Flying High at Redhill Aerodrome
It’s no secret that we love Redhill Aerodrome. We first visited, just a few weeks after we had moved to Reigate and we did it as a surprise to our plane mad four year old. He just thought we were going to yet another cafe for some lunch, little did he know…
Cafe at the aerodrome
For those who don’t know, the aerodrome isn’t just home to planes and helicopters, it also houses a great 1930’s themed cafe — The Pilot’s Hub. Here you’ll find a wealth of flying history, antiques and photos as well as good food and fantastic cake (and formed the answer to this weeks Guess the Cake and Cafe on Twitter and Instagram).
The cafe is full of history and historical artefacts relating to its aviation history. Just to reach the toilets you walk through an air hanger and pass at least a dozen planes. Including the last ever Spartan Arrow plane dating back to 1932. The Spartan Arrow was a two seat biplane and only 15 were built between 1931 and 1933.
The best bit (especially if you’re a four year old) is a front row seat next to the airfield, allowing you to watch planes and helicopters take off and land on an outdoor decked area. They even have a viewing section inside for when the weather isn’t as warm or it’s raining.
History of Redhill Aerodrome
Redhill Aerodrome began operations in 1934 to accommodate a local flying club and it was later used by Imperial Airways as an alternative to Croydon Airport. Hangar 9 was the first hangar to be erected at the aerodrome and is now the location for The Pilot’s Hub cafe.
Imperial Airways operated between 1924 and 1939 with flights going to Europe and more long range destinations around the British Empire, including South Africa, Hong Kong and India. Over 70,000 passengers travelled on Imperial Airways in the 1937, impressive given the aircraft used could often only hold up to 20 passengers.
The aerodrome was very active during the Second World War with numerous RAF squadrons being based there as part of wider operations throughout the war. Hurricanes, Spitfires and Mustangs were the aircraft most frequently based at the aerodrome.
The airfield was returned to civilian use in 1947 but was suspended in 1954. It resumed again in 1959 when the Tiger Club moved in. In 1960 Bristow Helicopters started to use the aerodrome as an operating base and to carry out helicopter maintenance. Evidence of Bristow’s is evident around the airfield with old signs on their old office block.
Redhill Aerodrome today
Redhill Aerodrome has a range of commercial activities, ranging from chartered flights to flying lessons. It also provides a base for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. There are still old planes that are around the airfield and if you’re lucky you may even get to see them fly.
