Td corrigé Irish sites notes - Av Sites Ireland pdf

“NotesLogsLists” FILE for the HISTORICAL DATABASE of AVIATION SITES in IRELAND

file begins after information below

17.10.2018

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my sincere thanks to

Roger D.Caird

used on a lot of the different landing sites. He also set up the first “frame” using MS Access for the first ‘notes’ file on the off-line database. Later

changed to Excel

Special mention has to be made of

Jim Breslin

THANK YOU to him- because without his assistance- input and persistence from 2009 until 2017 IrishAvSites online probably would never have

happened. He constructed the first website and developed it into the four main sections of sitedata and notes- (which he changed from Access to

Excel and was later renamed NotesLogsLists)- plus maps and a photo album.

These are the same sections I am now trying to redevelop- starting with the datalist and NotesLogsLists files and later the map will be improved and

updated. While the present map is viewable- some of the data is out of date- but cannot be corrected because the map is locked and cannot be edited.

The photo album will be added later.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Almost every site listed- including some mountains- is on private property and in a lot of cases the owners home. Inclusion of a site

in this database- DOES NOT GRANT RIGHT OF ACCESS. If you wish to

gain entry to any site- you must first request permission

from the owner or the operator. If their answer is NO- please RESPECT their decision.

Please note: The database is not suitable for use as an Aerial Navigational Aid in the location of aviation sites.

The grid reference and co-ordinates are taken directly from OSI-OSNI & Google maps for each site- these could

in fact be transferred to a GPS unit for use in locating aviation sites from the air. But please note there is NO

guarantee that the grid’s or co-ords used are correct.

THE DATABASE

NotesLogsLists (on Word –shown below) and Sitedata (on Excel).

The “Historical Database of Aviation Sites in Ireland”- is intended to be the foundation of an on-going listing of

all aviation sites in the country- from the 1780’s balloon era to the present day. It is intended to cover the island of

Ireland- all the off shore islands plus aviation activity within the old three mile (five kilometer) off shore coastal limit.

It is intended to list all sites and locations used for aviation of any discription. Many sites have extreamly little

known about them- while many more are at present unknown me. If you can add to the list- I would be delighted

to hear from you. Dispite my best efforts- errors will be found in a database of this size- when you spot them-

please let me know by using the “CONTACT ME” link not

I would be oblidged if you would pass on any new information you may have knowledge of- also using the same link.

when it’s made available Meanwhile you can contact me- Hugo Wilhare- on facebook via messages

Personal data

In 1999 when I first started the “notes” file as it was known then- long before any thought of an online website- I tried to include as much phone contact info as I could find. I would also

include the full address. Remember this was long before mobile phones and Google maps came into general use. A land line phone number was the main and sometimes the only way

of making contact- or there was the address- sending a letter via the post office. So in 2009 when it was decided to place the file on the web- I realised I had to delete all personal and

private data. And because I had spent a massive amount of time gathering this data- I was reluctant just to totally dispose if it. Instead I decided to place it in a separate file for future

reference use if nessary. It is mainly at small private sites that censoring is used simply because a lot of these sites were/are also the private homes of the site

owner/operator.

Counties or City names shown in blue on the file- will indicate that DELETED private and personal data is available at the discretion of Admin- but

ONLY for GENUINE REASONS which must be indicated in writing to admin. Information on ONLY one site at a time can be requested. If information

is requested on multiple sites- then only the first on the list may be given. The first site marked in this way is at ID 0054

use 0054 to search

user information for the

“NotesLogsLists” file

Where possible- each site will contain information related to the location. This info is gathered from many

different sources. Rather than just “copy & paste” it will be condenced into usable concise data to give an

overall image of the use and activity that took/takes place at each location where information is available.

ABBREVIATIONS USED

a/c aircraft

bu broken up – aircraft

usually means that the entire airctaft- or whats left of it was destroyed or possibly parted out as spares source

cofa Certificate of Airworthiness

c/n construction number (in brackets) C/N C/n or s/n serial No. which can be confused with the military serial (military registration)

cr crash/ed

dam damaged

repairable

dbr damaged beyond repair

un-repairable- so broken up- destroyed or to spares source

f from

f/f first flight f/l forced landing

ntu not taken up - registration NTU

c/o

change of ownership C/O CO

also as “care off” a third party- person or address

reg registration tail number

(US)

scr scrapped

(sic) quoted or added silly error as used in general literature

soc struck of charge SoC RAF military speak for wfu

toc taken on charge ToC RAF on active service

wfu withdrawn from use totally beyond use-spares source only

wfau withdrawn from active use possibly stored complete

w/o written off AAC Army Air Corps British Army aviation units

ALG Advanced Landing Ground RAF

FAA Fleet Air Arm RN

IAAC Irish Army Air Corps IAC Irish Air Corps IAS Irish Air Service military

MU Maintenance Unit RAF

RLG Relief Landing Ground SLG Satellite Landing Ground RAF site used as MU aircraft storage areas

RAF Royal Air Force RFC Royal Flying Corps RNAS Royal Naval Air Service RN Royal Navy

USAF United States Air Force USAAF United States Army Air Force USNAS United States Naval Air Service USN United States Navy

BASED/VISITING AIRCRAFT

It is intended to include full details of all flying equipment that was based in or visited smaller the sites in Ireland over the same time line-

not as a separate listing- but noted only at it’s based or visiting location. VISITORS to the major Airports WILL NOT BE INCLUDED with

a few exceptions. This is a truly monumental undertaking which will take many years to complete- even with only a basic listing at each site.

There are two main sources of the data used in the “NotesLogsLists” file- related to military aviation in Ireland. The first is from

‘A History of the Royal Air Force & the United States Naval Air Service in Ireland 1913- 1923’ from the Irish Air Letter with excellent

coverage of British- US Naval and the fledgling Irish military aviation and the Air Britain historic aviation DVD ‘BASES’ This is a

detailed collection of all British military aviation activity in England- Ireland- Scotland & Wales since 1912.

Owning a copy of each is Highly recommend.

Sites where Military aircraft were BASED will show listings in separate groups as follows:

Military Unit Based/Movements Military Aircraft Based/Movements and where appropriate

Civilian Aircraft Based/Movements

All other sites will show Military movements INCLUDED within the chronological (date) listing of all based and plus some interesting visiting aircraft

My goal is to cover ALL aviation activity in Ireland over the time frame of the database. But- it would be an impossible task to include every

single movement that has ever taken place at every site in the country and that will probably always remain way out of my reach. I will try to

include ALL movements at general and light aviation sites- BUT only based activity at the Airports and because it is an “Historical”

database

I have decided to limit the listing of based aircraft only to those registered prior to 31.12.1999- with maybe some exceptions for unusal or

historic visitors. I made this decision simply because I feel it would be totally impossible for me to keep track of the proliferation of aviation

activity that has taken at all Irish airports over the last 20 or so years. AND also because most of this data is readily available from various

specialist groups- societies and civil aircraft register which is published monthly by the Irish Aviation Authority showing all new registrations.

Some sites below do show comprehensive listings of activity- but even these are VERY far from being definitive. Some sites will remain blank

simply because no activity records exsist for them. But I will always rely mostly on contributions from visitors to the website to help fill in the

many- many gaps in the data.

CONSTRUCTION NUMBERS

c/n also known confusingly as SERIAL NUMBERS by some manufacturers- which can cause mis-understandings with the military serial (registration) numbers.

While the vast majority of aircraft constructed around the world were issued with c/n’s- it would seem some manufacturers prior to 1920 did not

issue construction numbers to military airframes at the time of construction. However- when some RAF aircraft in active service were

reconditioned

or upgraded prior to 1920- these belatedly received

c/n’s. So far I have noted that all pre 1920’s military deHavilland’s and early Handly Page

machines were not issued with c/n’s. Possibly all manufactures followed this pratice during that period.

