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Chalgrove Airfield: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°40′28″N 001°05′07″W / 51.67444°N 1.08528°W / 51.67444; -1.08528
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox airport
{{Infobox airport
| name = Chalgrove Airfield
| name = Chalgrove Airfield
| ensign =
| ensign = [[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]][[File:Eighth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).png|60px]][[File:Patch9thusaaf.png|60px]]
| nativename = RAF Chalgrove
| nativename = (RAF Chalgrove)
| nativename-a =
| nativename-a =
| nativename-r = USAAF Station AAF-465
| nativename-r = (USAAF Station AAF-465)
| image = Chalgrove-22apr44.png
| image = Chalgrove-22apr44.png
| image-width = 250
| image-width = 250
| caption = Chalgrove Airfield - 22 April 1944, about six weeks before D-Day.
| caption = Chalgrove Airfield – 22 April 1944, about six weeks before D-Day.
| IATA =
| IATA =
| ICAO = EGLJ
| ICAO = EGLJ
| type = Private
| type = Private
| owner = Leased from the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| owner = Leased from [[Homes England]]
| operator = [[Martin-Baker|Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd]]
| operator = [[Martin-Baker|Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd]]
| city-served = [[Oxford]]
| city-served = [[Oxford]]
Line 24: Line 24:
| website =
| website =
| metric-rwy = y
| metric-rwy = y
| r2-number = 06/24<br><small>unlicensed</small>
| r2-number = 06/24<br /><small>unlicensed</small>
| r2-length-m = 1,325
| r2-length-m = 1,325
| r2-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| r2-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r1-number = 13/31
| r1-number = 13/31
| r1-length-m = 1,830
| r1-length-m = 1,830
| r1-surface = Asphalt
| r1-surface = Asphalt
| r3-number = 18/36<br><small>unlicensed</small>
| r3-number = 18/36<br /><small>unlicensed</small>
| r3-length-m = 1,276
| r3-length-m = 1,276
| r3-surface = Asphalt
| r3-surface = Asphalt
Line 38: Line 38:
| stat2-header =
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| stat2-data =
| footnotes = Sources: UK [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] at [[National Air Traffic Services|NATS]]<ref name="aip">[http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=43&Itemid=92.html Chalgrove - EGLJ]</ref>
| footnotes = Sources: UK [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] at [[National Air Traffic Services|NATS]]<ref name="aip">[http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=43&Itemid=92.html Chalgrove – EGLJ]</ref>
}}
}}


'''Chalgrove Airfield''' {{Airport codes||EGLJ}} is a former [[Second World War]] airfield in [[Oxfordshire]], [[England]]. The airfield is located approximately {{convert|3|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of [[Benson, Oxfordshire|Benson]]; about {{convert|42|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of [[London]].
'''Chalgrove Airfield''' {{Airport codes||EGLJ}} is a former [[Second World War]] airfield in [[Oxfordshire]], [[England]]. It is approximately {{convert|3|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of [[Benson, Oxfordshire|Benson]] in the heart of [[South Oxfordshire]] between Henley and Oxford; about {{convert|42|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of [[London]].


Opened in 1943, it was used by both the [[Royal Air Force]] and [[United States Army Air Forces]]. During the war it was used primarily as a combat reconnaissance airfield. After the war it was closed in late 1946.
Opened in 1943, it was used by both the [[Royal Air Force]] and [[United States Army Air Forces]]. During the war, it was used primarily as a combat reconnaissance airfield. It was closed in late 1946.


Today, the airfield is primarily used by the [[Martin-Baker]] company for testing [[Ejection seats]].
Today, the airfield is primarily used by the [[Martin-Baker]] company for testing [[ejection seats]].


It was announced on 6 September 2016 that Chalgrove Airfield had been the subject of a Ministerial Transfer from the MoD to the Homes and Communities Agency, with a view to building houses on part of the airfield as part of the South Oxfordshire District Council's Local Plan 2032. This is subject to review and consultation.
It was announced on 6 September 2016 that Chalgrove Airfield had been the subject of a ministerial transfer from the MoD to the Homes and Communities Agency (now called [[Homes England]]), with a view to building a housing-led mixed-use development on part of the airfield as part of the South Oxfordshire District Council's Local Plan 2034.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/local-plan-2034|title = Oops – we can't find that page}}</ref> This is subject to review and consultation, with the examination-in-public starting in July 2020.

