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Thruxton Airport is located in the picturesque countryside of Andover, Hampshire and was once a manor before it was requisitioned by The Air Ministry in 1940 for the war effort. RAF Thruxton’s construction was completed in August 1941, serving as a satellite station to RAF Andover. Postwar, it was reopened by the Wiltshire School of Flying in 1947. Private and club flying still continues.
The first aircraft to test the new runway for suitability was the Blenheims from the neighbouring RAF unit. However, due to the roughness of the concrete landing surface and a few burst tyres later, this idea was abandoned. This encouraged The Air Ministry to start a re-tarmacking programme. The first occupants to be based here officially were the No. 225 Squadron with their Lysanders and Hurricanes.
Throughout 1942 and 1943, various units were based at Thruxton, including Boston and Blenheim aircraft, and a joint Army Cooperation Squadron formed with nearby RAF Netheravon Aerodrome. Also during this time, the aerodrome was home to paratroopers who took part in the successful Bruneval Raid, in which German radar equipment was seized on the coast of France.
Throughout the 1950s, Motorbike racing began using the runways and perimeter roads as their racing circuit. Named Thruxton Circuit in 1968, an official race circuit was developed which followed the line of the perimeter road and has been used for motorbike and car racing ever since.
Why not treat an aviation enthusiast today, with the opportunity to fly from this historic airport with one of our Flying Experiences packages that you can buy here at FlyDays.
Please remember that Flying Experiences are dependent on weather conditions, so at times may need to be rescheduled.