Blackhill
BLACKHILL: Private airstrip (Aka DRAPERSTOWN)
Note: These six pictures were all obtained from Google Earth ©
Location: S of the B41, about 1.5nm NE of Draperstown, and about 2nm WSW of Tobermore
Period of operation: From the 1990s (?) to -
Runway: 05/23 370 grass (370 metres being the maximum run available)
NOTES: The initial info source was the AAIB report EW/G2009/06/03. Home it seems, in 2009 at least, to the Piper L18C Super Cub G-BPJH?
Some time ago I made this comment: "Subsequent enquiries have been most frustrating - lots of info but nothing giving a position I can find on Google Earth for example. However, in 2017, I think I have managed to pinpoint the airfield. Confirmation will be much appreciated." In May 2021 Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', came to the rescue. I'm glad to say I wasn't too far out, but thanks to Graham I was able to provide the pictures above. These pictures also show in later years, all the hallmarks of this location being used for model flying.
I do hope this is the case as I am a supporter of model flyers also sharing sites used by microlights and GA aircraft. I also think the French have the right idea as I have seen a variety of aviation enthusiasts sharing a common facility. This does of course happen in the U.K., but not to the extent I would like to see.
Also, from another source, it appears that in recent years the aircraft based here were: The Thruster T600N 450 G-CCCH, Raj Hamsa X-Air 2706 G-CCES, Thruster TST Mk.1 G-MTZA, Renegade Spirit UK G-MWAJ, MW5 Sorceror G-MWEO and the Cyclone AX2000 G-MZGB.
As always in this 'Guide', if anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome. And of course, pictures are always appreciated.
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