Jurby Airfield - The Twilight Years (new images being added)

[acklington]

JURBY AIRFIELD – The Twilight Years

As the most North Westerly of the North West area airfields, Jurby very rarely gets a mention on this Forum. To most people who might give it a passing thought, they will note that the RAF left in 1964, and that was about it. Not quite. There can be few airfields that have endured as long a decline as Jurby, but even to this day the main runway strip is still officially protected to full ‘Instrument Standard’.

This is not intended to be a full account of the many years since 1964, although it might be expanded to give such a history in future. Rather, this article, with accompanying illustrations, is intended to give an overview of how activity has continued, and might continue to do so.

The military years at Jurby are covered in various publications, and will not be repeated here. Suffice to say that it was opened in 1938 as an RAF grass airfield with permanent hangarage, and mainly wooden accommodation. It was intended to protect shipping in the northern Irish Sea, and in the early war years there were based fighter squadrons. Including the Defiant night fighter that has recently been restored for the RAF Museum, wearing it’s Jurby colours (as well as Squires Gate (Blackpool) – it moved between the two). By 1941 two hard runways had been laid, but with the threat of enemy action receding Jurby spent the rest of the war as a very busy air gunners training school, up until 1946. It was retained by the RAF post-war, and in 1953 became the Officer Cadet Training Unit, where all non-Cranwell officers (National Service) received their initial training. Square bashing, to you and me, with some etiquette training thrown in. There is a certain generation of ex-RAF officers, now in their 70’s, who can be heard to recall their not-so-happy years at wet and windy and very basic Jurby.

There was no based flying school, but throughout this post-war period there were Harvards, Prentices, and then Chipmunks used for Instructor continuation flying, plus air experience for cadets. Also one or two Ansons attached to the Station Flight. The airfield was also regularly visited by a variety of Training Command aircraft types, and annual ‘Battle of Britain’ Air Displays were held.

This all came to an end in 1964 when the RAF left, but the Army then took over the accommodation, as a Territorial Army training camp, until they also left in 1974. Photos can be found on the internet of Army and RAF helicopters using the Army parade ground as a landing site, including the Wessex and Gazelle. The airfield itself had been bought in 1964 by the Isle of Man Government, who continued to maintain it as an alternative Airport to Ronaldsway, for those occasions when Ronaldsway was fog bound. There was even investment in the infrastructure, and in 1965 BEA wanted to fully utilise the Viscount, so the runways at both Ronaldsway and Jurby were both improved.

The short main runway at Jurby was extended by 400 yards, over the Sandygate road to the East, with barriers to close the road as required. At the same time the runway was resurfaced in 1966, the last time such work was undertaken. In the event, the ‘fog diversion’ concept was somewhat flawed, as fog at Ronaldsway rarely lasted more than half a day. Airport staff from that period tell of their efforts to quickly transfer equipment and Fire vehicles up to Jurby, only for the fog to then clear at Ronaldsway, some 30 miles to the south.

Unlike the airport ATC log books for Ronaldsway, which were thrown out in the 60’s and 70’s, the ‘diversion logs’ for Jurby have survived. These show that it was only ever activated on 12 occasions after 1966, with minimal movements on some of those occasions, and usually less than a full day. As an aside, photographs of airliner movements at Jurby just do not seem to exist, unless anyone knows different? You would think that the occasions would have been sufficiently unique for someone to get their camera out?

This ‘keystone cops’ arrangement ended suddenly in 1969, when insufficient ATC staff (due to compulsory rules on hours) meant that neither Ronaldsway or Jurby was available to a circling Viscount. In any event Radar and ILS at Ronaldsway had considerably improved the ‘weather minima’, and there was no longer a justification to maintain airport facilities at Jurby. However, like many Island communities around the World, the Isle of Man has an ongoing North – South political battle, albeit more in the form of genteel ‘good sport’ on the Isle of Man. So the northern politicians continually complained about their lack of an airport in the North, unlike the better-favoured southerners of the Island. It then seems that this political sniping resulted in a decision to render Jurby unusable as an airport. All of the airfield lighting was ripped out, together with the Control Tower equipment, radio and navigation aids, such as they were in the early 70’s.

But the basic airfield remained much as it had been, and the (extended) runway was in good condition, helped in no small measure by the fact that the Jurby area is largely frost-free (but wet and very windy). So VFR flying did not cease, and about once a year the airfield was used for the RAFA air display, and also for occasional air racing events. Such events are difficult to hold at the Airport at Ronaldsway, with its frequent scheduled movements, security requirements, and only one road giving access to the non-Terminal southern area of the airport.

