Turweston Aerodrome, Buckinghamshire, 9th July 2023
Report by Peter & Kim Davison
The British Grand Prix is held at Silverstone Circuit and, as the event grows in status and popularity, the road closures and parking restrictions have increased to a point where dawn departures and extreme patience are needed to attend as a spectator. No doubt inflated hotel prices also limit bookings to those ‘on the payroll’ of sponsors or contributing teams. The need for a local helicopter shuttle has therefore increased to a point where circuit management of an aerial kind is required. The airfield at Turweston, headquarters of the UK LAA (Light Aircraft Association) provides the main base; particularly on race day itself.
The popularity of this ‘air taxi’ operation creates a need for extra helicopters as ‘something for the weekend’ so private owners who normally keep them at country houses make them and their crews available so enthusiasts and photographers focus on Turweston, particularly during the race itself, and the aerodrome operators understand their needs so arrange a walking tour of the quiet flightline once all the helicopters are parked safely having delivered their bespoke passengers. No doubt after the race the rush restarts. In return, donations are collected that help fund the local Air Ambulance operations.
Helicopter types vary but this year there was a definite switch from Squirrel derivatives to Agusta Westland 109s of various sub-types; the increased comfort and higher cruising speed being major factors.
A second ‘field’ supporting another 25 helicopters is available near Launton to the south who are similarly compassionate to photographers for this one day rotary event.
Turweston itself offers training facilities with maintenance and storage hangars and some club aircraft. An interesting resident being a Kodiak twin transport; one of very few in Europe.
The race also attracts a display by the RAF Red Arrows, visible at a distance so the accompanying RAF Juno helicopter from RAF Shawbury is one of the last arrivals before the field ‘closes’ for the walk about.
