Strathaven Airfield

CANCELLED!
Due to a weather forecast of rain and gusty winds - yes, hard to believe! - the Large Model Association are cancelling their fly-in at Strathaven Airfield this weekend.
They are now looking at an alternative date on the weekend of September 8th and 9th.
... We will keep you posted.
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Our Hovercraft Scotland ponds are the latest victim of this summer's heatwave.
Perhaps, looking at the animal footprints on the cracked, dried mud we could offer African safari camping breaks instead?
There seem to have been some quite big critters around!

Stunning weather, stunning views.
Let Ben Lawyers and Ben Vorlich speak for themselves!

The FlyUK rally called in to Strathaven Airfield this evening - lots of very interesting aircraft... and interesting people!
I think we have about 45 aircraft here tonight, hope the cows don't get disturbed by the snores ;-)

Not very exciting, but the latest accounts are now on the website:
http://www.strathavenairfield.co.uk/accou nts1617.html

Winter's over, summer's here... and people get out and about in their caravans!
Cessna Caravans in this case!
Marta just can't wait to hit the road in this one (we flew around Hawaii in one in January).... but unfortunately it was only here for the evening with people going to Hamilton races.
... Oh well, I'll buy another lottery ticket tomorrow.
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One aircraft that hasn't been seen around Strathaven for a wee while is Michael Stalker's bright green Quantum - because he is off flying around the USA!
Check out www.c2c2c2018.com for his blog.
Like the Sunset Beach airstrip lined by hangar homes - fancy some at Strathaven? - and the BIG fuel trucks!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Strathaven Hotel - GASCO SAFETY EVENING. 7:30pm
All aviation enthusiasts welcome - although mainly relevant for pilots.
The title of this year’s presentation is Aware Today, Alive Tomorrow.
... The production addresses maintaining situational awareness, the use of threat and error management to prevent loss of control accidents, mid-air collisions and airspace infringements.
All of this will be served up by the GASCo Regional Safety Officers in a non-preaching manner accompanied by the usual thought provoking facts and figures interspersed with relevant video clips.
In addition to the traditional pack of information – which will contain among other things a printed copy of The Sky Way Code.
19:30 - Wednesday 25th April 2018 Strathaven Hotel Hamilton Road Lanarkshire ML10 6SZ
Contact Colin MacKinnon
Tel: 0797 997 1301
Safety Evening Cards
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Now live on Zoopla!
Open viewing tomorrow, Sunday 22nd April from 2pm-4pm - just pop round and say hello.
Will be on Rightmove and the gspc sites soon (I hope!). It's all taken a week or two longer than I thought.
... https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details /47342473…
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Going on the market next week ..... a fabulous house in Strathaven.
Ideal if you want to live in a town with a handy airfield.
ps. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not mum's wonderful dolls house, it's her other one!

FREE FLYING LESSONS WORTH £2,500
It's back! The Strathaven Airfield Young Person's Bursary.
It's better: now it is open to people from 16 to 23 years old and to people living up to 20 miles away from the airfield.
... There's more: we now have up to three places available.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help us by forwarding or tagging this to anyone you think might be interested - we don't want to waste money on advertising that could be spent on flying!
Full details are at:
http://www.strathavenairfield.co.uk/bursa ry.html
The deadline for applications in a week on Monday, April 16th.
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Tomorrow, Sunday 25th March, we commemorate the life of Strathaven's first pilot, 2nd Lt Donald Cameron, who was shot down on the Western Front 100 years ago.
If you see some aerial activity over the Strathaven Monument as we lay a wreath at 15:55 hrs tomorrow, you'll know what is happening.
Some information about Donald is copied here from the Lanarkshire Family History Society's December 2011 Journal.
... Donald died on Active Service in France on 25th March, 1918, just as the German Spring Offensive Born 3rd May, 1899. The eldest son of James and Mary S Cameron, Wellbrae Park House, Strathaven. His father James was a Civil Engineer who had been involved in the construction of the Glasgow Underground.
Donald was educated at the Collegiate School Glasgow, Strathaven Academy and Glasgow High School, where he was a member of the OTC. He entered directly into the Royal Flying Corps on 22nd May, 1917, and his flying training completed, he was awarded his ‘Wings’ on 31st December, 1917. He was only 18.
Donald arrived in France on 9th February, 1918 being posted to the 3rd Squadron as a Scout Pilot. Donald’s war flying training was barely completed when the great German Offensive began on 21st March, 1918.
Donald was merely a beginner, having joined the squadron in France a month earlier. He was carrying bombs for a mission that afternoon of low bombing of German troops, transport and strong points along the British 3rd Army Front. His plane (Sopwith Camel No C1562) took off at 15:30 hours from Vert Galant and was in the air less than half an hour when he was shot down by Baron Manfred von Richthofen better known as “The Red Baron”.
Von Richthofen's combat report gave the following details – Victory No 68. 25th March 1918. 1555hrs, above Bapaume-Albert Road, near Contalmaison. Sopworth 1; burnt. Englishman (Beginner). With five planes of Jasta 11, I attacked several low-flying English one seaters north east of Albert. I approached to within 50 meters behind one of the Englishmen and shot him down in flames with a few shots. The burning machine crashed between Contalmaison and Albert, and continued to burn on the ground. The bombs it apparently carried, exploded a few minutes later. Weather : Started fine, becoming cloudy; windy later – Baron von Richthofen
Donald's body was never found. His name is listed on the Arras monument and at Strathaven.
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CONGRATULATIONS to Bruce Hutchens on his first solo at Strathaven Airfield yesterday - a fabulous day for it!
Bruce, being congratulated by instructor Graham McNally, is one of the two Strathaven Airfield Young Person's Bursary winners from last year.
Applications for this year's bursaries are now being sought: see www.strathavenairfield.co.uk/bursary.html