So throughout the 80’s, 90’s, and as recently as 2005, Jurby has hosted air displays and air racing events. Often with the Sandygate Road being closed, and the extended runway being used. It is also very pertinent that any community needs somewhere large and flat, with paved surfaces, where all sorts of other outdoor events can be staged. At Jurby these have ranged from motor-racing, model aircraft flying, gliding, parachuting, to wind surfing, fly-fishing contests, horse jumping, and most things in between. Increasingly the motor-sports and motor-cycle fraternity have become the dominant users, and despite their worst efforts to introduce ‘race track’ features and obstacles, it has remained an official requirement that the main runway surface be kept flat and obstacle free.

Why? Leaving aside the local politics, the 90’s brought a realisation that ‘Emergency Planning’ and ‘Civil Disaster Response’ measures, meant that it was imprudent of the Island to rely on just one airport, which could be rendered unavailable by accident, natural disaster, or industrial action. There was only one other landing site on the Island that could be quickly brought in to emergency use for disaster relief, and that was Jurby. So this is why the runway requirement was re-examined, and in the 90’s a strict planning regime was imposed that protects the runway strip to full ‘Instrument Standards’. This resulted in the Island’s new Prison at Jurby being built outside of the runway strip protected surfaces, and also clear of the cross-wind runway which is the only area suitable for parking larger aircraft. Also, Jurby is named in the Island’s Air Navigation Order, and Aviation Security Legislation, which means that full aviation and security standards can be applied as required. However, these policies do not mean that any money is being spent, rather the 1966 runway surface continues to deteriorate, although maintenance and weed-killing for motor sports purposes does help to stave off the inevitable.

But if you wanted to lob a few disaster relief Hercules transports in to a gravel strip, Jurby Airfield is where you would do it. And who needs airfield lighting anyway? In the early 90’s the RAF ‘rediscovered’ Jurby, and particularly because it was so dark! At night there were only a few farmhouse lights, very little traffic with headlights, and no airfield building lights or security lighting. Where else could you find that? Especially if you wanted to practise invading Scotland in the dark. So in came the Special Forces with Hercules, Transalls, Pumas and Wessex. Small fluorescent markers along each side of the runway, night vision goggles, and no aircraft landing lights! What a sight to behold, or should I say ‘experience’. You hear the Herc approaching, hear it thump down, hear it immediately turn at the far end, and lift off again without stopping, back the way it had come. As it’s sound recedes (at low level), you become aware of two lines of blokes silently walking past you, and one quietly says “Good evening”!

On another occasion (still invading Scotland in the dark), an RAF Hercules and a French Air Force Transall landed and parked on the airfield. They ran out refuelling lines, and throughout the night Wessex and French Army Puma helicopters came in for a drink. Not a light to be seen. But sadly this activity is now no longer possible, because of the new Jurby Prison, and you can now see Jurby at night from Space!

The following photos give a flavour of some of these, and other flying activities that have kept Jurby Airfield alive over the past 5 decades. I have tried to photograph as much as I can since I arrived in 1989, and have five albums of slides to show for my efforts. These photos are only a small and random selection from those albums.

Jurby from G-AWIT, out of Andreas, 13 Aug 09 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
This is how Jurby Airfield looks today, this photo being taken in August 2009 from Andreas based PA-28 G-AWIT. The Scottish Mull of Galloway is in the distance. The extension to the main runway can be seen to the right (the East), and the modern Jurby Prison occupies the top left quadrant. Just to the right of the prison, and the crosswind runway (Disused – parking area only), is the go-kart track. The thin dark lines alongside the main runway are tyre-bunds, put in place to protect motorsports spectators, and this bund line also delineates the edge of the protected runway strip.

Most of the 1938 vintage wooden buildings have been demolished, but all the main hangars remain, most now re-clad. The biggest is a pre-War Seaplane Shed dating from 1919 which for some unexplained reason was moved to Jurby in 1938. Perhaps it was needed to house the resident Handley Page Heyford biplanes? Listed buildings on the site now include this Seaplane Shed, the WW2 Watch Office (Control Tower), the Bomb Dump, and the wooden Guardhouse, which came from Canada as a ‘flat-pack’ kit.

Nearby Jurby Parish Church has the war graves of those who never went home, over 30 memorials including British, Polish, and Canadian airmen.

Jurby War Graves, 3 July 13 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Jurby War Graves, 3 July 13 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Jurby Churchyard, 3 July 13 (4) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
This photo shows how the Jurby Churchyard overlooks the airfield with its hangars in the dstance.

HANGAR RESIDENTS and VISITORS

With only part of one hangar available, and no other on-site facilities such as fuel, there have rarely been more than half-a-dozen resident aircraft, and the majority have been microlights since the 80’s. There have also been some long-term stored machines, encouraged by the cheaper rents at Jurby.

BGA 1424, XC, (RA877), powered, Jurby, 21 July 92 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
A rare gem was Slingsby Cadet BGA 1424 ‘XC’ which at one time had apparently been motorised. It is seen in July 1992. It is a very early wartime production Cadet, serialled RA877. It has since migrated to an aviation museum in Eire.

