Eshott Airfield
Encyclopedia
Eshott Airfield is an old war
time airfield in Northumberland
, England
20 miles (32 km) north of Newcastle
, and midway between Morpeth
and Alnwick
. It is also known as Bockenfield Aerodrome.
Eshott Airfield is home to two flying schools, Purple Aviation and Northumbria Microlights.
Purple Aviation operates two Evektor Eurostar EV-97 aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 engine along with one flexi-wing, the Pegasus Quik GT450. And talks have commenced upon the purchase of another aircraft.
Northumbria Microlights operates a Medway SLA-80, the only SLA-80 aircraft used in flight training in the British Isles.
it was home to No. 57 OTU RAF. Training on Spitfire
s was carried out there until the unit was transferred north to RAF Boulmer
in August 1944.
The airfield is now the home for over 40 aircraft and accommodates a clubhouse building, parking, and 3 hangar blocks.
War
War is a state of organized, armed, and often prolonged conflict carried on between states, nations, or other parties typified by extreme aggression, social disruption, and usually high mortality. War should be understood as an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict between political...
time airfield in Northumberland
Northumberland
Northumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
20 miles (32 km) north of Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
, and midway between Morpeth
Morpeth, Northumberland
Morpeth is the county town of Northumberland, England. It is situated on the River Wansbeck which flows east through the town. The town is from the A1, which bypasses it. Since 1981, it has been the administrative centre of the County of Northumberland. In the 2001 census the town had a population...
and Alnwick
Alnwick
Alnwick is a small market town in north Northumberland, England. The town's population was just over 8000 at the time of the 2001 census and Alnwick's district population was 31,029....
. It is also known as Bockenfield Aerodrome.
Eshott Airfield is home to two flying schools, Purple Aviation and Northumbria Microlights.
Purple Aviation operates two Evektor Eurostar EV-97 aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 engine along with one flexi-wing, the Pegasus Quik GT450. And talks have commenced upon the purchase of another aircraft.
Northumbria Microlights operates a Medway SLA-80, the only SLA-80 aircraft used in flight training in the British Isles.
World War II
From 10 November 1942 during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
it was home to No. 57 OTU RAF. Training on Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used as a front line fighter and in secondary roles into the 1950s...
s was carried out there until the unit was transferred north to RAF Boulmer
RAF Boulmer
RAF Boulmer is a Royal Air Force station near Alnwick in Northumberland and is currently home to Aerospace Surveillance and Control System Force Command, Control and Reporting Centre Boulmer, the School of Aerospace Battle Management, No...
in August 1944.
Modern use
Eshott is now used by recreational microlights and small, light aircraft. It has both Tarmac and grass runways.The airfield is now the home for over 40 aircraft and accommodates a clubhouse building, parking, and 3 hangar blocks.