Again during the second world war- some military aircraft manufactors still had not incorporated c/n’s a part of the aircraft identity and because of the

vast increase in production- many original manufacturers had to contract out production to various other manufacturing companies.

Most- if not all of

those companies also did not add identity c/n’s to any aircraft constructed by them and this is why the “no c/n” notice is so prevalent on military aircraft.

DATA in GREEN

with my input in blue The Encyclopedia of (MOST but not all landing site’s) Airfields and Military Flying Units in Britain (and Ireland) since 1912

DATA layout for aircraft on the NotesLogsLists file

from (location or UK postcode)

owner/operator to (location)

new – only a few added so far or other info

or other dates as required aircraft

DATA Lists These text areas of the database- consisting of sitedata and NotesLogsLists- can NEVER claim to be the definitive listing of aviation activity in Ireland-

however they may rightly claim to be the most

ongoing process-

it will never be complete or for that matter never be up to date.

DATES and LETTER CODES for BASED- STORED & VISITING AIRCRAFT used on both files

date columns-first column indicates not always position

A probable date of arrival shown after the date 1st date column-usually refers to all aircraft

CO change of ownership shown

after the date

D delivery date shown

after the date 1st date column-usually refers to all aircraft

L aircraft leased shown

after the date 1st date column and may appear in different areas of the

database

N noted-based stored or visiting shown after the date 1st date column-this notation may also appear in many different areas

of the database

R date of registration shown

after the date 1st date column-refers to all aircraft

RR re-registration of this aircraft and will appear anywhere on the list

RS restoration of a previous registration

S sold date

This column will also be used to show the order in which based aircraft arrived- by date- with the first/oldest arrival at the top.

This method is used on all sites to show

progression of aircraft through the site. No OTHER progression indicator is used on the lists.

However this method is NOT used on the IRISH AIR CORPS register-that list follows the serial allocations ONLY which simplifies a serial search

RX or other double code letters sometimes apprears TIGHTLY BETWEEN the dates this is only because there is insufficient space to allow for a gap-

the R = registration & X = cancellation date-other letters can also appear as required

second column indicates

d probabal date of departure shown before or after the date 2nd date column

X date registration cancelled shown before or after the date 2nd date column

LIVE or SLEEPING AIRCRAFT

Reference is made in the NotesLogsLists file to aircraft as “Active” or “Current”.

Active obviously means that the aircraft is in normal flying condition.

Current means that the aircraft or parts of it are still extent- complete or dismantled- but not active for any number of reasons and usually

stored or possibly scrapped with parts still at this location. When aircraft cease to exsist in any form- they are of-course no longer current.

If there is no claimed ownership of the Current remains of an airframe- then the last known registered owners will be listed as the “owners”-

even if the registeration has been X’ed (cancelled)

LOOK UP-NO BASE HERE see definition at bottom of Site Types below

LONE BLACK LINES these lines are used in the file below as separators between aircraft LOGS and normal traffic

and in the

PHOTOS

and will appear on the extream left of the text line. These are FREE to download and use as you wish-

listed on NotesLogsLists file my only request is to PLEASE make them attributal to Hugo Wilhare. Figure shows the number of available photos of the subject taken on the same day.

P-Indicates donated photos will also appear on the

extream left of the text line.

Please note any photos marked with a red P ARE

this is a new addition - very few indicators have yet been added

POSTCODES ln some cases- aircraft previously based in the UK only will show the last UK postcode address associated with the aircraft. It will appear on the left

at the start of the row. this is a new addition - very

Authorities in the Republic of Ireland have introduced postcodes here. They will NOT be used on the database because each separate code pinpoints

one single building only. Unlike the UK system where they show a cluster of about 25 buildings per code and does not identify individual structures.

REGISTRATIONS You will note some registrations show the number 2 directly after the letters. This indicates that this is the second allocation of these marks to an

airframe- which probably means the first allocation was not taken up and were then re-allocated to this airframe. On at least one occasion the

number 3 is used to show that this is the third time these marks were allocated and then finally used.

SITE NAMES There are three NAME categories

P=primary names usually the townland in which the site is located (named as per Ordnance Survey maps) or sometimes a location within a

townland.

P will NOT be indicated on

Primary names in the NotesLogsLists file will show as much site data and detail text as possible.

O=other names various other area names such as the nearest town and sometimes the site owners name may be used as Other Names

and will direct the user to the

Primary name including it’s ID number.

O will NOT be indicated on

A=alternative spelling refers to local or popular spelling of that site. Names shown with alternative spellings- will direct the user to the Primary

name- including it’s ID number.

A is the only one of the three

AVIATION SITE TYPES in IRELAND is MY definition of most of the site types found in Ireland - which is open to discussion

AERODROME Description used- probably before the First World War- to describe a location set aside primarily

for the use of aeroplanes. In everyday use until 1942- when Winston Churchill stated that from

that time on- all “Aerodromes” will be re-titled

“Airfield” following the US entry into the European

conflict. Some publications still use the term

“Aerodrome”- more out of nostalgia- rather than for any

hope of bringing the title back into general use.

AIRFIELD Since 1942- when the title of “Airfield” came into regular use to discribe any site from a large military

aviation base- right down to a private site with a single runway- with one hanger- plus training facilities.

AIRPORT Civil passenger and freight operations with regular schedualed services. Some airports started as military

bases and supported civil operations and roles were reversed at some sites in later years

As will be noted- some airfields today are regularly refered to as “Airports” which of course they can do- if

they so wish- but technically incorrect because of the lack of regular schedualed passenger services.

AIRSHIP MOORING-OUT STATION

First World War site used for the holding of and re- supply of airships away from their base stations.

AIRSHIP PATROL STATION

First World War military airships base.

AIRSTRIP Normally- private grass strip/s- from which one or more fixed wing aircraft operate. Some airstrip’s support

hard landing area’s- such as compacted gravel coated with grass- a mixture of grass and tarmac- through

to full tarmac and hangar/s- but no training.

BALLOON BASE Home location of the balloon- and usually not a launch site.

BALLOON LAUNCH SITE Self explanatory.

BASE Term used during WW2 by the United States military

to define airfields under their.control. Sometimes used since WW2-

but the term is now dying out in Ireland.

BEACH STRIP This term is used for ANY aviation activity on sand.

DECOY SITES Second World War sites constructed in open country in order to resemble nearby airfields and

to attract enemy action away from the real sites.

EMERGENCY LANDING GROUND-ELG

Basically- a military landing ground- strategically positioned so as to receive aircraft in distress-

and as a location to land at- when the home base is not available- for any reason.

FIELD STRIP One off site- used only a couple of times- mostly before the second world war.

See flying circus reference below. The same title is now used for similar site’s to-day

FLYING CIRCUS SITES We have also referred to each site used by the flying circus and display groups of the 1930’s-

as a FIELD STRIP- because at that time the majority of private site’s were known as aerodrome’s

or landing ground’s. Title’s that seemed inappropriate for site’s that would in all probability see

very little use.

FREE FALL PARACHUTE DROP ZONE

Special landing area used by parachutists. Can be located on or off-airfield. Also shown as FFPDZ

GLIDER- FIELD/ AIRSTRIP/ BEACH STRIP

Location of glider activity. Some sites operate

powered aircraft as tugs- while others use- or have

used- cables and or vehicles as glider launch systems

HANG-GLIDER

PARAGLIDER SITE Self explanatory.

HELIBASE This is my definition of all military helicopter landing sites- large and small. Title used to show that

it is a military site only and does not reflect its size.

HELIPAD This title covers many private sites- from those with dedicated hard landing areas and marked

with a H- to the open grass area- with no markings- but with multiple helicopter activity.

HELIPORT Civil passenger and freight operations with regular schedualed services and/or a full helicopter

maintenance facility.

