Long Acres Farm
LONG ACRES FARM: Primarily a microlight strip but also available to limited GA use
(Also known as SANDY)
Note. Pictures by the author unless specified.
Operated by: Mr 'Snowy' Barton
(see 'Comment' below)
Location: Just N of A603, W of the A1 and Sandy
Period of operation: 1990s & 2000s only?
Runways: 2001: 09/27 550x18 grass 17/35 365x18 grass
NOTES: I well remember landing here with a Piper Tomahawk from Top Farm in August 1993. The aim that day was to experience three types of flight in one day, two of them being totally new. Getting up at about 04.00 at 07.10 I flew in a Colt 90A, my first and only flight in a hot air balloon from Stewkley near Aylesbury which I could log as a training flight. Later, having checked myself out in a Piper Tomahawk, (often known as the 'Terrorhawk') a horrible little aeroplane but actually quite safe, which had just been delivered to our Flying Group. I flew into LONG ACRE FARM after a visit to a fly-in at NUTHAMPSTEAD and went flying in, (or should I say on?), a flex-wing Quaser Q2 G-MYIM. A day to remember especially as the layout of this airfield is most unusual.
I will admit, that despite having then flown, or flown in, some fifty types of light aircraft, I was not at all relaxed in that flex-wing. And yes, I do realise it was an irrational response as it was perfectly safe, but the degree of exposure to the elements was unnerving, a bit like being on an airborne motorbike - and I cannot stand being on a motorbike - even on the ground and not going very fast.
An interesting aspect of this airfield is that the longer runway used by GA types is some distance from the microlight area, (see aerial pictures above), and involves a taxy alongside the 'L' shaped pond in between, which certainly adds interest
PICTURES
ANOTHER NOTE:
I came across this fourth picture, developed and dated 09/93, but without a caption in early 2017. Looking at my log book it looks like I took the snap here, and it does 'ring a bell'. If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
In August 2017 I was kindly contacted by Peter Chamberlain who informed me that this is a Tiger Cub microlight. He also identified three other pictures taken elsewhere!
Tim
This comment was written on: 2017-11-21 10:45:14Hi.Nice review but Sandy has not been run by Snowy Barton for some time. It is now run by Pete Jarvis who has developed a thriving and welcoming club atmosphere with several new hangers and large clubhouse as well as fixed and flex wing school. No PPR needed, just radio call on approach on 129.825 to be polite.
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Tim, Many thanks - nice to have an update. I shall keep this posted. Best regards, Dick
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