Husborne Crawley
HUSBORNE CRAWLEY: Private helipad
Note: The first picture was obtained from Google Earth ©. The second and third from my Google Earth © derived database.
Am I mistaken? In the mid 1970s private helipads which weren’t in some way associated with a large business undertaking were few and far between?
This seems to be one exception where the Brantly B.2B G-ATGH was registered to Mr Charles T Lonsada, trading as Estate Management Services. Presumably for both his business and private use?
Location: In Church End, just NW of Husborne Crawley. About 0.75nm S of junction 13 on the M1 motorway, about 4nm S of CRANFIELD
Period of operation: Possibly 1972 to 1977 only?
NOTES: Although I had this location already listed, we have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', for pinpointing the exact location. Clearly the original concrete helipad, and hangar building, still exist. Or at least, did in 2022. Mr Lonsada had G-ATGH registered to him from 23.10.72 until 08.06.77. It appears he did not replace it with another helicopter to be based here?
The Brantly B.2 first flew in February 1953, and was I believe, the first light helicopter in the world designed mostly for private use. The Bell 47, by contrast, being a larger, heavier machine, intended both for military and more demanding civilian commercial use. It therefore spearheaded, but quite some time, the emergence of light helicopters primarily designed for private, and of course instructional duties.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