HELISTOP Title was used for the landing site at NORTH WALL- Dublin- (equated to the bus-stop). We thought

it would be a more appropriate for the sites that would see just one or two visitors- and sometimes

never be used again.

In 2004 when I decided to include helistops in the database- apart from the commercial operators

like Irish Helicopters and Celtic- there were only about 30 or so (private) helicopters in the Republic.

At the same time Northern Ireland only had a handful of private helicopters- but from 2005 on they

also experienced the same massive increase in helicopter traffic as did the Republic.

My thinking was that a helistop could turn out to be a helipad even if seldom used and that was still

the same in 2006 when we had 130+ privately owned Irish registered helicopters in the Republic

and almost as many carrying foreign registrations.

Also those number‘s were increasing on a daily basis.

With that volume of helicopter traffic it did seem ridiculous to keep adding helistops to the database-

but as I have stated above there was always the possibility that a helipad may materilise from a helistop.

Obviously I was unable to keep up with the vast majority of helistop site’s. But I did record those that

came to my attention.

By 2009 helicopter operations both North and South had decreased dramatically as did helistop sites-

which eased this particular problem.

KITE BALLOON STATION First World War kite balloons were inflated at these sites- and transferred to warships-

attached to the ship by a winch system and used as lookout points from high above the deck.

LANDING STRIP Little used. Not an Airfield - nor an Airstrip. No Facilities.

LOOK UP-NO LANDING SITE HERE

This section is located at the BOTTOM of the NotesLogsLists file and is an Attempt at some coverage

of LOW LEVEL overflights- plus air shows or flying displays held away from airfields- airports etc- such

as Bray- Salthill- Portrush etc.

MICROLIGHT AIRSTRIP Similar to airstrip- but generally with a shorter landing/ take-off grass area- some are not suitable for use

by some group 1 fixed wing aircraft.

MILITARY LANDING GROUND

Military version of the “AIRSTRIP”. The title Landing Ground was used pre “World War Two” for some

private site’s.

MARINE Area of water based aviation. All private- civilian and military water based aviation activity will be

titled “MARINE”- and may be on a canal- river- lake- lough or on the open sea around the Irish coast.

MODEL FLYING SITE Some operators prefer to use the term “Radio Controlled” rather than “Model” for the site type.

OFF-SHORE This term is used for sea landings- accidents or incidents that have taken place around the coast

of the island of Ireland. As the majority of these took place prior to the 1960’s- we have generally

kept to within the old three mile (5km) limit from the coast- but depending on the incident- I may

cover some activity futher out from the coast.

OTHER SITES The database was set up in this manner so as to accommodate sites of ANY description related

to aviation in Ireland. It will be noticed that some site types used in the NotesLogsLists file are not

shown in the site types list above - this is intentional- as some of these sites are one off’s while

others may not be frequently used.

PARAMOTOR SITES These sites are normally suitable unprepared fields- with approaches free from obstacles.

All take off’s and landings are obviously INTO any sutable wind conditions that may be available.

At least 100m of a clear level run is required with no obstacles for safe operations.

Paramoter aircraft come in two different types. The first has a power pack strapped on the back

of the operator and when the parachute deploys- is foot launched . As such they are not required

to carry a civil aircraft registration in the UK. These aircraft are also exempted from registration in

the Republic of Ireland. Initially the sites we have placed on the database are primarily related to

this type of paramotor. The second paramotor type carries the power pack on a frame- which may

contain one or two seats and also a wheeled undercarriage. In this configuration the owner is

oblidged to apply for and display the UK civil aircraft registration on the aircraft. I am not sure if

the (Irish) IAA also have such a requirement.

STARFISH SITES Set up in remote areas in order to convince enemy night bomber crews that they were attacking

built-up or other strategic locations- used during Second World War.

TEMPORARY LANDING GROUND

As the title states a temporary version of the military landing ground.

The

“NotesLogsLists” file for Aviation Sites in Ireland database

starts here

See above for Guide to both the NotesLogsLists and the sitedata files this file- operates in (ID) Numerical order ONLY

0001

Galway Airstrip Private

see Newtown North 0263

0002

Wexford Airstrip Private

Gusserane owner/operator Burke

Corbett

Abbeybraney

11k SE of New Ross

Gusserane

about 2.5k NE of Gusserane

New Ross

Co Wexford

Possible base for the Snowflake Flying Group.

based? EI-BCN Piper J/3c-65 Cub (12335) 26.11.1976R Active Snowflake Flying group

visitor EI-BJO Cessna R.172K Hawk XP II (R172-3340) 22.06.1994N Padraig (Patrick) Hogan-(Donal?) G. Ryder (pilots on record flight-Peadar Conroy & Jarleth Conneely)

On 22.06.1994- during their record breaking flight around Ireland- North

& South- EI-BJO Cessna 172 landed at 61 different airfields/airstrips- including Abbeybraney. They departed Galway 04:40 required refuelling three times(Cork-Weston-Sligo) and finished the flight after 17 hours of which 13h 50m was spent flying 1h 05m taxiing & holding and the remainder refuelling- etc.

0003

Tipperary Landing Ground? / Field strip RAF/Private

Clonmel 1 owner ?

operator Sir Alan Cobham on 04.07.1933 at Abbey Farm

CWA.Scott on 21.05.1936 possibly Abbey Farm

3k W of Clonmel railway station

Irish Aero

Club on 04.06.1937 at Abbey Farm

directly S of the N24 roundabout and the rail line.

Inishlounaght

Abbeyfarm Clonmel Co Tipperary

This may also have been the location of the landing ground used by the RAF in Clonmel during 1921.

Abbeyfarm was possibly used by Sir Alan Cobham's flying circus on Tue 04.07.1933.

All the aircraft listed below took part in the Cobham’s Flying Circus 1933 tour of Ireland and most if not all would have appeared at Abbeyfarm.

The list was taken from: “Those fabulous Flying Years” by Colin Crudd published by Air Britain 2003 ISBN 0 85130 334 X.

1933 Tour- Cobham’s Flying Circus- Aircraft Owned by National Aviation owner Pilot

Youth of Britain II visitors G-ABSI Airspeed AS.4 Ferry (4) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham Joseph R.King sold to CWA.Scotts Flying

Display

Youth of Britain IIIG-ABSJAirspeed AS.4 Ferry (5) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham CK Turner-Hughes sold to VT-AFO 00.04.1934

& JD.Parkinson

G-ABUC Cierva C.19/IVP (5148) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham F.Jaques sold to FG.London 00.08.1936

G-ABFZ Cierva C.19/IVP (5143) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham H.Rawson sold to HR.Starkey-Howe

18.12.1935

G-ABBX deHavilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth (1278) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham B.Wilson sold to GE.Archdale 00.09.1934

G-ABUB DeHavilland DH.60X Moth (363) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham R.Warner sold to OR.Guard 00.11.1934

G-ABUL deHavilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (3107) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham Geoffrey Tyson sold 00.11.1933

G-ACEZ deHavilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (3186) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham Charles WH.Bebb sold to Brooklands Av Ltd 00.10.1935

Youth of Ireland G-ACEX deHavilland DH.83 Fox Moth (4056)04.07.1933 Sir

Alan Cobham R Ogden sold to Provincial Airways 00.05.1934

Youth of Newfoundland G-ACEY deHavilland DH.83 Fox Moth (4057)04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham W.Easdown sold to Provincial Airways 00.05.1934

Youth of New Zealand G-EBMM Handley Page W.l0 (W.10-1) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham CH.Brernridge fatal crash Aston Clinton 22.09.1934

G-EBMR Handley Page W.l0 (W.10-2) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham reserve aircraft CofA lapsed 23.09.1934 scr Malta

Youth of Britain-Austraila G-ABYX Handley Page 33 Clive (HP.35) 04.07.1933 Alan Cobham Aviation Ltd Flt Lt Hugh C.Johnson 00.11.1935X

G-AALH Blackburn F.2A Lincock (2050/1) 04.07.1933

Sir Alan Cobham Geoffrey Tyson CofA lapsed 27.03.1935

G-ABFK Blackburn Lincock lll (2920/2) 04.07.1933 Sir Alan Cobham Charles WH.Bebb donated to CAE Brooklands 00.06.1934

possibly used by CWA.Scott's Flying circus visit to Clonmel on Sun 21.05.1936.

