Headcorn runway
Headcorn Airport has a long history beginning in 1911 when a family that just came back from Canada bought the Shenley farm. Inspired by the wide open spaces of the Canadian Prairies, they decided to expand the size of the fields.
This idea did not impress the neighbors but when a Royal Air Force scouter searching for a suitable place to build a flight school saw the farm, he thought that the site was perfect. The farm was used as an airport throughout the first world war but became a farm again at the end of the war.
Headcorn during WWII
In 1927, the farm was bought by the great great grand father of the current owner, Jamie Freeman. One of his son was a pilot and so the farm became an airport once again. En 1942, the military requisitioned the airport, retrofitted the runway to make usable in all weather, and renamed the airport Lashenden, to confuse the enemy. Up to 70 airplanes were based at Lashenden during that time. At the end of the war, the farm was returned to its owners and the airport closed once more.
At the end of the 50′s, Jamie’s father met Diana, a woman pilot who worked in Canada. Her arrival at Headcorn brought life back to the airport. Chris and Diana’s passion for airplanes led them to continue to develop the airport and invite their pilot friends to come and visit often.
Headcorn facilities
Today, the Headcorn Airport houses an Air Warfare Museum, a café, a restaurant, several flight schools, a very busy parachute club and several aviation businesses. Airplanes are available for rent for out-of-town visitors (although an FAA pilot licence can be used to fly within the U.K., a British pilot licence is required to fly a U.K. registered airplane across the Channel). Headcorn Airport is home to a wide variety of unusual aircraft.
The grass runway 29/11 is 779 m (2, 555 ft.) long. Fuel, custom as well as aircraft maintenance services are available.
To land at Headcorn (EGKH) Airport, a prior permission is required. We have the permission and this cradle of British aviation history is awaiting us with impatience.
Read the full story of Headcorn Aerodrome in Jamie Freeman’s own words.
Tenterden city center
The town of Tenterden is located in the lovely region of Kent, south of London. The city started his major growth during the 15th century thanks to wool trade and became a major center for fabric manufacturing. At the time, the English Channel was much wider and the Atlantic ocean bordered the city. The ocean retrieved and made place for the Romney Marsh that lies between Headcorn and the north edge of the English Channel.
Tenterden has preserved its authenticity and is one of the most charming towns in Kent. Dominated by the St. Mildred church built during the 12th century, its vibrant High Street lined with trees is full of quirky shops.
Tenterden station
A not-to-miss attraction is the Tenterden Town Station. There, you will be able to see a steam train and you will have the opportunity to climb onboard a Victorian-area wagon to go on a short ride through the lovely country landscape to the medieval castle of Bodiam. Inside the station, you can also visit Colonel Stephens’ Museum.
Numerous walking trails will allow you to take in the sights, the quiet country roads are a paradise for cyclists, fish is plentiful in the lakes and rivers, and golf players can practice their sport at numerous golf courses including the international course of Chart Hills.
St Mildred church
Tea rooms, traditional pubs, and a wide variety of restaurants are ready to welcome you. To rest at the end of the day, you have a choice between renting a cottage, staying at one of the many Bed & Breakfasts, or taking a room at one of the welcoming hotels.
For an authentic British experience, Tenterden is the ideal destination. So, come and discover for this lovely town on March 10, 2012, and make Tenterden your favorite destination for your future trips north of the English Channel.
Pre-gathering (before 11:00 UTC & local)
- Enjoy a full English breakfast at the restaurant on the field (just £4.95)
- Visit the Air Warfare Museum (opens at 09:30 UTC & local)
- Listen to interesting presentations by several well-known aviation personalities (09:30 – 11:00 UTC & local)
- Diana Patten, “The life of an aviation pioneer” – She learned to fly in Canada but came back to the U.K. to start a family and give life back the Headcorn Aerodrome
- Barbara Ganson, “Fashions of Pioneer Women Aviators in the USA” – Pilot and Trustee of International Women Air & Space Museum in Cleveland, OH, USA
- Gustavus McLeod, “The past inspiring the future” – He was the first person to fly around the North Pole in an open-cockpit biplane. His Stearman is in the College Park Aviation Museum. An author, a professional motivational speaker, and a regular TV guest, he has his own day in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, and in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA
- Laura Westley, “A passion driven path” – Bush pilot in Uganda and Kenya and Senior Air Traffic Controller/Manager of Air Traffic Services at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex
- Annette Lynton-Mason, “A special whirly girl” – Helicopter pilot, actress, and wife of Nick Mason, Pink Floyd drummer
Gathering (11:00 – 16:00 UTC & local)
- Meet pilots, girls and women who flew in a small aircraft for the first time, and well-known aviation personalities from all over Europe and the United States
- Listen to interviews
- Learn what it takes to become a Women Of Aviation
- Test the latest Sennheiser‘s headsets, including the S1 Digital that one participating pilot will win, and browse through Pooley’s pilot supplies
- Take a ride on MAF flight simulator and view the many remote areas where they operate their aircraft
- Sample local food & buy some to take home too
- View local craft & buy them as a memento
- Watch local performers entertain you
- Watch the award wining “Spitfire Sisters” movie
All day
- Watch various aircraft arrive at the aerodrome from all over Europe
- Take a short flight (girls and women can go on a 15-minute airplane flight for just £25 throughout the day)