Nice thing about winter is you can safely fly very low over deserted beaches like the one at Ardeer on the Clyde Coast.
Why deserted on a bright sunny - albeit chilly! - day last week?
Check out the paint on the boulder on the bottom left 😀

What happens when the weather is bad?
Well, there's always aircraft maintenance. And this time it is the biplane climbing frame which is getting a major overhaul.
Its more than 10 years since it arrived at Strathaven from the old Birkwood Hospital in Lesmahagow.
... We painted it up in the blue and yellow colours of the 1930s Boeing Stearmans and it has been a popular part of the airfield - for children of all ages! - ever since.
Now we are cutting out rotten steel, welding in new bars, and grinding off the old rust and paint.
We'll need to wait until the weather is a bit warmer to apply the rust remover, undercoats and finishes though!
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Snow! Well, the good news is that the runway is clear of snow.....
Bad news is that is because it has drifted and blocked all the access!
The photos below show the drifts at the entrance to the airfield, drifts as high as Craig's fence on the driveway, drifts almost as high as the gate at the far end of the big field.....
... Security cameras are even showing snow drifting in under the hangar doors!
You get the picture!
So no access to the airfield at the moment because if you come by car, there's nowhere to park it without blocking the roads for others.
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Tonight (Mon 26th) at 8pm in the Balgreen Hall, Strathaven: The Mystery of Rudolph Hess's flight to Scotland.
Hitler's deputy was said to be trying to land at Dungavel House, just outside Strathaven. Instead, his Messerschmitt Bf 110 crashed at Bonnyton Farm, Eaglesham, after Hess himself had parachuted into Floors Farm nearby.
It was the start of countless conspiracy theories.........
... Find out more tonight at the Strathaven Mutual Improvement Association talk - all welcome
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Reach for the skies with one of our amazing gift vouchers!
As well as being able to order on our website, we now have a Facebook Shop - and these are our most popular items!
Everything is sent out by First Class post, but we can also email you a voucher if you are leaving things to the last minute.
... Feel free to give us a call on 0797 997 1301 as well.
And if you are coming up to the airfield, give us a call first just in case we are out Xmas shopping too.
Seasons Greetings!
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What an amazing time.....we were made to feel welcome and everyone was friendly.

Whilst I was up in the air, which was an absolutely amazing experience and one I'll definitely do again, Colin spent time with my family showing them around the hangers (thank you).

I can whole heartedly recommend doing this experience.

The only downside is that I don't think I'll be able to afford a ppl.....but definitely something to try for.

Thanks to everyone.

What a fantastic day I had!! From the initial phone call to the actual landing both Colin and Graham were so professional, helpful and informative. I was so lucky to have a sunny day and see the beautiful sights of the West coast, including my hometown of Catrine .. Thank you both and I shall see you again in a few weeks!!