Some- if not all the aircraft listed below would have been in attendance.

All of the aircraft listed took part in the Scott’s Flying Circus 1936 tour of Ireland.

CWA.Scott’s Flying Display

Was formed on the 20.12.1935 to take over the assets- aircraft & goodwill of

National Aviation Displays- which was owned by Sir Alan Cobham [with effect from 11.12.1935]

The list was taken from: “Those fabulous Flying Years” by Colin Cruddas- published by Air Britain 2003 ISBN 0 85130 334 X.

1936 Tour-CWA.Scott’s Flying Circus Owner Pilot

visitors G-ABSI Airspeed AS.4 Ferry (4) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd Joseph R.King sold to Air Publicity Ltd 00.11.1936

G-ACFB Airspeed AS.4 Ferry (5) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd Joseph R.King sold.to.Air Publicity Ltd 00.11.1936

G-ACOK Avro 504N (F2588) no c/n RAF serial 21.05.1936 Launcelot John Rimmer/Percival Phillips Launcelot John Rimmer cr Rhyl 00.08.1938

G-ACRE Avro 504N (E9408) no c/n RAF serial 21.05.1936

Percival Phillips Percival Phillips cr Gamlingay

13.02.1938

G-ADDA Avro 504N (K1810) no c/n RAF serial 21.05.1936

Percival Phillips Percival Phillips 00.12.1946X

G-ACLU Avro 640 Cadet (679) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd HA.Shotter sold to A Harris 00.12.1936

G-ACOZ Avro 640 Cadet (697) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd HA.Shotter CofA lapsed

05.04.1937

G-ACPB Avro 640 Cadet (696) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd HA.Shotter sold to JL.Bebb 2.37

G-AEEO BAC Drone (15) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd ldwal Jones sold to LJ.Rimmer 10.1936

G-AEAN BAC Drone (9) 21.05.1936

BAC(1935)Ltd ldwal Jones Cr nr Southend A/D

22.07.1936

G-ACUT Cierva Avro 671 Autogiro C.30A (725) 21.05.1936 CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd AL Harris-RJ Ashley sold Malcolm &

Farquh 00.03.1937

G-ADWG deHavilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (3492) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd Winifred Crossle sold to Cinque Ports FC 02.1937

G-AEFK Scott HM.14 Pou du Ciel (SFD.1) 21.05.1936

CWA.Scotts Flying Display Ltd Martin Hearn ‘Bertie Bassett” CofA lapsed 30.09.1936

G-ACJI Short S.16 Scion (S.766) 21.05.1936

Launcelot J. Rimmer Launcelot J. Rimmer

? G-ABIF Southern Martlet 21.05.1936

Air Travel Ltd unconfirmed

participant

Receiver appointed 23.09.1936

The Irish Aero Club gave an air display here on Fri 04.06.1937.

visitor? EI-AAJ deHavilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth (1866) 04.06.1937

Irish Aero Club unconfirmed

participant

visitor? EI-AAU deHavilland DH.60G-III Moth Major (5032) 04.06.1937

Irish Aero Club unconfirmed

participant

0004

Laios Helistop Private

owner/operator ?

Location? Abbeyleix

Co Laios

visitor G-EEVS Agusta A109A-11 30.05 1994N

Norbrook laboratories Ltd

0005

Longford Airfield Private

Drumanure owner Jim Byrne

Drimanure A Drumanure

Abbeyshrule

800m SW of Abbeyshrule 2

Co longford

22k WNW of Mullingar

operator

Abbeyshrule Development Co

AKA Courtney’s Field

5335n 0740w 2100ft grass r/w

The original airfield of this name was owned by Jim Byrne RIP- who sadly died in the crash of EI-BBP

on 20.09.1976. The airfield was opened in 1957 and closed 09.1976 on the death of the owner.

It was operated by the Abbeyshrule Development Co.

additional to info from Roger D.Carid

The old airfield was in the dog-leg of the canal. It was N of the canal and W of the road behind the Rustic Inn pub.

The farm on which the airfield was located was owned by Jim Byrne- it was Officially opened on 01.07.1957.

Extract by CFI George Farrah from Abbeyshrule 2- 21^st Airshow 1992 [booklet]

Abbeyshrule 1

The fact that I was born and reared in Abbeyshrule meant that I couldn’t have escaped the flying bug. From a

very early age I was fascinated by aeroplanes. Perhaps I was one of the luckier ones- for my dream came

true in the mid 1950’s when a couple of Tiger Moths came to a sports event in Abbeyshrule- which incidentally

was held in the same field in which the present airfield Abbeyshrule 2 is located. Then I remember Tiger Moths

landing in the late Frank Kenny’s field in Castlewilder. As I had no bicycle at the time- so I had to walk to the bog

bridge which is situated at the east end of the present airfield and look across the River Inny at what I thought at

the time were two giant aeroplanes on the ground- as they looked so small in the air.

(see Abbeyshrule 4 1502).

The following year (1957) the late Jimmy Byrne and three other pilots bought a B.A.

Swallow- El-AGH- and kept it in

Abbeyshrule on Jimmy’s farm. Legend has it that the Swallow was being transported to Abbeyshrule by road-

and a few miles from Abbeyshrule it was removed from the lorry- rigged in a field and flown into Abbeyshrule

by Jimmy.

Things were only to get better for me when the late Johnny Farrell from Doughill bought a Tiger Moth from

John Kerr Jnr of Athboy (EI-AHJ- 06.11.1956-30.08.1958) He kept it in an open hanger in Abbeyshrule. As a

boy- I was very fortunate that I had to pass the airfield on my way to school and could look across the hedge

at the Tiger- morning and evening.

The Swallow was kept in an old Nissen hut as it’s wings could be folded back. Some of the other children and I

helped to take the Swallow out of the hut. Often I helped to stick on patches with red dope which Jimmy kept in

the hut- and I’d go down to McGoey’s petrol pump for a five-gallon drum of petrol which cost £1. Jimmy was an

ace pilot and whenever he got the opportunity to fly the Tiger’ he would give us the thrill of our lives.

In 1957 Abbeyshrule had its first Air Display. Aircraft included Tiger Moths- Swallows- Austers- Miles Messengers

and a de Havilland Dragon which was used to give joy flights at five shillings per head.

I was longing for a flight-

but unfortunately I didn’t have five shillings. Also at the Display there was a paracute descent by Freddie Bond.

Sadly the flying stopped in the late 1950s and was not revived until the early 1970’s- when Abbeyshrule Aero Club

formed and Rallye El-ATS- was purchased.

I took my first flying lesson on the 17^th June- 1973 with John Barkel- an ex-RAF Wing Commander who came

to Abbeyshrule as a flying instructor in 1972. My first solo flight on the 21^st October- 1973 was the greatest

experience of my life. Unfortunately- John Barkel left Abbeyshrule in mid 1974- which meant we were flying with

different instructors who helped us out until the arrival of Paul Van Lonkhuyzen in late 1974.

I did the flight test for my private Pilots Licence on the 31st March- 1975 with Michael McCabe from the Department

of Transport. Michael encouraged me to work towards getting an instructor’s rating- as the club needed local people

to give flying instruction. I began my instructors course with the late Ian Swailes from Dundalk- who was also Chief

Flying Instructor (C.F.l.) at Abbeyshrule. This meant flying to Dundalk for tuition. This didn’t work out too well-

as Dundalk Flying Club was very busy every Sunday. I finished my instructor’s course with John Judge in Fethard.

