Last Sunday was Wellesbourne Airfield's open day. It was a chance for the general public to gain access to areas of the airfield which are usually off limits.
The tower was a particularly popular attraction, giving people the chance to see across the airfield and to see and hear the controllers in action. Also popular was the area in front of the tower which had the airfield's fire and emergency attendance vehicles (which the kids loved!) and several aircraft.
Throughout the day there was plenty to see and do. A barbeque was supplying hungry visitors, a laser clay pigeon shoot was testing hand/eye co- ordination, a live band (the aptly named 'Hangar Management) played, and the Touchdown Cafe was open serving food and drinks.
However the main attractions were the planes and helicopters and the chance for people to take to the air, which is exactly what I did!
Taking off in sunshine and being able to see Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding coutryside (as far as The Malvern Hills) was an experience that I will remember for a long time. The views you get from the air over the town are amazing. You can trace the course of both The River Avon and the canal as they cut across the county. The RSC Tower stands out like a finger pointing skywards, and the criss cross of the town's ancient streets are more grid like than is apparent from the ground.
Having circled Stratford a couple of times it was then my opportunity to take control of the plane! The most surprising aspect was how delicate you have to be with the controls and how responsive the plane was. It is easy to see how people catch the flying bug, there is nothing like it. You are away from the hustle and bustle, the views are extraordinary and the feeling of freedom is immense.
All good things come to an end, so back to Wellesbourne Airfield we headed and into a hail storm which had blown in!
Many thanks to Aeros and Tali for their hospitality and for giving me such a great experience
