Billesley Farm
BILLESLEY FARM: Civil aerodrome
Note: It is often a problem in this kind of research when a single site is recorded by different authors using different names for the site. On the other hand I have come across examples of different flying sites being across the road from each other, so an open mind if definitely required and the temptation to jump to easy conclusions resisted.
And indeed, this is another fine example. I suppose my other listings in this area for BILLERSLEY COMMON and YARDLEY WOOD ROAD may well be one and the same site? Or are they? If anybody knows the answer this advice will be much appreciated.
Operated by: 1911 to ? Birmingham Aero Club 1919: Midland School of Flying.
Location: Yardley Wood Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham
Period of operation: 1911 to 1920 at least, but possibly intermittent operation in between 1911 and 1920? Probably closed during WW1?
NOTES: It appears that in 1911 the Birmingham Aero Club used BILLERSLEY FARM mainly at weekends where they flew a glider and several models. A contemporary account from a club member published in Flight makes for interesting reading as it describes how, in order to launch the glider, a wind of about 30 mph was required.
A group of six men then towed the glider running at 6 to 7mph in order to keep it airborne at a height of about 25 feet. Just think about it, they must have been exrtraordinarily fit! He then makes an interesting point, “...does it not seem that a large amount of the power on present-day aeroplanes must be running to waste. Where is the fault?”
He was quite correct of course, and the situation hasn't really changed. Obviously (?) the understanding of how various forms of drag greatly effect the performance of aeroplanes had still to be discovered?
USE AS AN AERODROME
In November 1919 BILLERSLEY aerodrome was listed as suitable for use by Avro 504Ks and similar aircraft.
Note: In December 2020, Mike Holder who is a great friend of this 'Guide' unearthed the advert and newspaper article and kindly provided both the maps.
Used by Berkshire Aviation Co for their ‘Flying Circus’ 11th to 25th October 1920. Possibly the last use of this site? By the 1930s the site was surrounded by housing which does indicate that flying might well have continued into the mid, perhaps late 1920s?
jon
This comment was written on: 2017-11-23 16:58:24I was wondering what evidence there is of the above airfield at this location?
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Jon, I have just had a look at my notes, and, as you can see I do not appear to have any firm evidence. After researching the subject for over twenty years I have often found, here and there, mentions of sites which are not described in any detail regarding an exact location. If anybody reading this can kindly offer advice, this will be much appreciated. Best regards, Dick
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