Homes England submitted an outline planning application<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chalgroveairfield.com/en/page_146724.php|title=About Us}}</ref> on 19 June 2020 for 3,000 homes, a secondary and two primary schools, a new town centre and 40,000 square metres of employment space, along with community and leisure uses which will be determined by South Oxfordshire District Council.


==History==
==History==


===United States Army Air Forces use===
===United States Army Air Forces use===
Chalgrove was allocated to the [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) by the [[Air Ministry]] on 1 November 1942. It was known as '''USAAF Station AAF-465''' for security reasons by the USAAF during the war, and by which it was referred to instead of location.
Chalgrove was allocated to the [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) by the [[Air Ministry]] on 1 November 1942. It was known as '''USAAF Station AAF-465''' for security reasons by the USAAF during the war, and by which it was referred to instead of the location.


USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Chalgrove were:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/74 |title=Chalgrove |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=2 Mar 2015}}</ref>
USAAF station units assigned to RAF Chalgrove were:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/74 |title=Chalgrove |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>
* 30th Service Group (VIII Air Force Service Command)<ref name>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/258 |title=30th Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=2 Mar 2015}}</ref>
* 30th Service Group (VIII Air Force Service Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/258 |title=30th Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>
: 493d and 494th Service Squadrons; HHS, 30th Service Group
: 493d and 494th Service Squadrons; HHS, 30th Service Group
* 21st Weather Squadron
* 21st Weather Squadron
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[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 10th Reconnaissance Group - F-6 Mustang 42-103213.jpg|thumb|An F-6 Mustang (IX-H, serial number 42-103213) nicknamed "'Azel" of the 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove Airfield.]]
[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 10th Reconnaissance Group - F-6 Mustang 42-103213.jpg|thumb|An F-6 Mustang (IX-H, serial number 42-103213) nicknamed "'Azel" of the 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove Airfield.]]
[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 25th Bombardment Group - Mosquito MM 388.jpg|thumb|An airman of the 25th Bomb Group with a Mosquito (H, serial number MM 388).]]
[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 25th Bombardment Group - Mosquito MM 388.jpg|thumb|An airman of the 25th Bomb Group with a Mosquito (H, serial number MM 388).]]
[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 7th Reconnaissance Group - F-5 Lightning taxxing.jpg|thumb| An F-5 Lightning of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove.]]
[[File:Chalgrove Airfield - 7th Reconnaissance Group - F-5 Lightning taxxing.jpg|thumb|An F-5 Lightning of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove.]]
The first residents of the airfield was the [[10th Reconnaissance Group]] which arrived from [[Meridian Regional Airport|Key Field]], [[Mississippi]] in January 1944. The group consisted of the following operational squadrons:
The first residents of the airfield was the [[10th Reconnaissance Group]] which arrived from [[Meridian Regional Airport|Key Field]], [[Mississippi]] in January 1944. The group consisted of the following operational squadrons:


* [[15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron]]
* [[15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron]]
* 30th Photographic Reconnaissance
* 30th Photographic Reconnaissance
* 31st Photographic Reconnaissance
* 31st Photographic Reconnaissance PLEASE DELETE THE 31ST PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON FROM THIS ENTRY. THIS SQUADRON WAS LOST WITH THE SINKING OF THE SS PAUL HAMILTON ON 20 APRIL 1944 IN THE MEDITERRANEAN OFF OF ALGERS.
* 33d Photographic Reconnaissance
* 33rd Photographic Reconnaissance
* 34th Photographic Reconnaissance
* 34th Photographic Reconnaissance
* [[45th Reconnaissance Squadron|423d/155th Photographic Reconnaissance]]
* [[45th Reconnaissance Squadron|423d/155th Photographic Reconnaissance]]


The 30th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS) arrived in January and early February. The 31st (DELETE), 33rd and 34th PRS became operational at Chalgrove in April.
The 30th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS) arrived in January and early February. The 31st, 33rd and 34th PRS became operational at Chalgrove in April.


The primary aircraft flown by the group consisted of photographic versions of the [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] (F-5) and [[North American P-51 Mustang]] (F-6). In addition the unit also flew the [[Stinson Vigilant|Stinson L-1 Vigilant]] and [[L-5 Sentinel]] along with the [[Piper J-3|Piper L-4 Grasshopper]] light observation aircraft.
The primary aircraft flown by the group consisted of photographic versions of the [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] (F-5) and [[North American P-51 Mustang]] (F-6). In addition, the unit also flew the [[Stinson Vigilant|Stinson L-1 Vigilant]] and [[L-5 Sentinel]] along with the [[Piper J-3|Piper L-4 Grasshopper]] light observation aircraft.
In May 1944 the 30th PRS moved to [[AAC Middle Wallop|RAF Middle Wallop]] and it was replaced by the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron with [[Douglas A-20 Havoc]] (F-3A) from [[RAF Charmy Down]] which was used for night photo reconnaissance. In June the 423d was renamed the 155th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.
In May 1944 the 30th PRS moved to [[AAC Middle Wallop|RAF Middle Wallop]] and it was replaced by the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron with [[Douglas A-20 Havoc]] (F-3A) from [[RAF Charmy Down]] which was used for night photo-reconnaissance. In June the 423d was renamed the 155th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.


