Historic airfield announce test flights as it looks to expand commercial flight activities
Old Sarum Airfield have announced that they will be hosting the legendary Harvard ‘Warbird’ historic flights from the airfield starting with a test weekend on 27 and 28 July.
The Harvard, also known as the North American T-6 Texan, was the most popular single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train tens of thousands of pilots from the Royal Air Force, United States Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.
Since being taken out of active service, the Harvard has been a regular participant at air shows globally as well as racing and aerobatic teams, and has also featured in many Hollywood blockbusters. Known as a real flyer’s aeroplane, the Harvard is famed for its easy handling and manoeuvrability, including rolls, loops, spins, snaps and even vertical rolls for the really adventurous!
Old Sarum Airfield has been able to secure a visit for this historic aeroplane and dozens of keen flight enthusiasts from across the UK have booked in to take their seat and a chance to fly this historic aircraft.
Sarah Richards from Go Fly UK is coordinating the weekend and any flight enthusiasts (licensed pilots) keen on taking the controls should contact Sarah for last minute availability at enquiries@goflyuk.com or call 01722 442951.
Grenville Hodge, Director of Old Sarum Airfield is expecting that if this weekend proves successful then they will hope to roll out many more historic flying opportunities throughout the year.
He says: “The visit of the Harvard is a real coup for Old Sarum Airfield and flying enthusiasts alike, and if successful, will be part of our wider plans to welcome more commercial aviation in the first instance, and general aviation in the near future.”
He continues: “15 years ago, Old Sarum Airfield would have had up to 65,000 aircraft movements a year but currently we are operating at only a fraction of this number. An independent aviation viability study undertaken has shows that Old Sarum Airfield could comfortably handle 100,000 aircraft movements per annum so this provides us with the opportunity to expand our offering as we benefit from an unrestricted flying status.”
Old Sarum Airfield has shared its proposals and vision for the historic WW1 airfield and its current planning application is currently being considered by Wiltshire Council, which if successful, will restore this landmark heritage site and secure its long-term status as an active flying hub.
Details of the plans are available at www.oldsarumairfield.co.uk
