Fun General Pictures and Videos from Tiffenden Airfield
This is where you'll find general pictures from around the airfield. Scroll to the bottom of the page to get the latest.
Right: Tiffenden Airfield is home to the Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group. They use the fields for their fun days. Tiffenden Airfield is strictly PPR as pilots need to be aware of airfield activities that may be none aviation related. Below: 'Puzzle' ready for departure at the hold of Runway 24. Notice the dog leg to the Threshold.
Sunday May 15th 2016So cool to have these guys drop in for a 50th Birthday Balloon Flight! What an amazing family! It was a pleasure to meet them all.
Harvard Circling Tiffenden AirfieldThe Tiffenden Airfield TractorIt's a Kubota with a Major Finishing Mower on the back. Both the tractor and the mower need regular maintenance. We really could use a larger tractor as not only do we use of the runway, we also cut all of the tracks for the Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group that are based here.
Haymaking 2016The picture below, left and right, show the airfield when hay is being made. The runway is left clear with the hay rowed at both sides. This is loose hay and fast propellors can blow it about - be careful. When the hay is made, there are bales left lying around for collection. None on the runway but you wouldn't want to stray off it.
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Left: Hollie takes Puzzle for a spin. There are many horses at Tiffenden Airfield. It is always good to overfly before landing to check the arenas and to see if anyone is riding around the land boundaries. Stone Circle Livery operates at Tiffenden Airfield.
Below: Classic Cars can often be seen at Tiffenden Airfield.
April 3rd 2016The ground lies wet as it is clay. Here you can see the tractor stuck in the mud. It will stay there until the ground is dry enough to pull it out. Probably the end of April now with all this rain.
July 6th 2016Landing in a C150 at dusk. Pilots, note the hay crop at full height.
Derryn & Peter drop in. July 2016. |
Microlight landing in thermic conditions at Tiffenden Airfield
Battle Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire over Tiffenden Airfield - 6th August 2016
Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled - Dressage Course
Once the hay is off, Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group construct a dressage course alongside the runway. Visiting pilots be aware that cones and markers on the floor will probably not relate to the runway during these times.
September 2016 - Roger drops in in G-MIFF
Tiffenden Airfield Bicycle outside and ready to welcome our Dutch Guests!
It was a deep freeze with the previous evening recording minus 7C. Derryn in his Robin took advantage of the unusually dry ground. You can see the take off from 2 angles in the video below, down the runway and from on top of the hill. Just look at that sky with a big watery sunset. One of the best things about the sky in January.
April 2017Tony Berryman & Simon land today in their Jodel DR 1050.
Video below is a Chinook flying low across the airfield.
Roger shoots off - June 2017 |
April 2017On the left. Stampe Formation Team practicing aeros above Tiffenden Airfield. It was Bank Holiday Monday and quite breezy for such fragile kites!
April 2017 - New windsockA new windsocks required every 2 years. Storm Doris did for the last one seen here on the left. The new one is in the middle and on the right you can see our windsock crypt where all the old ones rest in pieces.
May 2017Richard Ward and Richard Berliand drop in in their Stampe SV4C. First time we have had a vintage biplane in and a joy to see flying. Looked great against the woodland and open countryside. Video of landing and takeoff on the 'Aircraft Types' page.
Summer Solstice 2017So sad that the longest day arrives so fast. Still, 2017 has been an amazing year so far for flying. The weather has produced many flying days, If you remember the ground was hard all the way to late February 2017!
We're building a sign.Just a bit of fun. We're building a Tiffenden Airfield sign to welcome pilots that can be used for selfies and other photographs. Below you can see the plan for it. You can see how it works out in the pictures below. It was made out of marine grade ply and treated posts painted with barn paint. Sign writing by my buddy 'Andy' who also did the Tiffenden Airfield Bicycle. The sign sits in two post holders that are hammered into the ground so not a permanent structure that can be taken down at anytime. We'll most probably winter it indoors to save the sign writing from the adverse weather.
Below. The sign board with the board in place to check fit. We love this colour as it is slightly brighter than the WW1 Royal Air Corps blue and has a lot of stand out yet still looks period.
Sign writing in progressOur friend Andy is a signwriter of note. He works in the real old fashioned way - all in paint - no vinyl or stickers. The hand finished look makes things look authentic and old. The picture on the left, taken on August 2017 shows the sign halfway through the process with the base colours in place. Information includes the Lat/Long position and the height Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). The White Horse of Kent (INVITE - mean unchallenged) features as the centre piece of the design.
