit on these open days and there is also sporadic weekend flying activity. Seems a shame it doesn't see much flying activity these days with such a huge runway. The owner, a dedicated enthusiast has put forward plans for a freight airport in the past but to no avail.
By the way, their air/ground frequency is: 122.825.

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