RAF Woodvale

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RAF Woodvale
IATA: N/A - ICAO: EGOW
Summary
Airport type		Military
Operator		Royal Air Force
Serves		Southport
Elevation AMSL		37 ft (11 m)
Coordinates		53°34′54″N, 003°03′20″W
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
Direction	ft	m	Surface
03/21	5,405	1,647	Asphalt
08/26	3,505	1,068	Asphalt

RAF Woodvale (IATA: N/A, ICAO: EGOW) is a Royal Air Force airfield located four miles south of Southport, Lancashire. It was originally built as a fighter base during World War II, opening 7 December 1941. 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was based here with Spitfires between July 1946 and July 1951.

The airfield is currently used by the RAF's Liverpool University Air Squadron (LUAS), Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron (MASUAS), which moved here from Barton in March 1953 and 10 Air Experience Flight. The ATC's glider training unit, 635 VGS, will possibly relocate to RAF Woodvale when it leaves BAE Samlesbury. The base also serves civilian flyers as well as being home to the Merseyside Police helicopters.

It is also home to the Woodvale International Rally, which was originally a model aircraft show but has grown. 2005 was its 34th year.

During March 2006 631 VGS relocated to RAF Woodvale due to their base at RAF Sealand closing. They converted to the Vigilant TMk1 motor glider after originally flying the conventional Viking T1.