Derby Airfield

News - April 2003

As part of the original planning consent for the airfield a committee was set up comprising representatives from the airfield operators, a South Derbyshire District Councillor and a nominated member from each of the neighbouring Parish Councils. The committee acts as a forum for communications between the operators and the local community. Paul Taylor is the present Rolleston Parish council representative (tel 812118).

This year sees the centenary of manned flight and also the tenth year of Derby Airfield. Accordingly various events have been organised at the airfield. We hope these events will have little impact on your environment. We are asking incoming pilots to contact us prior to arrival so that we can direct them away from your village. We must stress that none of our events are organised air displays and all are weather dependent. If you wish to visit for a look, please do so.

Saturday 24th May – PFA Young Eagles Day
The aim of this event is to fly children from the local vicinity, as part of an international ambition to fly one million young eagles before 17th December 2003. Derby will be playing a small part in achieving this. Free flights are offered to local youngsters and accordingly local youth groups are being approached. Due to limitations on aircraft it will not be possible to accept any other children on the actual day.

Sunday 25th May – Royal Aeronautical Society Garden Party
Derby Airfield is playing host to the Derby Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society. We are currently inviting a selection of vintage aircraft to join in the event and all pilots will receive a briefing document prior to arrival.

Sunday 3rd August – Derby Airfield Tenth Anniversary Fly In
A day when we encourage pilots to fly in to Derby Airfield and visit for lunch or a cup of tea. Visiting aircraft are asked to fly in between 1000 and 1800 hours.

Sunday 24th August – Beagle Pup Club Fly In
Derby airfield is inviting the Beagle Pup Club to fly in for a social gathering.

Ongoing projects at Derby Airfield include the restoration to flying condition of a 1934 DH88 Comet as once flown by Amy Johnson and her husband Jim Mollison in an air race between England and Australia. This project is benefiting from a dedicated workshop and is making steady progress. Further details will appear in the next news article, but should you wish to find out more or are able to help, please contact Martin Jones at Derby Airfield (01283 733803).

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Last updated: 21 February 2004