I did my flight instructor’s test with Michael McCabe on the 09.05.1976. The first year I did 250 hours of instruction.

Abbeyshrule 2

Then I was appointed Chief Flying Instructor at Abbeyshrule 2 on the 24.05.1979- and I have logged in excess of

two thousand- hours since. (1992) I AL 501 p.29 09.2016

On 5 August 1956 there was an air display at Abbeyshrule- attended by many aircraft from Weston- including the Dragon. There were displays by Tiger Moths and Provosts of the Air Corps.

In mid October 1956 there was another air show at Abbeyshrule- by then a licensed aerodrome. It was some 30 to 40 minutes flying from Weston. Major Morgan visited in his Auster EI-AGJ

and Swallow EI-AGA was also in attendance

based EI-AGH BA Swallow 2 (488) 04.05.1957R 18.04.1959 James Byrne & partners fatal cr 18.04.1959-12.02.1960X

1^st Abbeyshrule 1 Air Show 15.07.1957 which included (also recorded as 21.07.1957 via Irish Air Letter No.502 p.20 10.2016)

Tiger Moth/s Swallow/s Auster/s

Miles Messenger/s and a deHavilland Dragon (log/photos for this event anyone?)

at which the Leinster Aero Club- the Shannon Aero Club- the Dublin Gliding Club and the Irish Parachute Club all put

in an appearance. As well as many Tigers- there were demonstrations by Chipmunks- Messengers and Swallows via Irish Air Letter No.502 p.20 10.2016 .

based EI-AHJ de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (86414) 30.08.1958R 01.12.1969 Johnny Farrell did Johnny fly from Drumanure (Abbeyshrule 1) during the

Tiger Moth’s registered period- which corresponds with the airstrip’s non-op period

visitor EI-AMU BA Swallow 2 (449) 05.04.1963

Patrick Anthony (Tony) Doyle cr here 05.04.1963-11.03.1966X Apparently- the airfield was non-opperational between late 1950’s and 1970

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 20.04.1970R Bruton & Farrar

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 22.12.1971R 00.06.1977 Longford Aviation

based EI-AVB Aeronca 07AC Champion (7AC-1790) 14.06.1971R 00.06.1977 GG.Bracken

based EI-AVU Stampe SV.4C (1060) 14.07.1972R

00.06.1977 SP.O’Carroll

based EI-AWR Melmo MFI-9 Junior (01-1963) 12.06.1973R 00.06.1977 W. Calder Potts

based EI-AWU SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (880) 12.01.1974R 00.06.1974 Longford Aviation

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8448) 28.06.1974R 13.11.1975 Robert Hall-Mike Skelly & Partner (Farrar-Hall-Skelly-McGinnity)

based EI-BAJ SNCAN Stampe SV.4C (171) 17.10.1974R 00.06.1977 Dublin Tiger Group

based EI-BAS Reims Cessna F.172M (172-1267) 02.05.1975R 00.06.1977 Fahey & Fitzgerald

Abbeyshrule 1 Kildare Flying Club Breakfast Patrol (log?) 10.05.1975

P fly-in visitor EI-ATM Piccard AX.6 (105) 00.00.0000N Wilf Wollet this balloon was sold to the Dublin Balloon Club 07.05.1971 and

flown by them until sold to Wilf Wollett 15.07.1974 he used the balloon for just one year. It was withdrawn from use 26.07.1975.

These dates do not fit with any of the fly-in dates- except the Kildare Flying Club Breakfast Patrol on 10.05.1975. EI-ATM did fly at an event at abbeyshrule 1 / Drumanure but date is unknown.

Also in attendance at the same event were these aircraft:

P fly-in based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye (1582) 00.00.1972R Longford Aviation carrying the titles “Abbeyshrule Aero Club”

fly-in visitor EI-AOD2 Cessna 182J (182-57249) 00.00.0000 D.Rowan & T.Kileen noted in the foreground of the EI-ATM photo.

plus fly-in visitor ????? Auster?

plus fly-in visitor ????? Jodel?

log Abbeyshrule 1 fly-In 09-10.08.1975 via Irish Air Letter p.04 09.1975 No. 007 all aircraft listed were noted on 10.08.1975

visitor EI-AGJ Auster J/1 Autocrat (2208) 10.08.1975 WG.Rafter

visitor EI-AMK Auster J/1 Autocrat (1838) 10.08.1975 Leinster Aero Club/Irish Aero Club

visitor EI-AMO Auster J/1N Aiglet (2792) 10.08.1975 OMAC Builders

visitor EI-AUM Auster J/1 Autocrat (2612) 10.08.1975 TG.Rafter

visitor EI-AYN Britten-Norman BN-2A-8 Islander (804) 10.08.1975 Aer Arran Teo

visitor EI-BBA Britten-Norman BN-2A-26 Islander (444) 10.08.1975 Aer Arran teo

visitor EI-AOO Cessna 150E (150-61225) 10.08.1975 Limerick Flying Club

visitor EI-APF2 Reims Cessna F.150G (F150-0112)10.08.1975 Midland Flying Club

visitor EI-ATH2 Reims Cessna F.150J (F150-0426) 10.08.1975 Irish Aero Club

visitor EI-AVM Reims Cessna F.150L (F150-0745) 10.08.1975 Irish Aero Club

visitor EI-AYK Reims Cessna F.172M Skyhawk II 10.08.1975 Irish Tank & Pipe Co

(F172-1092)

based EI-BAG Cessna 172A (172-47571) 10.08.1975 Irish Parachute Club

visitor EI-BAO Reims Cessna F.172G (F172-0278)10.08.1975 Joyce Aviation

display visitor IAC206 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0346) 10.08.1975 Irish Air Corps

display visitor IAC208 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0348) 10.08.1975 Irish Air Corps

display visitor IAC209 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0349) 10.08.1975 Irish Air Corps

visitor G-AWPV Reims Cessna F.172H Skyhawk 10.08.1975 Maurice John McChesney

(F172-0585)

visitor EI-AOD2 Cessna 182J (182-57249) 10.08.1975 D.Rowan-T.Kileen

visitor EI-ATL Aeronca 7AC Champion (7AC-4674) 10.08.1975 Kildare Flying Club Ltd

visitor EI-ANT Champion 7ECA Citabria (7ECA-38) 10.08.1975 Setanta Flying Group

visitor EI-AUB deHavilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (86509) 10.08.1975 FE.Bigger

visitor G-BAFA American Aviation AA-5 Traveller 10.08.1975 Truman Aviation Ltd

(AA5-0201)

visitor EI-AWR Melmo MFI-9 Junior (01.1963) 10.08.1975 Cantara Business Services

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 10.08.1975 Longford Aviation

visitor EI-AUE SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1359) 10.08.1975 Munster Aero Club

based EI-AWU SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (880) 10.08.1975 Longford Aviation

visitor N45037 Naval Air Factory N3N (2633) 10.08.1975 Commander Aircraft Sales

visitor EI-BAP Piper J-3C-65 Cub L-4J (12499) 10.08.1975 J.Molloy

visitor G-ARBX Piper PA-18 Super Cub (18-7355) 10.08.1975 Archibald Alexander Alderdice

