RAF Henlow Airfield
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Vouchers available in the same region (East of England) as RAF Henlow Airfield
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RAF Henlow Airfield Flying Experiences
For over a century, RAF Henlow has stood proud deep in the Bedfordshire countryside, not only offering opportunities for fantastic flying days and experiences but which has also played a vital role in the defence and protection of our country over the decades.
Near the village of Henlow Camp, that was built around the airfield, and lying on the border between Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, it was first established after being chosen as an aircraft repair depot for the military towards the end of World War I in 1917.
A few years later in 1920, it became the first official parachute testing centre, in conjunction with another parachute unit that was based at RAF Northolt. Four squadrons were based at Henlow post-WWI; No. 19 Squadron RAF, No. 23 Squadron RAF, No. 43 Squadron RAF and No. 80 Squadron RAF.
Amongst those who were studying at the RAF technical college that was on site at the time was Sir Frank Whittle, who was a student here between 1932 - 1933. With the outbreak of World War II, Henlow was called upon again.
This time, a factory was established on site to assemble and build Hawker Hurricanes that were being shipped from Ontario in Canada at the Fort William Car and Foundry where they had been designed. Over 1000 of these were shipped from Canada to Henlow in total.
Interestingly, the containers that the planes were being shipped over in were also used to build the airfield’s control tower - which sadly has been replaced with a more conventional portakabin style tower, but is preserved in footage on the 1969 film The Battle of Britain.
Post-WWII, RAF Henlow was the site for the RAF Signals Engineering Establishment, which from 1980 onwards became a Radio Engineering Unit. In more recent years, it has been the base for the Joint Arms Control Implementation Group, some of the RAF’s Police division and the RAF Centre for Aviation Medicine.
Also on site is The Signals Museum, which focuses on a series of exhibitions, memorabilia and collections which chart the development of electronic communications from Henlow that were made by the RAF since World War I.
Flying near RAF Henlow Airfield
Following an announcement from the UK Defence Secretary in September 2016, RAF Henlow Airfield is now in the process of winding down operations and closing down over the next few years. Flying days and experiences have now ceased as of March 2020, and the site will close for good by 2023.
However, there are still plenty of fantastic airfields and locations within this area of the South East of England for flying days and experiences to be enjoyed and booked onto with FlyDays, including Wycombe Air Park in Buckinghamshire and Sibson Aerodrome in Cambridgeshire. Head to our dedicated South East page now to find and book your next flying experience.
Terms and Conditions for RAF Henlow Airfield
Once you order a voucher, it will be dispatched by one of our agency partners by e-voucher or by post, depending on which you choose when you checkout.
Vouchers are valid until the expiry date shown on your Voucher (typically 10-12 months).
In most cases, once you activate your voucher you will be sent the instructions to redeem the voucher directly with the airfield or operator. Because flying experiences (other than simulators) can only take place in suitable/ safe weather conditions, you must be prepared to be flexible on your activity date. If the agent or operator cancels your experience date, they will inform you as soon as possible and do their very best to offer an alternative date or location. Once a specific date has been booked, you will automatically become bound by the terms and conditions that the individual operator may have. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the descriptions contained on our products are a true reflection of the experience, these do not form part of a contract. If on contacting the operator you feel that the activity taking place no longer accurately represents the activity purchased, the relevant agent will exchange the voucher or refund the purchase price.
If you have any more questions about RAF Henlow Airfield gift vouchers and experiences please contact us.
- Aerobatic Flight (18)
- Aeroplane Flying Lessons (33)
- Flight Simulator (54)
- Flying Lessons (42)
- Gliding (3)
- Gyrocopter Flights (2)
- Helicopter Flying Lessons (7)
- Helicopter Rides (1)
- Microlighting (11)
- Parachuting (4)
- Pleasure Flights (5)
- Skydiving (7)
- Special Offers (1)
- Spitfire Flights (8)
- Vintage Flying (35)
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