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Haymaking 2017
RDA Carriage Driving for the Disabled Dressage Course in operation next to runway during July and August 2017.Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled operates at Tiffenden Airfield. Now the hay is off and collected the dressage course gets erected for training and competition use. This usually stays in operation for July and August. It can stretch in to September depending on the weather. Visiting pilots must call for briefing so we can tell you the times it is operational and any other pertinent information.
You can visit Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled RDA here. http://www.rdawoodchurch.co.uk/# |
Luke drops in his Icarus C42 - he stole the airfield pen!!!!!!!!!!!
CAP 10B Treats us to a low flypast and roll
Balloons - August 2017
Derryn Drops in in his R2160 - 18th August 2017Derryn is a real character. Real great short field performance on the R2160. The wind was building up as the leftovers of hurricane Gert were on the way. In the area this August weekend we have the Biggin Hill Airshow, Headcorn Combined Operations, Herne Bay Classic and the Eastbourne Airshow. The skies will be busy.
Watch out for sheep! August 2017No matter how good your fencing is, sheep will always think the grass is greener on the other side. We get visiting sheep from neighbouring farms during this time of year just after haymaking. Our own sheep are used to aircraft but not the visiting ones. Make sure there are no sheep on the runway before you land. The sheep in the picture on the right is at the 06 end of the runway to one side.
Kai & Japp drop in in Kai's AutoGyro |
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UK Border Force now the Frontier Engagement Team of Kent Police drop in.
We are pleased that UK Border Force pay us regular visits. The security of of our borders is of national importance. As airfield owners we take our responsibility seriously and we share information across adjoining airfields and in the locality.
Jaap drops in, in his new Savannah - Sept 2017
Tiffenden Airfield from 10,000ft
The picture below is of Tiffenden Airfield from 10,000ft by our good friend Bob a BA pilot:-) I guess he was in the stack at Gatwick.
Savannah takes off on a sunny October evening 2017
October in the sunshine at Tiffenden Airfield
Oscar Victor landing down-the-hill. Runway 24 on Friday the 13th!!!!
One of those clear October days
Tiffenden Airfield is down there if you know where to look!
Tri-Axis Microlights are regular visitors to Tiffenden Airfield. October 2017
HM Coastguard on practice manoeuvres at Tiffenden Airfield. Oct 2017.
Martin from 'Air Search' flies in in his C172 with a 180HP engine
Air Search is a UK based voluntary organisation made up of Pilots, Observers and Ground Crew who donate their time and aircraft free of charge. Their primary function is to provide 'Eyes in the Sky' to help the emergency services and local authorities fulfill their humanitarian, statutory or community role. They work with the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, HM CoastGuard, Local Council Authorities, National Government departments, Resilience Forums, Lowland Search and Rescue Teams, Highways England, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Environment Agency, the RNLI, Network Rail, multi-agency partners and voluntary organisations.
Augusta Westland 109s Grand - November 2017
The guys at Chapel Down Vineyard used Tiffenden to undertake some arial surveys of potential new vineyards. We were fortunate to be able to get onboard for the refuel at Headcorn where we met with Richard Ford the aviation photographer and his extraordinary pilot wife and long standing friend Romy.
The video below is a selection of clips showing the lift from Tiffenden, arrival at Headcorn for refuel and the return to Tiffenden and the eventual resulting departure. Amazing weather for November.
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Tom drops in - Great aircraft for seeing Kent 'Low & Slow'. November 2017
Member of the Saudi Royal Family drops in to Tiffenden Airfield December 2017
Snow in February 2018
Ground Conditions 2018 at Tiffenden Airfield
2018 has been the worst ground conditions at Tiffenden Airfield on record. It was not until the 4th May that the ground was solid enough to take fixed wing aircraft. Rotary had no trouble getting in and out but the clay ground has taken an age to harden. Both Rochester and Headcorn Airfields suffered also as well as many other grass airfields across the UK. 2018 has seen little activity in general aviation and many aviation events that take place in early May have suffered.
May 2018- Andrew Friday drops in on a Saturday.
Andrew Millie and James at Tiffenden Airfield flew in their Robin DR 400. Super short field landing from Andrew. Picture below shows Andrew with his Robin DR400.