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8448) 10.08.1975 Robert Hall-Mike Skelly & Partner

visitor N80WT Piper PA-23 Aztec (27-2554) 10.08.1975 Brian Carpenter

visitor G-AVRY Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (28-4089) 10.08.1975 Roses Flying Group

visitor N1221J Rockwell 112A Commander (221) 10.08.1975 N.Hanlon 28.05.1975R EI-BBB (still carrying N reg as late as 10.08.1975)

visitor G-AVGJ SAN Jodel DR1050 (265) 10.08.1975 Raymond Frank Peck

visitor EI-AVT SNCAN Stampe SV-4C (399) 10.08.1975 J.Gallagher

visitor IAC214 Aerospatiale SA316B Alouette 111 (2122) 10.08.1975 Irish Air Corps

visitor EI-ALH Taylorcraft Plus D (106) 10.08.1975 Norbert Reilly

visitor EI-BAF Thunder AX-6-56 (027) 10.08.1975 DE.Williams

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8448) 13.11.1975R 00.06.1977 Robert Hall-Mike Skelly-Farrah-McGinnitty

based EI-BBK Beagle A.109 Airedale (B.509) 18.11.1975R 00.06.1977 Kerry Gliding Club 00.06.1977X pending sale-see 17.07.1977

based EI-BBP SOCATA MS.893E Rallye (12483) 10.03.1976R 20.09.1976 T.Gannon crashed Galtee Mountains 20.09.1976 killing 3 crew en- route

Kilbrittain-Abbeyshrule

visitor D-ECRM Reims Cessna FR.172H (F172H-0296) 17.06.1976N Bittner-Michela

stored dismantled EI-ANN deHavilland DH82A Tiger Moth (83161) 00.07.1976N Dublin Tiger Club 12.11.1965X after a short Irish career- having been registered on

06.10.1964. The cancellation resulted from a crash at Culmullen on 18.10.64 where the aircraft was reportedly damaged beyond repair. After storage in the Kilcock (location?) area for

many years- 'ANN moved to Abbeyshrule 1 in 07.1976 along with Tiger- EI-AOP. Then moved to Abbeyshrule 2 when Drumanure closed .Still present and dismantled at Abbeyshrule 2 during the 1990’s- it was owned by a group of six for future rebuild.

Moved out in 2010.

stored dismantled EI-AOP deHavilland DH82A Tiger Moth (84320) 00.07.1976N Dublin Tiger Club 24.09.1965R and like 'ANN 12.09.1985X following an accident-

also at Culmullen- this time in 1974. Also like 'ANN it moved to Abbeyshrule 1 for rebuild. Then moved to Abbeyshrule 2 when Drumanure closed. Owned by the same group of six as EI-ANN.

Moved out in 2010.

based G-ATIW GEEMS MS.892A Rallye Commander 150 15.07.1976R 17.09.1976 J.Clyne

(10561)

Log Abbeyshrule 1 Fly-in/Air Show 07-08.08.1976. via the Irish Air Letter No.19 - 09.1976 p09 all aircraft listed were noted on 08.08.1976

visitor G-BAFA American Aviation AA-5 Traveler (0201) 08.08.1976 Lewis Flying group Ltd (IoM)

visitor EI-AGJ Auster J/1 Autocrat (2208) 08.08.1976 William G.Rafter

visitor EI-ALH Taylorcraft Plus D (106) 08.08.1976 Norbert Reilly

visitor EI-AMK Auster J/1 Autocrat (1838) 08.08.1976 Leinster Aero Club/ Irish Aero Club

visitor EI-AUM Auster J/1 Autocrat (2612) 08.08.1976 TG.Rafter

visitor EI-ALP Avro 643 Cadet (848) 08.08.1976

John O’Loughlin

visitor EI-AYN Brittain Norman BN-2A-8 Islander (704) 08.08.1976

Aer Arann Teo pleasure flights

visitor EI-AOO Cessna 150E (150-61225) 08.08.1976 F.Higgins

visitor EI-AST Reims Cessna F.150G (F150-0273)08.08.1976 Garda Flying Club

visitor EI-ATH2 Reims Cessna F.150J (F150-0426) 08.08.1976 Irish Aero Club

visitor EI-AVM Reims Cessna F.150L (F150-0745) 08.08.1976 Victor Mike Flying Group

visitor EI-AYF Reims Cessna F.150L (F150-0218) 08.08.1976 H.Harold

visitor EI-BAT Reims Cessna F.150L (F150-1196) 08.08.1976 Iona National Airways

visitor EI-AYK Reims Cessna F.172M (F172-1092)08.08.1976 PJ.Meade

visitor EI-BAO Reims Cessna F.172G (F172-0278)08.08.1976 M.Concannon

visitor EI-BAS Reims Cessna F.172M (F172-1262)08.08.1976 Iona National Airways

display visitor IAC208 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0348) 08.08.1976 Irish Air Corps

display visitor IAC209 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0349) 08.08.1976 Irish Air corps

display visitor IAC210 Reims Cessna F.172H (F172-0350) 08.08.1976 Irish Air Corps

visitor EI-AOD2 Cessna 182J (182-57249) 08.08.1976 D.Rowan-T.Kileen

visitor EI-ARN Cessna 182H / Wren 460 (182-56196/96) 08.08.1976 Helicopter Maintenance

visitor EI-ATF2 Cessna 182G (182-55135) 08.08.1976 A.Leonard or C.Keane

visitor EI-AYJ Cessna 181P (182-62470) 08.08.1976 Iona National Airways

visitor EI-ANT Champion 7ECA Citabria (7ECA.36) 08.08.1976 Setanta Flying Group

visitor EI-BBT Aeromere Falco F8L Series 3 (216) 08.08.1976 A.Johnson

visitor G-AWSU Laverda Falco F8L Series 4 (416) 08.08.1976 Gerrard Connoly-Michael Slazenger

fly past only IAC215 Fouga CM170 Super Magister (357) 08.08.1976 Irish Air Corps

fly past only IAC218 Fouga CM170 Super Magister (390) 08.08.1976 Irish Air corps

visitor N70WT Hughes 269B (79-0429) 08.08.1976

Welltrade Ltd

visitor G-AXIH Bucker Bu133 Jungmeister (011) 08.08.1976 Roy Edwin Legg

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 08.08.1976 Longford Aviation

visitor EI-AUE SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1359) 08.08.1976 Munster Aero Club

visitor EI-AUG SOCATA MS.894A Rallye Minerva 220 08.08.1976 Roadstone Ltd

(11080)

visitor EI-AUJ SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1370) 08.08.1976 H.Lynch & partners

visitor EI-AUP SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1143) 08.08.1976 Dundalk Aero Club

based EI-AWU SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (880) 08.08.1976 Longford Aviation

visitor EI-AYV SOCATA MS.892A Rallye 150 (10482) 08.08.1976 North West Aero Club

visitor EI-BBG SOCATA MS.880B Rallye (2592) 08.08.1976 Weston Ltd

visitor EI-BBO SOCATA MS.893E Rallye (12522) 08.08.1976 M.Gavin

based EI-BBP SOCATA MS.893E Rallye (12483) 08.08.1976

T.Gannon cr in the Galtee Mountains 20.09.1976 killing three crew including

Jim Byrne owner of Abbeyshrule 1 airfield

based G-ATIWSOCATA MS.892A Rallye 150 (10561) 08.08.1976 R.Clyne G-ATIW change of ownership to R.Clyne 15.07.1976R.

temporarily

moved to Weston 11.1976 prior to registration marks EI-BCH being added. 17.09.1976R

visitor N45037 Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 (2633) 08.08.1976 Commander Aircraft Sales

visitor EI-BAP Piper J/3c Cub L-4J (12499) 08.08.1976 J.Molloy

visitor EI-BBV Piper J/3c-65 Cub L-4J-P1 (13058) 08.08.1976 C.Cronin

visitor EI-ADV Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser (12-3459) 08.08.1976 Robert E.Levis

