Coworth Park, Ascot

Coworth Park is the starting point for your Mission 05 photographic expedition. An award-winning 5* luxury hotel, you will be met by your helicopter on the resident heli-pad before embarking on a journey fuelled by education and adrenaline. Step into the shoes of a professional production team and soar the skies over countryside and city to capture the best aerial photograph. From Coworth Park you shall test-run the £50,000 modular camera system by PhaseOne as you lean out of a helicopter, doors-off. Touching down in Redhill Aerodrome, you shall be taken on a broadcasters tour of the hanger, learning all about commercial aircrafts that do this, professionally, on a daily basis. Your final take-off shall meander up London's Thames River, flying doors-off over the capital's iconic landmarks. With guide and pilot assisting in the perfect angle, you will have the chance to photograph from above in the highest quality imagery, before landing back at Coworth Park 5* Hotel for a well deserved luxury stay.

History of Redhill Aerodrome

Redhill Aerodrome pictured in 1937. The first hangar to be built, which remains today "Hangar 9". 1937 saw the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) establish a training school at Redhill, which was operated intensively up to and during the Second World War. Redhill became a fighter base with Spitfires stationed during the period of the war. It was home to Canadian and Polish squadrons and acted as an advanced airfield for the attack on Dieppe in August 1942, housing some 800 personnel at the time. Between 1947 and 1949 the aerodrome was substantially used by British Air Transport Ltd as a maintenance base for its charter operations at Croydon and Kenley Airports. 1948 saw Redhill Flying Club restart its activities at the aerodrome. The RAFVR continued training operation until 1954. During the period between 1954 and into the 1980's some buildings were used by the Home office, primarily for the storage of "materials that may be necessary in cases of national emergency". In 1960 Bristow Helicopters took up residence at the aerodrome and developed a major helicopter pilot training school, which saw annual helicopter movements peak at approximately 65,000 Bristow's helicopter training operations continued until 1999 When its operation moved to the USA (California and Florida). 1973 saw the construction of the Bristow's office block, which is still owned and occupied by Bristow Helicopters and which forms one of the Head Office locations from which it manages its global helicopter operation. In 1986 the current terminal building and control tower were constructed (see front cover). In 1991 the then owner of Redhill, British and Commonwealth Ltd was facing liquidation and the aerodrome was acquired by its present owner, Redhill Aerodrome Ventures Ltd.

Redhill Today

Aviation Activities – Redhill has a range of commercial aviation activities; these range from helicopter and fixed wing charter services to flying training and aircraft maintenance. The aerodrome is also home to a number of private aircraft whose owners base them at Redhill because it provides a convenient location for both business and leisure purposes. The Aerodrome is also provides a base for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and the National Police Air Service. In 2009 the aerodrome handled 42,975 aircraft movements of which 18,632 movements were of helicopters. Commercial Activities – some 26 companies and organisations are based at Redhill Aerodrome and over 50% of these companies are related directly to aviation. Details on these companies can be found on the Airfield Business page.