Went out on Saturday night, and it was really good. The pilot was professional and ensured i felt safe and engaged in all the manoeuvres he was carrying out. I would recommend this business to anyone looking for a unique birthday experience like I did. Saving up to go back again!

We went Hovercrafting, it was awesome fun and the staff were lovely. Brilliant day out, very much recommended. I'll have to try the planes next time.

We did the hovercraft experience on Saturday 23rd july 2016, we had an absolute blast, josh and sam very patient with us, the deserved a medal ha ha ha. definitely going back, xxxx. Elaine and Lynn ❤.

Top notch place, and a great welcome!

Today I flew for my first time as I had gotten a flight experience for my 21st and I cannot express my gratitude enough for both Collin and Graham for their UNBELIEVABLE service. It was a mind blowing experience that has me hooked on flying and I cannot wait to fly again!! Thanks so so so much guys, I can't wait to see you again! �🛩

Thank you to graham & Colin my hubby had an amazing time with you guys on his 50th birthday but today he enjoyed his 51st with another flight, he had such a good time,



thankyou for an amazing day, he loved it & thank you for your hospitality, wullie just loved his air time with you guys & we will be back for more x highly recommend x happy husband xx well done guys x

Second time at the airfield great place always a friendly welcome. Had a fantastic time going up in the micro light today & fab time in the hovercraft on our previous visit.

One of the best little airfields in Scotland.A pleasure to visit with very friendly Staff.

Not the nearest airfield to Aberdeen but I chose Strathaven having read and heard good reviews, and liking the variety offered. Very friendly and helpful since the first phone call to the end of our visit. Glad that Graham suggested to take my son on the evening before the scheduled flight as it poured all night and day after that! Colin, Marta and Graham are the kind of people you’d want to spend time with. It was well worth the trip, highly recommended.

Just want to say a HUGE thank you to Colin and Graham for Jacks unbelievable flying experience, he had a superb time and will most definetly be continuing with lessons.

I don't think Mark will be far behind, he can't wait to try flying 🛩🛩��

Hello Colin,



Thank you for “arranging the weather” to be suitable for my flight, August 2017 :-)



The Ikarus c42 came right up to my expectations and, for me, I put it way ahead of other aircraft I have some experience of – Auster, DH Tiger Moth, Piper PA38 Tomahawk, and Robin HR 200.



I am still on a bit of a high and I am sure I will return for more of the same if you allow this.



I would also ask you to pass on to Graham my grateful thanks for an excellent briefing and demonstrations on many features of the Ikarus –it was exactly what I had hoped for from a flight instructor.



His approach to teaching was very comparable to my original instructor in the 1960s – an ex wartime fighter and the bomber pilot.



Graham is way, way ahead of the other flight experience pilots I have met who varied from one who, without prior warning, did 3 loops one after the other and another who insisted in talking about wife and work problems for 90% of flying time!!



Thank you both also for the very friendly environment you provide for your visitors.

Had a great experience with the Hovercraft Scotland fellows. What a great day. If you have never tried driving a hovercraft give it a go great fun. Thanks to Josh and Sam

I would try it if I were you. Something else off my bucket list.

Thanks again guys

Tom

Great wee place. Very friendly and had a great flight. Brilliant ��

Great morning/day at the Airfield... every person we met was great!! � ..... so many other things to get your teeth into along with your chosen activity (Hovercraft) I will be going back for others not yet ticked off my list! .... highly recommended to all !!! Great job guys (and girls) �

Great flying experience in the Microlight - all the guys at the airfield were super friendly and could not have done more to make it a enjoyable day

Got my husband this a a anniversary present & he loved it says it was best experience ever & would highly recommend this airfield. Very friendly & great with my kids as they let them sit in the plane etc too

Got my hubby a flight for his birthday. Went along today and he absolutely loved it. Staff great facilities great. We will be back!

Stunning weather, stunning views.
Let Ben Lawyers and Ben Vorlich speak for themselves!

What an amazing time.....we were made to feel welcome and everyone was friendly.

Whilst I was up in the air, which was an absolutely amazing experience and one I'll definitely do again, Colin spent time with my family showing them around the hangers (thank you).

I can whole heartedly recommend doing this experience.

The only downside is that I don't think I'll be able to afford a ppl.....but definitely something to try for.

Thanks to everyone.

