I HAVE recently been made aware of the innovative scheme to preserve Old Sarum airfield which has been proposed by the operators.

With a background as a chartered surveyor, a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a published historian and a vintage aeroplane owner, I feel qualified to give an opinion. Old Sarum is a unique heritage site and the only licensed aerodrome in Wiltshire. It has historic links going back a century and has a future – but only if it is run on a commercial basis. In this period of extended austerity, there is little room for sentiment. The plans which I have seen at Old Sarum balance Salisbury’s need for quality housing with the construction of new hangars and continued flying operation. To do nothing will see the airfield degenerate and then closed as so many others have in Britain over the last decade.

The Salisbury Wings Week team is now examining staging events with Old Sarum during 2015 when I hope we will see more interesting and historical aeroplanes using the grass and be available for the public to view.

Paul Beaver

FRAeS

Salisbury Wings Week