After the invasion the 15th TPRS moved into France first, to the [[Advanced Landing Ground]] at [[Rennes - Saint-Jacques Airport|Rennes - St-Jacques]], [[France]] (ALG A-27) on 10 July. The other squadrons of the 10th moved over the next few weeks, the last being the 155th which moved to France in mid-August.
After the invasion, the 15th TPRS moved into France first, to the [[Advanced Landing Ground]] at [[Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport|Rennes–Saint-Jacques]], [[France]] (ALG A-27) on 10 July. The other squadrons of the 10th moved over the next few weeks, the last being the 155th which moved to France in mid-August.


====25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance)====
====25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance)====
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==Post RAF use==
==Post RAF use==
[[File:Chalgrove airfield.jpg|thumb|Chalgrove Airfield, looking southwards down the length of one of the runways with [[Chalgrove]] village behind.]]
[[File:Chalgrove airfield.jpg|thumb|Chalgrove Airfield, looking southwards down the length of one of the runways with [[Chalgrove]] village behind.]]
With the end of military control, Chalgrove Airfield was leased by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to [[Martin-Baker]] in July 1946 for the development and testing of [[Ejection seat|ejection seats]]. Although most of the hardstands have been removed over the years, all of the runways and perimeter track exist and are still in use by Martin-Baker. Two of the wartime T2 hangars are in use as part of the airfield and the Monument Industrial Estate site just to the south-east of the airfield contains some old USAAF buildings that were once part of the airfield.
With the end of military control, Chalgrove Airfield was leased by the Ministry of Defence to [[Martin-Baker]] in July 1946 for the development and testing of [[ejection seat]]s. Although most of the hardstands have been removed over the years, all of the runways and perimeter track exist and are still in use by Martin-Baker. Two of the wartime T2 hangars are in use as part of the airfield and the Monument Industrial Estate site just to the south-east of the airfield contains some old USAAF buildings that were once part of the airfield.


Chalgrove Aerodrome has a [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|CAA]] Ordinary Licence (Number P683) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Martin-Baker (Engineering) Limited). The aerodrome is not licensed for night use.<ref>[http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Ordinary Licences] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053955/http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf |date=28 June 2007 }}</ref> Runways 06/24 and 18/36 became unlicensed in 2012.<ref>''Pooley's Flight Guide'', 2012, p 178 (as amended)</ref>
Chalgrove Aerodrome has a [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|CAA]] ordinary licence (number P683) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Martin-Baker (Engineering) Limited). The aerodrome is not licensed for night use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf |title=Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Ordinary Licences |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053955/http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2007}}</ref> Runways 06/24 and 18/36 became unlicensed in 2012.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pooley's Flight Guide |date=2012 |page=178}}</ref>


In 2016, under the ''A Better Defence Estate'' review, ownership of the site was transferred from the Ministry of Defence to [[Homes England]] with the intention of redeveloping the site for 3,000 homes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3777464/Defence-chiefs-sell-air-fields-GOLF-COURSES-scramble-raise-225million.html |title=Defence chiefs sell off air fields and even their GOLF COURSES as they scramble to raise £225million |publisher=Daily Mail |date=7 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chalgroveairfield.com/en/homepage.php|title=Carter Jonas {{!}} Chalgrove Airfield|last=|first=|date=|website=www.chalgroveairfield.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=9 December 2018}}</ref>
In 2016, under the ''A Better Defence Estate'' review, ownership of the site was transferred from the Ministry of Defence to [[Homes England]] with the intention of redeveloping the site for 3,000 homes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chalgroveairfield.com/en/homepage.php |publisher=Carter Jonas |title=Chalgrove Airfield |website=chalgroveairfield.com |access-date=9 December 2018}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
Chalgrove appeared in an episode of the British TV series ''[[The Professionals (TV series)|The Professionals]]'', the [[Cessna 172]] being used by an escaper supposedly crashing into an airfield building. An episode of the cult series ''[[The Prisoner]]'' also used Chalgrove, including sequences involving a [[Martin-Baker|Martin Baker]] [[Gloster Meteor]].
Chalgrove appeared in an episode of the British TV series ''[[The Professionals (TV series)|The Professionals]]'', the [[Cessna 172]] being used by an escaper supposedly crashing into an airfield building. An episode of the cult series ''[[The Prisoner]]'' also used Chalgrove, including sequences involving a [[Martin-Baker]] [[Gloster Meteor]].