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8448) 08.08.1976 Farrar-Hall-Skelly & McGinty

stored damaged EI-AOP2 deHavilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (84320) 08.08.1976 Dublin Tiger Group reported as badly damaged at Culmullen during 1974

visitor EI-ATK Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee (28-24120) 08.08.1976 Mayo Flying Club

visitor EI-BBC Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee B (28.1049) 08.08.1976 MP & D.Goss

visitor G-ATVC Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six (32-99) 08.08.1976 John Joseph Irwin & five partners

visitor G-AXXA Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (28-5606) 08.08.1976 Spencer Aviation Ltd Biggin Hill 10.08.1976R Newbury Air Services

visitor G-AZVV Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (28-7205171) 08.08.1976 Michael Robert Woodgate

visitor G-BASJ Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (28-7305136) 08.08.1976 Merseyside Trailer Sales & Servicing

visitor G-BCXD Aerotec Pitts S.2A Special (2088) 08.08.1976 Kelly Aeroplane Ltd> change of ownership 05.08.1976X to new owner 03.09.1976

visitor EI-BBB Rockwell 112A Commander (444) 08.08.1976 N.Hanlon (Ireland) Ltd

display visitor G-AZLE Boeing A75N1 Stearman (75-8543) 08.08.1976 Anthony E.Poulson

visitor EI-BAF Thunder AX-6-56 (027) 08.08.1976

DE.Williams named “Foggy Dew”

visitor EI-BBE Champion 7FC Tri-Traveller (7FC-393) 08.08.1976 G.Treacy

display visitor ? Hughes 269 08.08.1976

? details required please.

based EI-BCH SEEMS MS.892A Rallye Commodore 150 R17.09.1976

R.Clyne see G-ATIW above

(10561)

based EI-BBP SOCATA MS.893E Rallye (12483) ( 20.09.1976) T.Gannon from Kilbrittain to Abbeyshrule- never made it-cr

in the Galtee Mountains 20.09.1976 sadly killing three crew including Jim Byrne owner of Abbeyshrule airfield

ABBEYSHRULE 1 – Drumanure via Irish Air Letter December 1976 No.022 page 03 (info sent to the Irish Air letter 00.12.1976)

The Irish Aviation Historical Society recently provided us with an up-date on the status of this airfield

At the request of the wife of the late owner of the Drumanure airfield site (Abbeyshrule 1)- the department of Transport have withdrawn the licence applicable to this airfield.

Based aircraft were flown to a temporary strip some half-mile?? from the village of Abbeyshrule (at Castlewilder (ID1501)1.5 miles to NE). A licence is being sought for this field. At

least one aircraft- MS.892A Rallye G-ATIW / EI-BCH moved to Weston as a temporary measure.

ABBEYSHRULE 2 - Cloonbrin

At the same time plans have being laid and finances arranged for yet another field near the village (Abbeyshrule 2) by Longford Aviation Ltd as developers. Longford Aviation

are proposing a hard surface runway of 2350ft (720m) with a displaced threshold of 250ft to allow for an approach over the river Inny. A second- grass- runway of 1600ft (490m)

is also invisaged.The proposed development would be capable of handling aircraft up to Britten-Norman Trilander size. If finance permits- consideration will be given to further

development of the Longford Aviation strip-particularly to the installation of radio and navigation aids.

0006

Longford Airstrip/Airfield

Private

Cloonbrin operater Longford Aviation Ltd

Cloonbrin

21k WNW of Mullingar

Abbeyshrule Co Longford

In the Townland of Cloonbrin

044-57742

(day

044-57424 (evening)

I prefer to use the name of the townland in which the site is located as the primary site name- unless the site is on a named location within the townland such as a House- Castle or other feature- then that will be used as the primary name.

But some locations are so well known by their current title- it would be of no benefit to use the actual townland in which the site is located as the primary name.

Abbeyshrule 2 is a case in point- named after the local village while the airfield itself is actually in the townland of Cloonbrin- 1.25k NE of the village.

Info via Irish Air Letter p13 & p18 No.055 dated 08.1979

ABBEYSHRULE AIRSTRIP: The completion and comnissioning of a new 600 metre tarmac runway

at AbbeyshruIe marks a further phase in the development of this airstrip. The existing airstrip was opened after the closure of the old Abbeyshrule airfield following the death

of its owner Jim Byrne in a flying accident in September 1976. Work was completed on the

new grass strip in time for the 1977 Abbeyshrule display and work started on the erection

of a hangar in January 1978. This is now leased to Bruton Aircraft Engineering Ltd.

The new runway was laid by Roadstone Ltd and expenditure on developing the airfield mounts to

£80-000 to date-

The recent air display was the occasion of an editorial visit . Outside the hangar lay the remains of Navion NC285RS which crashed at Belmullet- Co. Mayo.

This aircraft was c/n 4-1192- registered to Ricairdo R. Stone of Boulder-Colorado.

Inside the

hangar undergoing maintanance were Rally's EI-AWU & 'YI- Falco EI-BCJ2 and Stampes EI-BAJ

EI-BAU. Resident in the hangar were Cub EI-BAP ancl Auster EI-BEU. (see 12- 13.08.1978 below)

After the death of Jim Byrne on 20.09.1976 and subsequent closure of Abbeyshrule 1- Drumanure

(Drimnaure ) it was decided to open a new airstrip on land at Cloonbrin- 1.5k NE of the old site.

It started life as a grass strip- but because of the soft landing area- it was quickly decided to

add a tarmac runway. Activity did take place prior to the airfield receiving its licence on 28.07.1977 and it was officially opened on 01.08.1977. First Airshow held on

07.08.1977.

In the spring of 1994 a new hangar was built- and during June 1994 a new taxiway was added.

A runway extension was carried out late 2000/early 2001- bringing the total length from 575m to 799m.

About the same time a new company Ultraflight constructed hangars and facilities on the

northern side of the runway.

info below from Kevin Glynn’s excellent flight guide 2006 page 22

Home to two flying clubs and two training organisations (2006) including Ultraflight 044-457777.

Midland Aviation operated by David Bruton is the maintainance company based on the southern

side of the airfield at 044-57468. Main flying activity is on the northern side but most privately

owned aircraft are hangared on the south side.

Avoid flying over local houses. Possible light turbulence over trees on approach to 28.

PPR by

phone. Standard join and circuits 800ft agl.

coffee in clubhouse both hangars. Toilet in hangar northside and beside mobile home southside.

Lunch in the Rustic Inn. Avgas at the airfield. 2k for Mogas at Abbeyshrule village &

4k at Lagan.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN. The Fly In Weekend.

Copied from the program of the 21st Air Show weekend 08.1992.

Written and researched by Pat Mullen - Club Member.

On Sunday- August 7th 1955- a crowd of approximately 1-500 people gathered on the bank

of the Inny River to watch the sports and aquatic events. Abbeyshrule Sports was one of the big

annual events in the Midlands during the 40's and 50's. For this particular Sunday in August the

posters and advertisements in the local papers read 'Abbeyshrule Sports and Air Display'. At

4pm three World War 2 Tiger Moth aeroplanes (from the Irish Aero Club)- flying in formation-

arrived overhead to give a spectacular display of loops- rolls- stall turns- etc. The highly skilled

pilots flying those machines on that day were Capt. P. W. 'Darby' Kennedy- David Montgomery and

George Donohue. Ironically- the present 600 metre tarmac runway is laid on the same field where

that crowd gathered to watch birth the of aviation in Abbeyshrule. I am glad to say that boyhood

a dreams of flying aircraft have become reality for myself and many others. In 1956- a lot of hard

work went into the preparation of a new venue for the airshow- and on August 5th a crowd estimated at

6-000 (largely pedestrians and cyclists) paid two shillings admission to see the first parachute descent

by Fred Bond- - the first lady pilot- Rosemary Kennedy- spinning her aircraft from 5-000 ft.- - and the

first display by an Irish Air Corps Officer- Capt. Quinn- flying a Provost.

