North Weald Airfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Weald Airfield
The control tower at North Weald
IATA: none ICAO: EGSX
Summary
Airport type	Public/unlicensed
Owner	Epping Forest District Council
Operator	Epping Forest District Council
Location	North Weald
Elevation AMSL	321 ft / 98 m
Coordinates	51°43′18″N 000°09′15″E / 51.72167°N 0.15417°E / 51.72167; 0.15417
Website	North Weald Airfield
Map
EGSX Location in Essex
Runway
Runway Length Surface ft m 02/20 Main 6,171 1,881 Asphalt/concrete 02/20 Grass 963 294 Grass
Sources: Epping Forest District Council

North Weald Airfield is an active aerodrome (a place where aircraft operate) in Essex, England. It's mainly used for general aviation, which means it's for private planes, flight training, and other non-scheduled flights. This airfield was once a very important fighter station during the Battle of Britain in World War II, known then as RAF North Weald.

Today, North Weald Airfield is home to many private and historic aircraft. It also hosts the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance helicopter and has a museum dedicated to its history. It's a busy place for learning to fly!

A Look Back: The Airfield's History

A Spitfire Mk VI at North Weald in 1942, a famous fighter plane.

North Weald Airfield first opened in 1916 during the First World War. It was originally a base for the Royal Flying Corps. After the war, it became part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918. Over the years, more buildings and hangars were added for RAF personnel.

The airfield played a huge role in the Second World War. Early on, Hawker Hurricane and Bristol Blenheim planes were based here. The Hurricanes from North Weald helped protect soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation and were key in the Battle of Britain. Later, American "Eagle Squadrons" and Norwegian squadrons, flying Supermarine Spitfires, also used the airfield.

After World War II, jet fighters like the Gloster Meteor and de Havilland Vampire were common sights in the skies above North Weald. The airfield also had a gliding school for young cadets.

The main control tower you see today was built in 1952 during the Cold War. It's a special building, protected for its history, and is one of the best examples of its kind.

The last combat planes, Hawker Hunters from No. 111 Squadron RAF, left North Weald in 1958. The RAF completely moved out in 1964. The airfield was then used by the British Army and Royal Navy for a short time. In 1979, the Ministry of Defence sold the airfield to Epping Forest District Council.

Today, you can still see an original hangar from 1927 and the old Officers Mess building. There's even a replica of a Hawker Hurricane Mk1 plane near the main gate.

What Happens at the Airfield Today?

Aircraft on display at North Weald Airfield.

North Weald is a busy place for general aviation. This means it's used by private planes, for flight training, and for pleasure flights. Many people fly in and out of North Weald, connecting to places across England and beyond.

The airfield is famous for its collection of old and historic aircraft. You can often see planes like the Supermarine Spitfire, North American P-51 Mustang, and Douglas Dakota. Many of these planes are still flown and some even offer special "experience flights" where you can fly in them! There are also early jet planes like the Hawker Hunter and De Havilland Vampire.

If you dream of becoming a pilot, North Weald is a great place to start. Several schools offer pilot training, aircraft rental, and pleasure flights in planes like the Cessna 172 and Piper PA28.

Because of its important history, the airfield was given "listed status" in 2005. This helps protect it for future generations.

Other Activities at the Airfield

North Weald Airfield isn't just for planes! Parts of the airfield are used for many other things:

• Community Events: Large events and festivals often take place here.
• Driving Experiences: You can even try driving supercars on the old runways!
• Filming Location: The airfield has been used for TV shows, like Channel 4's The Crystal Maze in the 1990s, and commercials.
• Market: Every Saturday, a huge outdoor market is held at the airfield. It's one of the biggest in the UK and attracts many visitors.
• Scout Jamboree: In 2007, the airfield was used as a camp for the 21st World Scout Jamboree.
• Wings Café: There's a small café on site where you can grab food and drinks.

Aircraft Services

Companies at North Weald, called Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), offer many services for aircraft. These include maintenance, repairs, cleaning, refuelling, and storage in hangars. They also help with visitor parking and organizing events.

For example, North Weald Flying Services (now part of Aero Legends) and Weald Aviation are companies that specialize in keeping aircraft, especially historic "warbirds," in top condition.

North Weald Airfield Museum

The North Weald Airfield Museum tells the story of the people who worked at RAF North Weald during both World Wars. You can see photos, read personal stories, and look at artifacts about the airfield's history. This includes its vital role in the Battle of Britain and the different squadrons that were based there. The museum is located in the old RAF Station Office.

North Weald Fire Rescue

North Weald Fire Rescue is a private fire and rescue service that operates from the airfield. They have a fleet of vehicles and crews that attend events at the airfield and provide services nationwide.

Remembering Those Who Served: The RAF North Weald Memorial

The RAF North Weald Memorial, with the Norwegian Memorial in the middle.

Near the main gate of the airfield, you'll find the RAF North Weald Memorial. This memorial honors everyone who served at North Weald. It was dedicated in 2000. Inside the memorial is an obelisk (a tall, four-sided pillar) that was put there in 1952 by the people of Norway. It remembers the Norwegian airmen who were stationed at the airfield during World War II.

Air Ambulance and Police Air Service

• Essex & Herts Air Ambulance: This charity has one of its main bases at North Weald. They use a special AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter, called Helimed 55, to quickly respond to emergencies and help people across Essex and Hertfordshire. They also have rapid response vehicles based here.
• National Police Air Service: Since 2019, the National Police Air Service has used North Weald Airfield as a main base for police aircraft in the London area and nearby counties. They operate helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from here.

Accidents and Incidents

Like any active airfield, North Weald has had a few incidents. In 2000, a mid-air collision sadly resulted in three fatalities. In 2010, a light aircraft had an accident during a landing attempt, crashing into a car. Thankfully, the people in the car and the pilot were not seriously injured. Investigations into these events help make flying safer for everyone.

See also

• Airports of London - Wikipedia