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|United States Air Force|Royal Air Force|World War II}}
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
*[[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]
*[[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]


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===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* Freeman, Roger A. (1994) ''UK airfields of the Ninth: then and now'', London : Battle of Britain Prints International, {{ISBN|0-900913-80-0}}
* Freeman, Roger A. (1994) ''UK airfields of the Ninth: then and now'', London: Battle of Britain Prints International, {{ISBN|0-900913-80-0}}
* Maurer, Maurer (1983) ''Air Force combat units of World War II'', Washington, D.C. : Office of Air Force History, {{ISBN|0-912799-02-1}}
* Maurer, Maurer (1983) ''Air Force combat units of World War II'', Washington, D.C.: Office of Air Force History, {{ISBN|0-912799-02-1}}
* Truman, Robert (2006) [http://www.controltowers.co.uk/C/Chalgrove.htm ''RAF Chalgrove airfield''], Control Towers.co.uk, www web site [accessed 30 July 2007]
* {{cite web |last=Truman |first=Robert |date=2006 |url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/C/Chalgrove.htm |title=RAF Chalgrove airfield |website=ControlTowers.co.uk |access-date=30 July 2007}}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}


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{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 9th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 9th Air Force UK}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Airports in England]]
[[Category:Airports in England]]

Latest revision as of 20:03, 21 March 2024

Chalgrove Airfield

(RAF Chalgrove)

(USAAF Station AAF-465)
Chalgrove Airfield – 22 April 1944, about six weeks before D-Day.
Summary
Airport typePrivate
OwnerLeased from Homes England
OperatorMartin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd
ServesOxford
LocationChalgrove, Oxfordshire
Elevation AMSL240 ft / 73 m
Coordinates51°40′28″N 001°05′07″W / 51.67444°N 1.08528°W / 51.67444; -1.08528
Map
EGLJ is located in Oxfordshire
EGLJ
EGLJ
Location in Oxfordshire
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
13/31 1,830 6,004 Asphalt
06/24
unlicensed 		1,325 4,347 Asphalt
18/36
unlicensed 		1,276 4,186 Asphalt
Sources: UK AIP at NATS[1]

Chalgrove Airfield (ICAO: EGLJ) is a former Second World War airfield in Oxfordshire, England. It is approximately 3 mi (4.8 km) north-northeast of Benson in the heart of South Oxfordshire between Henley and Oxford; about 42 mi (68 km) north-northwest of London.

Opened in 1943, it was used by both the Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces. During the war, it was used primarily as a combat reconnaissance airfield. It was closed in late 1946.

Today, the airfield is primarily used by the Martin-Baker company for testing ejection seats.

It was announced on 6 September 2016 that Chalgrove Airfield had been the subject of a ministerial transfer from the MoD to the Homes and Communities Agency (now called Homes England), with a view to building a housing-led mixed-use development on part of the airfield as part of the South Oxfordshire District Council's Local Plan 2034.[2] This is subject to review and consultation, with the examination-in-public starting in July 2020.

Homes England submitted an outline planning application[3] on 19 June 2020 for 3,000 homes, a secondary and two primary schools, a new town centre and 40,000 square metres of employment space, along with community and leisure uses which will be determined by South Oxfordshire District Council.

History

[edit]

United States Army Air Forces use

[edit]

Chalgrove was allocated to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) by the Air Ministry on 1 November 1942. It was known as USAAF Station AAF-465 for security reasons by the USAAF during the war, and by which it was referred to instead of the location.

USAAF station units assigned to RAF Chalgrove were:[4]

  • 30th Service Group (VIII Air Force Service Command)[5]
493d and 494th Service Squadrons; HHS, 30th Service Group
  • 21st Weather Squadron
  • 324th Station Complement Squadron
  • 40th Mobile Communications Squadron
  • 49th Mobile Reclamation and Repair Squadron
  • 1078th Quartermaster Company
  • 1106th Signal Company
  • 1201st Military Police Company
  • 1464th Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company
  • 2251st Quartermaster Truck Company
  • 2060th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon

10th Reconnaissance Group

[edit]
An F-6 Mustang (IX-H, serial number 42-103213) nicknamed "'Azel" of the 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove Airfield.
An airman of the 25th Bomb Group with a Mosquito (H, serial number MM 388).
An F-5 Lightning of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Chalgrove.