What a fantastic day I had!! From the initial phone call to the actual landing both Colin and Graham were so professional, helpful and informative. I was so lucky to have a sunny day and see the beautiful sights of the West coast, including my hometown of Catrine .. Thank you both and I shall see you again in a few weeks!!

Went out on Saturday night, and it was really good. The pilot was professional and ensured i felt safe and engaged in all the manoeuvres he was carrying out. I would recommend this business to anyone looking for a unique birthday experience like I did. Saving up to go back again!

We went Hovercrafting, it was awesome fun and the staff were lovely. Brilliant day out, very much recommended. I'll have to try the planes next time.

We did the hovercraft experience on Saturday 23rd july 2016, we had an absolute blast, josh and sam very patient with us, the deserved a medal ha ha ha. definitely going back, xxxx. Elaine and Lynn ❤.

Top notch place, and a great welcome!

Today I flew for my first time as I had gotten a flight experience for my 21st and I cannot express my gratitude enough for both Collin and Graham for their UNBELIEVABLE service. It was a mind blowing experience that has me hooked on flying and I cannot wait to fly again!! Thanks so so so much guys, I can't wait to see you again! �🛩

Thank you to graham & Colin my hubby had an amazing time with you guys on his 50th birthday but today he enjoyed his 51st with another flight, he had such a good time,



thankyou for an amazing day, he loved it & thank you for your hospitality, wullie just loved his air time with you guys & we will be back for more x highly recommend x happy husband xx well done guys x

Second time at the airfield great place always a friendly welcome. Had a fantastic time going up in the micro light today & fab time in the hovercraft on our previous visit.

One of the best little airfields in Scotland.A pleasure to visit with very friendly Staff.

Not the nearest airfield to Aberdeen but I chose Strathaven having read and heard good reviews, and liking the variety offered. Very friendly and helpful since the first phone call to the end of our visit. Glad that Graham suggested to take my son on the evening before the scheduled flight as it poured all night and day after that! Colin, Marta and Graham are the kind of people you’d want to spend time with. It was well worth the trip, highly recommended.

Just want to say a HUGE thank you to Colin and Graham for Jacks unbelievable flying experience, he had a superb time and will most definetly be continuing with lessons.

I don't think Mark will be far behind, he can't wait to try flying 🛩🛩��

Hello Colin,



Thank you for “arranging the weather” to be suitable for my flight, August 2017 :-)



The Ikarus c42 came right up to my expectations and, for me, I put it way ahead of other aircraft I have some experience of – Auster, DH Tiger Moth, Piper PA38 Tomahawk, and Robin HR 200.



I am still on a bit of a high and I am sure I will return for more of the same if you allow this.



I would also ask you to pass on to Graham my grateful thanks for an excellent briefing and demonstrations on many features of the Ikarus –it was exactly what I had hoped for from a flight instructor.



His approach to teaching was very comparable to my original instructor in the 1960s – an ex wartime fighter and the bomber pilot.



Graham is way, way ahead of the other flight experience pilots I have met who varied from one who, without prior warning, did 3 loops one after the other and another who insisted in talking about wife and work problems for 90% of flying time!!



Thank you both also for the very friendly environment you provide for your visitors.

Had a great experience with the Hovercraft Scotland fellows. What a great day. If you have never tried driving a hovercraft give it a go great fun. Thanks to Josh and Sam

I would try it if I were you. Something else off my bucket list.

Thanks again guys

Tom

Great wee place. Very friendly and had a great flight. Brilliant ��

Great morning/day at the Airfield... every person we met was great!! � ..... so many other things to get your teeth into along with your chosen activity (Hovercraft) I will be going back for others not yet ticked off my list! .... highly recommended to all !!! Great job guys (and girls) �

Great flying experience in the Microlight - all the guys at the airfield were super friendly and could not have done more to make it a enjoyable day

Got my husband this a a anniversary present & he loved it says it was best experience ever & would highly recommend this airfield. Very friendly & great with my kids as they let them sit in the plane etc too

Got my hubby a flight for his birthday. Went along today and he absolutely loved it. Staff great facilities great. We will be back!

Stunning weather, stunning views.
Let Ben Lawyers and Ben Vorlich speak for themselves!

What an amazing time.....we were made to feel welcome and everyone was friendly.

Whilst I was up in the air, which was an absolutely amazing experience and one I'll definitely do again, Colin spent time with my family showing them around the hangers (thank you).

