Published: 7 Sep 2023
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The Historical Legacy
White Waltham Airfield isn’t your ordinary airstrip. It’s a place brimming with history.
White Waltham Airfield, the cherished home of West London Aero Club (WLAC), is a place where history and aviation have been intertwined for generations. The airfield spans 200 acres, boasting the title of one of Britain’s biggest grass airfields. It’s also incredibly accessible, 20 mins drive from Heathrow, you’re in the heart of the action.
But what makes White Waltham Airfield truly special is its WWII history. Back in the 40s, it played a crucial role as the home base for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). They ferried aircraft to and from Royal Air Force (RAF) stations, and they did it a staggering 309,000 times during the war. So when you stroll across this airfield today, you’re treading on the same ground where these courageous aviators once took off into history.
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The Instructors
Getting to know each of my instructors during our short walk from the parking bay back to the club for our debriefing sessions was nothing short of enlightening. What struck me most was the sheer diversity of their backgrounds and experiences.
Among them were seasoned commercial pilots who had experienced it all in the world of aviation, both in the past and the present. A select few had even savoured the adrenaline rush of commanding fighter jets which also reflected on their teaching styles.
Then we had the gurus who had dedicated over two decades to guiding students like me. And, perhaps most intriguingly, there were the kickers who had embarked a complete 180 in their careers. It’s like they traded briefcases for flight bags and never looked back.
What bound them together was an infectious passion for aviation. Every lesson they delivered wasn’t just about flying, to me, it was an open invitation to step into their world of boundless skies and get a taste of their turbocharged enthusiasm.
To give you a glimpse of just how devoted they are, they would often show up at the club to socialise or engage in personal flying on their days off. Their passion left an indelible mark on me.
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The Daily Sky Shows
White Waltham Airfield is incredible diversify. Whether you’re chasing the dream of becoming a pilot, seeking the adrenaline rush of vintage warbirds, or simply soaking up the joy of aviation, this place has it all.
It’s like having a front-row seat to a thrilling airshow, with a varied cast of aircraft taking off and landing right before your eyes, from nimble Pitts Specials to rugged Extra 330LXs, classic Harvards, timeless Tiger Moths and even some visiting aircrafts like the baby-blue DH89a Rapide The sky above White Waltham becomes a stage for gravity-defying displays. It’s not like they all parade together, but every so often, they make their spectacular entrances and exits.
Chilling with my diet coke on the lawn watching those aircraft is one of the moments i dearly miss.
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