The first residents of the airfield was the 10th Reconnaissance Group which arrived from Key Field, Mississippi in January 1944. The group consisted of the following operational squadrons:

The 30th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS) arrived in January and early February. The 31st, 33rd and 34th PRS became operational at Chalgrove in April.

The primary aircraft flown by the group consisted of photographic versions of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning (F-5) and North American P-51 Mustang (F-6). In addition, the unit also flew the Stinson L-1 Vigilant and L-5 Sentinel along with the Piper L-4 Grasshopper light observation aircraft.

In May 1944 the 30th PRS moved to RAF Middle Wallop and it was replaced by the 423rd Night Fighter Squadron with Douglas A-20 Havoc (F-3A) from RAF Charmy Down which was used for night photo-reconnaissance. In June the 423d was renamed the 155th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.

After the invasion, the 15th TPRS moved into France first, to the Advanced Landing Ground at Rennes–Saint-Jacques, France (ALG A-27) on 10 July. The other squadrons of the 10th moved over the next few weeks, the last being the 155th which moved to France in mid-August.

25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance)

[edit]

In August 1944 the 653d Bombardment Squadron of the 25th Bombardment Group based at RAF Watton moved to Chalgrove. The 653d was an Eighth Air Force unit equipped with special weather reconnaissance Mosquito PRXVI's which operated over the waters adjacent to the British Isles and occasionally to the Azores to obtain meteorological data. The squadron also flew over mainland Europe for weather information needed in planning operations. In November 1945 the squadron was inactivated.

7th Reconnaissance Group

[edit]

In March 1945 the 13th, 14th and 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons from the VII Air Service Command 7th Reconnaissance Group moved to Chalgrove from RAF Mount Farm flying P-51 Mustangs (F-6). Fuselage codes were "ES" for the 13th PRS and "G2" for the 22nd. The unit also flew the Stinson L-5 Sentinel light observation aircraft.

The group was inactivated at the 4th Strategic Air Depot (Hitcham) on 21 November 1945.

Royal Air Force use

[edit]

With the inactivation of the 25th Bomb Group, the USAAF returned the airfield to the RAF on 1 December 1945.

Post RAF use

[edit]
Chalgrove Airfield, looking southwards down the length of one of the runways with Chalgrove village behind.

With the end of military control, Chalgrove Airfield was leased by the Ministry of Defence to Martin-Baker in July 1946 for the development and testing of ejection seats. Although most of the hardstands have been removed over the years, all of the runways and perimeter track exist and are still in use by Martin-Baker. Two of the wartime T2 hangars are in use as part of the airfield and the Monument Industrial Estate site just to the south-east of the airfield contains some old USAAF buildings that were once part of the airfield.

Chalgrove Aerodrome has a CAA ordinary licence (number P683) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Martin-Baker (Engineering) Limited). The aerodrome is not licensed for night use.[6] Runways 06/24 and 18/36 became unlicensed in 2012.[7]

In 2016, under the A Better Defence Estate review, ownership of the site was transferred from the Ministry of Defence to Homes England with the intention of redeveloping the site for 3,000 homes.[8]

[edit]

Chalgrove appeared in an episode of the British TV series The Professionals, the Cessna 172 being used by an escaper supposedly crashing into an airfield building. An episode of the cult series The Prisoner also used Chalgrove, including sequences involving a Martin-Baker Gloster Meteor.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Chalgrove – EGLJ
  2. ^ "Oops – we can't find that page".
  3. ^ "About Us".
  4. ^ "Chalgrove". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  5. ^ "30th Service Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Ordinary Licences" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 June 2007.
  7. ^ Pooley's Flight Guide. 2012. p. 178.
  8. ^ "Chalgrove Airfield". chalgroveairfield.com. Carter Jonas. Retrieved 9 December 2018.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Freeman, Roger A. (1994) UK airfields of the Ninth: then and now, London: Battle of Britain Prints International, ISBN 0-900913-80-0
  • Maurer, Maurer (1983) Air Force combat units of World War II, Washington, D.C.: Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
  • Truman, Robert (2006). "RAF Chalgrove airfield". ControlTowers.co.uk. Retrieved 30 July 2007.
[edit]
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