What is changing at Thruxton Aerodrome
Anyone who has been based at Thruxton for a while will have noticed a considerable amount of activity across the aerodrome over the past year. Thruxton Circuit Ltd remains committed to investing in the aerodrome and improving the facilities available to residents and visitors.
The aim is to continue developing Thruxton as an active and welcoming General Aviation aerodrome, while retaining the character and accessibility that make it an attractive place from which to operate. Here is where each project stands.
New aircraft hangars
The new aircraft hangars are complete and have already attracted a number of new residents to Thruxton.
They provide modern, fully enclosed accommodation immediately adjacent to the operating area, complementing the existing open-fronted aircraft bays. Demand from aircraft owners wanting to base themselves here has been encouraging, and we look forward to welcoming further residents over the coming months.
A new Aerodrome Fire Station
The new Aerodrome Fire Station is complete and operational, and the Fire Crew have moved into their new facility.
The building is a significant improvement over the previous arrangements, giving the crew a dedicated facility immediately adjacent to the aerodrome operating area.
Main apron improvements
The main apron has been re-lined. The work included creating two larger parking positions capable of accommodating aircraft with larger wingspans, including types such as the PC-12.
Flush-mounted tie-down points have also been installed at every parking position on the main apron, giving residents and visiting aircraft an additional means of securing aircraft, particularly in poor weather or strong winds.
Pilots are asked to continue taking care when manoeuvring aircraft around the apron, and to park within the marked positions wherever possible.
New pilot and passenger facilities
Construction has started on two new Nissen huts on the grass adjacent to the main apron.
One will become the new home of Kurusha Flying School, giving the school a dedicated facility immediately alongside the aerodrome.
The second will provide additional facilities for pilots, including flight-planning space, together with an area that can be used by passengers travelling on private charter flights. This facility will be available for booking at a cost, which will be published in due course.
The control tower
The former control tower has now been removed. Aerodrome operations continue from the temporary tower facility while options for a permanent replacement are investigated.
The intention is to provide a modern facility better suited to the long-term requirements of the aerodrome. There is a considerable amount of work still to complete before the final design and programme are confirmed, and residents will be kept informed as the project develops.
A new refuelling facility
Another significant project being progressed is a new aerodrome refuelling facility, intended to improve the fuel infrastructure and provide a modern facility for both AVGAS and Jet A-1.
The final location and operating arrangements are still being developed. Residents will be given further information before any changes affecting normal refuelling arrangements take place. In the meantime, please continue to use the existing arrangements unless advised otherwise by the aerodrome team.
A proposed unlicensed grass strip
Work continues on the proposal to introduce an unlicensed grass strip running broadly parallel to Runway 07/25. The area being considered is approximately 425 metres by 20 metres.
The required length is available at present, but further work is needed before the strip can be brought into operational use, including the arrangements for aircraft movements and the proposed holding point short of Runway 12/30.
The intention is to provide an additional operating option particularly suited to appropriate lighter and vintage aircraft, while supporting Thruxton's long-standing General Aviation heritage. Further details, including the operating procedure and any restrictions, will be issued before the strip is introduced. Until then, pilots should continue to use only the existing notified movement areas and procedures.
On-site aircraft maintenance
NamAir are establishing a Line Maintenance Facility in Hangar 10, expected to become operational during October. Read more about NamAir at Thruxton [LINK TO BE ADDED]
What comes next
Taken together, the past twelve months have brought new hangars, improved aircraft parking, a new fire station, new pilot facilities under construction, plans for improved fuel infrastructure, work towards a replacement control tower and proposals for an additional grass operating area.
There is still plenty to do, but the direction is a positive one. The aim is for Thruxton to remain a safe, straightforward and enjoyable place from which to fly, while continuing to improve the facilities and opportunities available to those who choose to base themselves here.
Where works have the potential to affect aircraft operations, access or parking, the aerodrome team will endeavour to provide advance notice. Questions about any of these projects? Contact Aerodrome Manager John Stedman at john@thruxton.com or call 01264 772352.