I can whole heartedly recommend doing this experience.

The only downside is that I don't think I'll be able to afford a ppl.....but definitely something to try for.

Thanks to everyone.

What a fantastic day I had!! From the initial phone call to the actual landing both Colin and Graham were so professional, helpful and informative. I was so lucky to have a sunny day and see the beautiful sights of the West coast, including my hometown of Catrine .. Thank you both and I shall see you again in a few weeks!!

Went out on Saturday night, and it was really good. The pilot was professional and ensured i felt safe and engaged in all the manoeuvres he was carrying out. I would recommend this business to anyone looking for a unique birthday experience like I did. Saving up to go back again!

We went Hovercrafting, it was awesome fun and the staff were lovely. Brilliant day out, very much recommended. I'll have to try the planes next time.

We did the hovercraft experience on Saturday 23rd july 2016, we had an absolute blast, josh and sam very patient with us, the deserved a medal ha ha ha. definitely going back, xxxx. Elaine and Lynn ❤.

Top notch place, and a great welcome!

Today I flew for my first time as I had gotten a flight experience for my 21st and I cannot express my gratitude enough for both Collin and Graham for their UNBELIEVABLE service. It was a mind blowing experience that has me hooked on flying and I cannot wait to fly again!! Thanks so so so much guys, I can't wait to see you again! �🛩

Thank you to graham & Colin my hubby had an amazing time with you guys on his 50th birthday but today he enjoyed his 51st with another flight, he had such a good time,



thankyou for an amazing day, he loved it & thank you for your hospitality, wullie just loved his air time with you guys & we will be back for more x highly recommend x happy husband xx well done guys x

Second time at the airfield great place always a friendly welcome. Had a fantastic time going up in the micro light today & fab time in the hovercraft on our previous visit.

One of the best little airfields in Scotland.A pleasure to visit with very friendly Staff.

Not the nearest airfield to Aberdeen but I chose Strathaven having read and heard good reviews, and liking the variety offered. Very friendly and helpful since the first phone call to the end of our visit. Glad that Graham suggested to take my son on the evening before the scheduled flight as it poured all night and day after that! Colin, Marta and Graham are the kind of people you’d want to spend time with. It was well worth the trip, highly recommended.

Just want to say a HUGE thank you to Colin and Graham for Jacks unbelievable flying experience, he had a superb time and will most definetly be continuing with lessons.

I don't think Mark will be far behind, he can't wait to try flying 🛩🛩��

Hello Colin,



Thank you for “arranging the weather” to be suitable for my flight, August 2017 :-)



The Ikarus c42 came right up to my expectations and, for me, I put it way ahead of other aircraft I have some experience of – Auster, DH Tiger Moth, Piper PA38 Tomahawk, and Robin HR 200.



I am still on a bit of a high and I am sure I will return for more of the same if you allow this.



I would also ask you to pass on to Graham my grateful thanks for an excellent briefing and demonstrations on many features of the Ikarus –it was exactly what I had hoped for from a flight instructor.



His approach to teaching was very comparable to my original instructor in the 1960s – an ex wartime fighter and the bomber pilot.



Graham is way, way ahead of the other flight experience pilots I have met who varied from one who, without prior warning, did 3 loops one after the other and another who insisted in talking about wife and work problems for 90% of flying time!!



Thank you both also for the very friendly environment you provide for your visitors.

Had a great experience with the Hovercraft Scotland fellows. What a great day. If you have never tried driving a hovercraft give it a go great fun. Thanks to Josh and Sam

I would try it if I were you. Something else off my bucket list.

Thanks again guys

Tom

Great wee place. Very friendly and had a great flight. Brilliant ��

Great morning/day at the Airfield... every person we met was great!! � ..... so many other things to get your teeth into along with your chosen activity (Hovercraft) I will be going back for others not yet ticked off my list! .... highly recommended to all !!! Great job guys (and girls) �

Great flying experience in the Microlight - all the guys at the airfield were super friendly and could not have done more to make it a enjoyable day

Got my husband this a a anniversary present & he loved it says it was best experience ever & would highly recommend this airfield. Very friendly & great with my kids as they let them sit in the plane etc too

Got my hubby a flight for his birthday. Went along today and he absolutely loved it. Staff great facilities great. We will be back!