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Andrew landing and taking off in his DR400. He nailed the landing coming in high and aiming for wheels down at the threshold. Great job for a first time in to Tiffenden Airfield.
Flexwing take off from Tiffenden AirfieldTom Lee is a regular visitor to Tiffenden Airfield. Tom is a very experienced flexwing pilot as the videos throughout this site demonstrate. Flexwings find high winds and the thermic conditions open farmland can create a challenge. Tom is based at Egerton where there is an egg farm. Tom always drops off a box of eggs from the farm every time he lands most weekends we are eating omelettes. Big omelettes:-)
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Markers get a lick of paint
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The last day of September 2018
4 different views of the same takeoff and landing at Tiffenden Airfield in a Cessna 150.
Christmas Day 2018 Sea Rescue 'Fly-by'
March 2019 - Tiffenden Airfield gets a 1949 David Brown RAF Aircraft TugOn the right you can see Lucas & Dolores of LD Vehicle Transport (07922 806363) who took great care and attention in delivering our 1940 RAF Aircraft Tug. The Tug was made by David Brown and would have served in a number of rolls during the Battle of Britain. They were used to move aircraft around and tow long trains off bomb trailers to fill Lancaster Bombers and others. It is a great bit of history and we are proud that this tractor tug will now be in service at Tiffenden Airfield.
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Tiffenden Airfield is a member of the Airfield Operators Group.Tiffenden Airfield is one of the many unlicensed grass strip airfields in the UK that is a member of the Airfield Operators Group now 4 years old and with 55 members at time of writing.
AOG serves to look after the common interests of grass roots aviation. The AOG has increasing influence with regulatory bodies and serves to ensure there is a future for general aviation across the UK. www.airfieldoperatorsgroup.co.uk |
April 2019 - First visitors of 2019 |
The glorious weather of the Easter Bank Holiday saw Phil & Lorraine drop in in their wonderful 1947 Luscombe 8F.
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Aircraft Tug - In operation.Terry Lober and his flying buddy drop in in their Ikarus C42 - April 2019Stampe 6th May 2019Stampe SV4 threshold Runway 06 |
Ruby - The airfield dogSadly Ruby passed away in February 2020.
Tom lee drops in 6th May 2019Chris Huggett in his PA18 Cub.
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Andy the songwriter has been back to paint the tug - May 2019
Runway gets some TLC
Our runway width has been 17-20 meters but wet ground meant it started the year at 13m. Here you can see it being taken to the usual 15m width. All those cutting piles are collected by hand. Don't think managing a grass strip is an easy ride:-)
Airfield Tug gets a 'Follow Me' sign.
When you arrive at an airfield there will often a 'Follow Me' vehicle to help pilots unfamiliar with the airfield locate parking. Here we can see Andy painting the 'Follow Me' board. It also has two additional rear lights that are David Brown replica lights.
Arthur Williams Flies In to the Stampe Fly-In at Tiffenden Airfield 2019 to open the newly complete Woodchurch Carriage Driving for the Disabled Barn.
30th December 2019. Tiffenden Airfield from 2000ft.
Covid-19 - Tiffenden Airfield Open For Emergency Services Only
After months of rain that started in 2019 it is now April 2020 and the ground is just becoming firm again. However, there is no General Aviation flying to be had due to UK Government guidelines classing it as non-essential travel and activity during Coronavirus pandemic. Tiffenden Airfield remains open for 'Emergency Services Only' during this time. Below are a few pictures taken at the threshold of Runway 06 during better times. Grass is cutting is just starting to take place on the runway to keep it in good maintained condition ready for when normal flying activities resume. All enquiries for Tiffenden Airfield are via the contact form on this website or published PPR numbers that can be found on Pooley's, AFE and Skydemon.
Runways in perfect condition for 2020It takes a while to get the runways in good condition for the flying season. Today is April the 14th and we have just managed to get heavier tractors on to the surface. As the land is clay it takes a while to dry out and can easily be rutted. The picture on the right shows the runways after mowing. Over the next 2 weeks they will be mown to keep them short and disperse grass cuttings. it is usual that by May 1st the runways are as good as they will get. They are also rolled at this point. Picture is taken from the threshold of runway 24.
April 27th. 1st landing of 2020In October 2019 the weather turned and many airfields had to close due to adverse rainfall. Moving in to late February 2020 we saw the ground start to dry only for flying to be stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to a Civil Aviation Authority directive, maintenance flights are allowed to be flown to ensure aircraft engines are kept in good run-in order. So, on the 27th April a single landing took place to comply with the directive.
