Luton flying sites
Note: This map only gives the position of Luton town within the UK.
LUTON see also STOCKWOOD PARK
LUTON: Temporary Landing Ground (See listing for LEWSEY FARM)
NOTES: Luton was the 86th venue for Sir Alan Cobham’s 1929 Municipal Aerodrome Campaign. This Tour started in May and ended in October with one hundred and seven venues planned to be visited. Mostly in England, two venues were in South Wales and eight in Scotland.
The aircraft Cobham mostly used for this 'Tour' was the DH61 'Giant Moth' G-AAEV, named 'Youth of Britain'. The punishing schedule he set seems astonishing today. Also highly recommended reading are his memoirs in 'A Time To Fly'.
Venue for CD Barnard Air Tours tour of the UK in April 1931
Venue 13th April 1932 for Sir Alan Cobham’s National Aviation Day Tour
NOTES: Luton was, it appears, the opening venue for Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day Tour. By October it is claimed that one hundred and seventy towns had been visited, and displays given.
To quote from the excellent book Cornwall Aviation Company by Ted Chapman; "Flying took place on nearly every day, the pilots being kept busy until dusk and sometimes even flying after dark. Over a dozen aircraft were involved including an Autogiro, two Airspeed Ferries, and a glider which was usually tow-launched by a car. The Airspeed Ferries were referred to as 'airliners' and were specially built for Cobham at a cost of over £5,000 each."
"CAC's contract specified that they should have two Avros always available for joy-riding, and this effectively meant that three aeroplanes were needed to allow for maintenance times. The Avros were painted in the now traditional CAC colour of pillar-box red."
Was the same site used by both these operators? If anybody knows where these venues were, and can kindly give advice, this will be much appreciated.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
