Crowland
CROWLAND see also QUEENS BANK
CROWLAND: Civil airfield and gliding site (Also known as POSTLAND and SPALDING)
Note: All four of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Operated by: 1960s to early 70s - J W E Banks Ltd
1970s to 2000 (At least): Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club
Gliding: 1968 to 1977: Perkins Engines Gliding Club
Location: W of A1073, 2.5nm NNE of Crowland, 4.5 nm S of Spalding. In an area, (it seems), known as the Great Postland
Period of operation: 1970s to present day
Note: This map is reproduced with the kind permission of Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd. Copyright Robert Pooley 2014.
Runways: 1990: 03/21 490x45 grass 09/27 535x45 grass
2000: 03/21 490x60 grass 09/27 460x45 grass
NOTES: In May 2022 Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', informs us that in the late 60s to the early 70s, the following were based here: G-AIGT, Auster J1N Alpha. G-AKHW, Miles M65 Gemini 1A. G-AMUI, Auster J5F Aiglet Trainer and G-ASKJ, the Beagle Auster A.61 Terrier.
Later, in March 2023, Graham found that the Auster J/1N Autocrat, G-AIBM, was registered here to J W E Banks and Sons Ltd, from 02.05.67 until 06.06.69. As was the Miles M38 Messenger 2A, G-AKIR, registered from 17.09.68 until 22.07.71. PWFU (Permanently Withdrawn From Use) 02.11.71.
Apparently known principally as POSTLAND in the mid 1970s when five GA types were based here: The Fixter Pixie G-AXNY, (airworthy?), M.S. 893A Rallye Commodores G-AZYD and G-BCSS, Taylor JT.2 Titch G-BABE registered to Mr R F Bradshaw of Splinters it seems and the Robin HR.100/210 G-BAYR of Thorney Machinery Co Ltd.
In 1968 the Perkins Gliding Club moved here from SPANHOE (NORTHAMPTONSHIRE) but it become evident the Club could not remain supported by the Perkins diesel engine company based in Peterborough. This was because outside members exceeded the 1:2 rule for subsidised sport activity. In around 1976/77 a decision was made to split the Gliding Club into two, the Perkins element moving to WITHAM on the HILL also sited in this county.
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