Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire in the West Midlands is steeped in history, and now you too can now immerse yourself in its rich aviation past with FlyDays.co.uk.
Situated in the Needwood Survey, a 3000 hectare estate owned by the Duchy of Lancaster in the former Needwood Forest, Tatenhill started life as a base for the Royal Air Force, once known as RAF Crossplains and later RAF Tatenhill.
Aeroplanes first flew from the site near Burton Upon Trent in 1941 during World War II, primarily for use by the No. 16 Elementary Training Flying School that were also based at RAF Burnaston of Derbyshire.
Among the planes to have flown from Tatenhill include the Miles Magister, Vickers Wellington and Avro Anson. It was also a satellite airfield for nearby RAF Lichfield until 1942, and it also housed the RAF School of Explosives from 1945 to 1947.
By 1950, the RAF had left the airfield and it became disused. Many of its original features from its years of military action are still standing on the airfield today.
However, it didn’t lay unused for long, as it became closely associated with Allied Breweries, who started using the facility to fly in visitors and also operate its own aircraft, including several de Havillands and Beech airliners.
This continued for a number of decades but finished in 1985. It was quickly then taken over for general aviation use, including a flying school, which are still in operation today. Nowadays, the busy airfield also stations an air ambulance and aircraft servicing and repairs, as well as the original three strip Asphalt runway laid down by the RAF, measuring 1190 x 28 metres.
Runway or Another
FlyDays.co.uk is passionate about getting your airborne, so we’ve also got a 60 minute flying lesson package that is ideal for first-time would-be pilots.
These are a fantastic option because not only do you get the same high quality flying tutelage, but longer in the air means that you’ll have more time to gain confidence when airborne.
Our two-seater aircraft are perfect for beginners, and you’ll soon be flying high with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) qualified instructor by your side.
Fuel for You
The Flight Deck Café at Tatenhill Airfield is the perfect place for flyers to refuel. From full breakfasts, to jacket potatoes and hot paninis, plus much more, these delicious snacks will give you skywards sustenance!
Spectators are welcome along to the airfield to take in the action and take photos whilst you’re up in the air, so why not invite them to come and make a day of it with some refreshments afterwards?
Booking to Fly at Tatenhill Airfield
Whether it’s at Tatenhill Airfield, or any other of our flying venues across the UK, you can be sure that FlyDays.co.uk only offers the most fantastic flying experiences at the best possible prices.
You can book onto any of our available Tatenhill flying packages with purchase of our open gift vouchers, or by booking onto a forthcoming date of your choice using our regularly updated Events calendar.