First approach into Leeds East Airport (Formerly RAF Church Fenton)

Описание: Approach, finals and landing at Leeds East Airport (RAF Church Fenton) 18/06/2016.

Slingsby Venture T Mk2 ZA655 piloted by Nick Gensler

Shot on a handheld iPhone 5 so apologies for lack of stability and focus

Leeds East Airport - Church Fenton (ICAO: EGCM), formerly known as RAF Church Fenton, is an airport and former Royal Air Force station located just outside Tadcaster, North Yorkshire and 6.3 miles northwest of Selby, near the village of Church Fenton.

The airfield was originally known as RAF Church Fenton. It opened on 1 April 1937 and within two months No. 71 Squadron RAF had arrived with the Gloster Gladiator.

It's main use during World War 2, was serving within the defence network of fighter bases of the RAF providing protection for the Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Humberside industrial regions.

After the war, it continued its role as a fighter base, being among the first to receive modern jet aircraft, namely the Gloster Meteor and the Hawker Hunter.

In later years, its role was mostly flight training. No. 7 FTS was based there between 1962 and 1966 and again between 1979 and 1992, flying the Hunting Aircraft Jet Provost T3 trainers.

For some years it was home to the Royal Navy Elementary Flying Training School (RNEFTS) and again in 1979-1992, triggered by the introduction of the Panavia Tornado, was the first station to receive the new turboprop-powered Short Tucano T.1 fast- jet trainers. From 1998-2003 Church Fenton was the RAF's main Elementary Flying Training airfield.

On 25 March 2013, it was announced that Church Fenton would close by the end of the year. The units would relocate to RAF Linton on Ouse by 31 December 2013.