Lower Stockland Farm
LOWER STOCKLAND FARM: Gliding site (Aka St FAGANS)
Note: These three pictures are from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Cardiff and County Aero Club
Location: S of the M4, east of the A4232, about 5nm WNW of Cardiff city centre
Period of operation: Unknown? Certainly in 1930
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost to thank for pointing out this location, which is very much what this 'Guide' is about. Recording flying sites within the UK.
In the 1930s daring pilots had already being making epic flights all around the world, but for people of more modest means, perhaps only two options to get airborne were generally available on a casual basis? Take a joy ride, or, if wanting to actually pilot a flying machine, gliding clubs such as this had been established across and around the U.K.
The main draw and attraction being to become airborne, even if only breifly. In 1930 this club was, it seems, operating a Zogling primary machine - aircraft were still often referred to as being machines - a left over from the earliest days in our aviaton history. What I find very interesting are the claims advertised for this club in 1930. Best time aloft 30 seconds. Best altitude acheived 60 feet and longest distance 170 yards.
Might seem very modest these days of course, but well showing just how much enthusiasm existed to just become flying. Achieving results not much better than those pioneer aviators celebrated in the earliest days of the 20th century. But of course with machines powered with an engine.
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