Elstree Aerodrome
London Elstree Aerodrome is a general aviation aerodrome located in Elstree, situated east of Watford, Hertfordshire, England. It also serves as an important reliever airport for Luton Airport.
Elstree Aerodrome has Civil Aviation Authority Ordinary Licence P486, which allows flights for the purpose of the public transport of passengers and for the purpose of instruction in flying. It is licensed for night flying. The licensee is Montclare Shipping Company Ltd.
The aerodrome has one asphalt runway aligned roughly east–west. The runway is in length making it suitable for most light aircraft up to the size of a King Air or Pilatus PC-12. The runway has a steep 9% gradient.
History
During the Second World War, Westland Lysander aircraft were tested at Elstree. Elstree also hosted a Link Trainer flight simulator. 124 Gliding School was formed at Elstree in August 1943.The airfield is owned and operated by the Gibbs family, who have long been associated with the Elstree area.
Operations
The aerodrome was returned to civil aircraft operations in 1946. There is a large wartime built Bellman hangar and a number of smaller hangars.Residents include aeroplane and helicopter schools, charter companies and maintenance services.
Some areas of the airfield are occasionally used for filming.