Redhill, just a few miles north of Gatwick, is probably one of the UK's busiest GA airfields.
It's particularly notable for the large number of helicopters to be found here, together with quite
a few flying training outfits, plenty of privately-owned aircraft (especially vintage/veteran
types), and a visit is likely to be very productive. It's also the home base of Bristow Helicopters
and, although they no longer base any of their machines here, there's usually something of interest,
both from their own fleet and other operators on maintenance.
Redhill is perhaps not the most enthusiast-friendly airfield around, but if you're careful and
play by the rules you should find some good opportunities for photos. There are effectively no
landside photo opportunities, but to get official airside access from the tower you'd have to
drive right across the airfield itself on an active taxiway - not a good idea! In practice nobody
seems to mind if you keep to the edge of the active area (walking) and ask at each individual
operator if it's OK to take photos. Some are friendlier than others - if they say no, just move on.
Please note that this seems to have been the situation when I have visited; if you find something
different don't blame me.
Under no circumstances enter any of the hangars without permission.
a) You have to be pretty lucky to see anything actually
outside the Bristow hangar (the large hangar to your right as you enter the airfield), but if there
is anything here it's likely to be of interest. Don't venture out onto the tarmac area without
permission.
b) Walking to your left will take you past the various
other hangars, of which a number of the inmates are likely to be outside, depending on the weather.
There are plenty of photo opportunities along here, but please bear in the mind the warning given
in the introduction.
c) You will probably see a few aircraft on the other
side of the airfield from the main hangars. To access this area, leave the airfield and drive
around to your right through the village of Nutfield until you reach the back gate. From here a
rather rutted track leads you to the Redhill Flying Club and Cloudbase microlight centre. Photo
opportunities are generally rather limited from here unless you like 'tins' and microlights.
Click on the icons below to see maps relating to Redhill airfield. Note that these are all
external links to other sites, and will open in a new window.