The display was officially opened by General Sean McKeon and the total gate receipts amounted to

£682.00. Two other pilots of that era come to mind - Dave 'Monkey' Morgan and Barry Egan. The 1957

Air Show provided thrilling aerobatics- this time a massed parachute descent by Fred Bond- Vic

Williams and Norman Hoffman. Model flying was intro- duced for the first time- and joy flights were

available at ten shillings a time in an eight- seater De Havilland Dragon. Flying eased off for a number

of years in the 60's- but a few enthusiasts were determined to revive it. In 1970 Abbeyshrule Aero Club

was formed- a Rallye trainer aircraft was purchased and flying was available to all interested. Demand

for flying lessons was such that queueing or booking was the order of the day. Voluntary instructors

were kept busy until the arrival of a full time instructor in the spring of '72. This man- John Barkel- was

an ex-RAF Wing Commander. Soon the P.P.L.s (Private Pilot's Licence) were being issued.

There were bigger things to come for Abbeyshrule.The Airshows were making the headlines- and year

by year the standard was raised. World class acrobatic pilots led thousands of spectators with

outstanding displays in Pitts Specials- Zlins- Robins- Tiger Moths- Stampes and Falcos.

Speed and

noise were provided by such famous aeroplanes as the Hawker Hunter Fighter (Air Speed Record of

723 m.p.h.in 1957)- The Spitfire (Battle of Britain fame)- the Sea Fury (Fastest Propeller Fighter) and

the Fouga jets of the Irish Air Corps. Other memorable feats were low passes by Aer Lingus 747

Jumbo and a One Eleven jet by Ryanair. Great credit for the success of flying in Abbeyshrule must go

to the organisers- pilots- flying instructors- sponsors- land owners and the local people. I must include

especially the pioneers of aviation in Abbeyshrule. Sadly- many of them have passed away but they will

always be remembered by everyone associated with flying in the Midlands. Looking back over all the

years of flying and twenty Airshows- I hope the 21st will be most spectacular of all. Pat Mullen.

based EI-BCJ2 Aeromere F.8L Falco 3 (204) 19.01.1977R 00.00.2013 D.Kelly temporarily based Dublin & Weston 10.1976- 01.1977 until

Cloonbrin was ready

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 00.06.1977 20.07.1979 Longford Aviation to Midland Aviation 20.07.1979

based EI-AWU SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (0880) 00.06.1977 00.07.1987 Longford Aviation to Devlinmore 1 00.07.1987

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22-108 Colt (22-8448) 00.06.1977 14.08.1980 Robert Hall-Mike Skelly- to Mike Skelly 14.08.1980

Farrah-McGinnitty

based EI-BBK Beagle A.109 Airedale (B.509) 17.07.1977R current HF.Igoe

Abbeyshrule 2 - 1^st Fly In took place on 07.08.1977

The Abbeyshrule Aero Club was granted it’s licence on 28.07.1977. The new airfield is at

Cloonbrin and is 0.75mile (1.5km) NE of Abbeyshrule village. The first aircraft to land there that

day were the aero clubs two Rallyes EI-ATS & AWU together with visiting Rockwell Commander 112 EI-BBB and Falco EI-BBT- this machine staging a display of aerobatics.

The Abbeyshrule Aero Club’s annual air display was held on Sunday 7 August- though

the fly-in normally a two day affair was not held due to the newness of the field. The weather

was up to the usual standard we have come to expect of Abbeyshrule- that is to say excellent

and the spectators numbered close to five thousand who saw a display of aerobatics by G-AXIX

a Bucker Jungmeister and Falco EI-BBT- a flypast by a Cessna 414 and displays by Rallyes- Air

Corps Magister and a hot-air balloon.

Log Abbeyshrule 2 07.08.1977 fly-in via the Irish Air Letter 09.1977 No.31 p.03 - plus additional information added all aircraft listed were noted on 07.08.1977

visitor G-AVUX Reims-Cessna F.172H (F172-0476)07.08.1977 St Angelo Aviation Club

visitor EI-AYK Reims-Cessna F.172M Skyhawk II 07.08.1977 J.Meade

(F172-1082)

visitor D-EGMO Piper PA-18 Super Cub (18-3195) 07.08.1977

?

visitor EI-BBV Piper J3/c-65 Cub (13058) 07.08.1977 F.Cronin

visitor EI-BCM Piper J3/c-65 Cub (11983) 07.08.1977 Kilmoon Flying Group

aerobatic display visitor EI-BBT Aviamilano F.8L Falco III (216) 07.08.1977 A.Johnson-D.Whelan

based EI-BCJ2 Aviamilano F.8L Falco III (204) 07.08.1977 D.Kelly

based EI-ATS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (1582) 07.08.1977 Longford Aviation

based EI-AWU SOCATA MS.880B Rallye Club (880) 07.08.1977 Longford Aviation

visitor EI-AWJ SOCATA MS.893A Rallye (10664) 07.08.1977 W.Phelan

based EI-BCH SOCATA MS.892A Rallye 150 (10561) 07.08.1977 R.Clyne

visitor EI-BCS SOCATA MS.880B Rallye (2550) 07.08.1977 JJ.Martyn-J.O’Neill

visitor EI-BDB SOCATA MS.880B Rallye (2924) 07.08.1977 Weston Ltd

visitor EI-AYV SOCATA MS.892A Rallye 150 (10482) 07.08.1977 North West Aero Club (Carrickfin)

visitor EI-AUG SOCATA MS.894A Rallye Minerva 220 07.08.1977 Roadstone Ltd

(11080)

visitor G-BDKB SOCATA MS.880B Rallye 150ST (2631) 07.08.1977 Dickson Bros. Ltd

visitor EI-AGJ Auster J/1 Autocrat (2208) 07.08.1977 WG.Rafter

visitor EI-AUM Auster J/1 Autocrat (2612) 07.08.1977 TG.Rafter

visitor EI-BBE Aeronca 7FC Tri-Traveller (7FC-393) 07.08.1977 Guy Treacy

based EI-AYS Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8448) 07.08.1977 Farrar-Hall-Skelly-McGinty

visitor EI-BAV Piper PA-22 Colt 108 (22-8347) 07.08.1977 JP.Montcalm

visitor EI-ARN Cessna 182H Skylane-Wren 460 07.08.1977 Irish Parachute Club last two of c/n also given as 96

(182-56196/26)

visitor EI-APF2 Reims-Cessna F.150G (150-0112) 07.08.1977 Midland Flying Club

visitor EI-AVM Reims-Cessna F.150L (150-0745) 07.08.1977 Irish Aero Club

aerobatic display visitor G-AXlH Bucker Bu133 Jungmeister (011) 07.08.1977 Roy Edwin Legg

fly past only EI-AWW Cessna 414 (414-0163) 07.08.1977 Tom Farrington

aerobatic display only IAC217 Fouga CM170 Super Magister (359) 07.08.1977 Irish air corps

aerobatic display only IAC217 Fouga CM170 Super Magister (390) 07.08.1977 Irish air corps

visitor G-BEXW Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer 07.08.1977 Woodgate Aviation Ltd

(28-7790521)

visitor EI-ANT Champion 7ECA Citabria (7ECA-38) 07.08.1977 Setanta Flying Group

visitor EI-BBB Rockwell 112 commander (221) 07.08.1977 N.Hanlon (Ireland) Ltd

visitor G-BDAZ Thunder AX7-77A (035) 07.08.1977 Thunder Balloons Ltd

based EI-BEU Auster J/4 (2069) 11 or 12.05.1978R

16.10.1980X George Farrar restored to G-AIJM

The new Abbeyshrule airfield was formally opened 02.06.1978 by Mr. Tom Fitzpatrick Minister of State for Transport and Tourism.

The opening was followed by a banquet in the Rustic Inn. Based at the new airfield was Bruton Aircraft Engineering Ltd- set up by

Sammy Bruton and equiped to deal with airframe and engine checks. It was planned to expaid the service to include engine overhauls.

log Abbeyshrule 2 02.06.1978 official opening via Irish Air Letter p.02 No.041 07.1978 all aircraft listed were noted on 02.06.1978