Panshanger Aerodrome

United Kingdom / England / Harmer Green-Tewin /
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Flying Club, restaurant.
Originally a WWII dummy field to protect De Havilland at Hatfield.

Panshanger aerodrome was bourn in WWII as a "decoy aerodrome" with a factory made by film set experts, complete with dummy aircrafts cars ,smoking chimneys and deliberate 'black out leaks' in a switch operated configuration. Those measures were aimed at diverting German bombers away from Hatfield. It was so successful, that many of our own pilots landed at Panshanger by mistake! In the early forties RAF Elementary Flight Training School was based in Panshanger and within few months, real buildings began to replace the canvas and scaffolding dummies. In the early fifties the RAF had pulled out and Panshanger aerodrome become a civilian airport, and is serving General Aviation needs ever since. With it’s nearly a 1000 meter grass runway it can accommodate single engine aircrafts and many light twines.

As one of the only two licensed aerodromes that left in Hertfordshire Panshanger aerodrome is the ideal environment to take flying lessons as a budding pilot in light aircraft or helicopters. The North London Flying School provides gift voucher flight experiences which can include a trial lesson, a flip in an aerobatic aircraft or a helicopter ride. Pilot training for those wishing to acquire their pilots Licence in aircraft and helicopter can be achieved here. Panshanger has a friendly atmosphere whilst ensuring your experience is conducted in a safe environment.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panshanger_Airport
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   51°48'8"N   -0°9'29"E

Comments

  • WW2 airfield
  • i got food poisening from the greasy spoon cafe here
  • Originally known as RAF Trewin, 1 EFTS, (Elentary Flight Training School), my father, Hugh Christopher Richford, was posted there in July 1943 after returning from pilot training in Canada. From his notes I believe he was only there for one month before going to Banff and then Waterbeach 514 Sqd on Lancasters. He flew more than 30 operational flights over Europe, on Lancasters then Mosquitos.
  • I think I have a photograph signed by your father (Richie) taken 21st December 1944 at Waterbeach. It shows 7 members of the aircrew, who are all named on the reverse. If you can send me an email address, I will scan the photograph for you. Jane
This article was last modified 15 years ago