It is to be noted that the published runway direction is incorrect. The 06/24 that features in AFE/Pooley's/SkyDeamon and the CAA is actually 07/25. To confuse things more the other runway is actually 24/06. The error will be rectified (7/6/2020). See updated charts.
25 is the predominant into wind take-off runway. 24 can also be used for takeoffs but 25 is preferable and flatter along its length. 07 is used for landings and often the tail wind is accepted due to reduced into wind runway distance being available on 25 (400m instead of 600m) Runway 24 offers into wind landings with no obstruction over the hedgerow at the runway threshold. It is to be noted that it is a downhill slope that flattens in the centre then goes downhill again. Landings on 06 can be down but due to trees on neighbouring woodland the distance available is reduced to around 450M. The upslope on 07 & 06 serve to slow you down well. Note that 24 and 25 are joined at the top with a taxiway and for takeoffs on the roll one can utilise 25 to roll straight on to 24. 07 & 06 are also joined by a taxiway. Picture on the right shows Nancy Anderson enjoying the Airfield Tug Tractor which is a David Brown. |
Replacement Windsock for 2020 |
First Stampe Fly-in of 2020 - 3 Stampes and a Pulsar
We managed 3 Stampes today at Tiffenden Airfield. It was meant to be 4 but one dropped a cylinder. The pilot managed two make it in a different aircraft a Pulsar. This is the first time we have had a pulsar into Tiffenden. The pilots enjoyed a relaxing afternoon and left to continue formation flying practice enroute back to Headcorn Aerodrome. Later on that day the Airfield was routinely inspected by Border Force.
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The video above shoes 3 Stampes and a Pulsar at Tiffenden Airfield 7th June 2020. A relaxing Sunday afternoon. Great to see the Air Starter in the Renault SV4C Stampe working well.
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Bob owner of Robhurst Airfield drops in with his RV6 - the first time an RV has landed at Tiffenden. - June 2020
2020 has not been a great for many reasons but the hay crop is also down between 50% and 80%. This is due to the weather where it was very wet then very dry at the early part of the year so not much growth was seen. We are 50% down on last years hay yield.
August 10th 2020 - Boing Stearman into Tiffenden Airfield for the first timeGreat to see a Stearman landing at Tiffenden Airfield. The airfield is fast gaining a reputation of being a great strip for vintage biplanes and their pilots. They can always expect a friendly welcome. Tiffenden Airfield is a challenging landing so ALWAYS call for PPR. Numbers are in Pooley's, AFE and Sky Demon. Tiffenden Airfield is on the Half Mil CAA Maps.
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September 15th 2020 - Stampe SV4 G-OODE drops into Tiffenden Airfield
Entries from 2021 start below - Covid-19 stopped aviation in its tracks.
March 2021
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UK Boarder Force visiting Tiffenden Airfield in March 2021 as part of their airfield inspections and new Brexit Regulations for travel to and from the UK.
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April 17th - First mow of the runwaysIt has been a slow start to 2021 mainly due to the Covid-19 Pandemic but things are on the move and starting to get back and as I write I can hear General Aviation aircraft engines in the air - a welcome sound the heralds the Spring.
The ground at Tiffenden Airfield is clay and it can stay soft for some time. It has only just been hard enough to take the tractors for mowing. So, due to the late start quite a deep cut. We are also rolling and doing a little more reseeding in the barren patches that were caused by levelling work last year. The layout of the ground from the work is great. Just need the grass to grow. |
You can see Terry's short film on landing at Tiffenden Airfield below.
Stampes drop in and fly-by over the May Bank Holiday 2021Over the weekend we have been enjoying the Aero legends Spitfires and Harvards flying in formation but we were also treated to an aerobatic display by a Stampe in the Tiffenden Airfield overhead. We had a Stampe drop in just to say "Hello" and another Stampe do a low fly-by down the centre line of Runway 25. Great to see such aircraft flying again after so long.
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Haymaking 2021
2021 has been the wettest year on record at Tiffenden Airfield. We have been here 24 years and we have never known anything like it! Is this climate change and global warming? We made hay in Septemeber as the ground was too wet to get tractors on. It was also too wet to land aircraft. The ground is hard as I write but we are expecting the rain back soon. What a rubbish year for flying!
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