G-MMNW, Jurby, 20 July 92 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Typical of the Jurby microlights is G-MMNW, seen lurking in a corner in July 1992.

XP672 - 8458M (G-RAFI), Jurby, 21 July 92 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Much more interesting in July 1992 was Jet Provost T.4 8458M, formerly XP672, and destined to become G-RAFI. It bears the SALT Talks dreaded ‘Blue Cross’, but was obviously not chopped in exchange for a Russian Bear bomber. It arrived by road and ship, and left the same way.

XP672 (8458M), 27, Jurby, 8 March 93 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
And it was seen again, more complete, in March 1993, but it never flew on the Island. There is a story that the wings had been incorrectly rigged, so perhaps it was just as well!

G-AGYU - DE208, Jurby, 8 March 93 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
DH.82a Tiger Moth G-AGYU, accurately painted in its wartime colours as DE208. This was seen in March 1993, but it was usually a Ronaldsway resident.

G-MZIZ, Jurby, 8 Aug 93 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Renegade Spirit G-MZIZ is called “Spirit of Mann” but was not a frequent visitor to the Island. It is seen in the hangar during an air display on 8th August 1993.

G-COZI, Jurby, 20 May 94 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Seen in May 1994 was Rutan Cozy 3, G-COZI, surrounded by microlights.

G-JUDI (EX915), Jurby, 5 July 02 fpw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
An overnight airshow visitor on 5th July 2002 was Harvard G-JUDI, marked as FX301, but actually ex-EX915.

G-ADNE, G-ACLL, Jurby, 7 Aug 04 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
On a dull evening in August 2004, Hornet Moth G-ADNE was also an over-nighting airshow visitor. However this poor photo is included here because of the blue Leopard Moth nose on the right. This is G-ACLL which languished increasingly derelict in the hangar from about 1994 until 2013, when it was finally sold and shipped out for restoration in England. Much to the relief of local enthusiasts who had been greatly saddened, if not distressed by its neglect.

ADVANCED AIRSHIPS INDUSTRIES

At the end of the 1980’s, the Island’s low corporate tax regime attracted this start-up company, reputedly financed by Middle East backers. Their intention was to design and build a new-generation non-rigid airship with a 10 – 16 seat gondola, intended for the corporate hospitality and major sporting events market, including aerial TV coverage of such events.

By 1989 a large new airship hangar had been built on Jurby Airfield, with a permanent concrete base, and rubberised flexible covering over a metal framework. A single steel guide rail led out from the hangar onto the airfield, along which the AAC-1 airship would have been towed into position. Some 60 to 80 skilled aeronautical staff were employed in constructing the prototype, and by 1991 all the major components were in place, including gondola, four large fins and rudders, twin Lycoming engines and propellers, and the inflatable gas envelope. The airship was registered as G-MAAC, and work progressed to a full trial inflation with air. This would have been later replaced by helium, but that never happened.

A test pilot had also been chosen and appointed, namely the Frenchman Pierre Ponamareff, one of the highest hours airship pilots then flying. Some of the other staff working on the project were private pilots, and they sometimes flew their light aircraft to and from Jurby. A Piper PA-23 Aztec was also based at Jurby during this period.

In 1992 there was a worldwide financial recession, triggered by the first Gulf War, and the Middle Eastern backers withdrew their money from the project. The staff were laid off, and the engines sold or returned. The Gondola, other parts, and all technical drawings were reportedly containerised and taken off-Island for storage, but what has happened to them since is unknown. The remaining contents of the hangar were publicly auctioned off, including the (by then) storm damaged rubberised covering, which became popular with local farmers. The only major part that was rescued for possible future museum display was a very large mock-up fin, and this still exists in the Bus & Tram Museum hangar at Jurby. The concrete hangar base also remains, now part of the go-karting facility and track.

G-MAAC, Jurby, 6 March 91 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
AAC-1 airship prototype G-MAAC inflated with air, and being painted in its hangar at Jurby on 6th March 1991.

FILMING

Jurby is occasionally used for filming, not least because the open and featureless vistas (in two directions) allow for computer-generated backgrounds to be added later. Also, the general lack of any other activity allows the film makers a free hand. Most films have a new company set up to manage their expenditure, which hopefully is less than the eventual earnings. With its own tax regime the Island encourages films to be made on the Island by reducing their tax liability, whilst creating local jobs and spending.

G-AKIF, Jurby, 22 April 03 (3) pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
DH.89a Rapide G-AKIF with temporary Luftwaffe markings in April 2003, for a film or TV series about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. G-AKIF is actually a former original Manx Airlines aircraft, “Glen Wyllin”, and served the Island 1947– 56.

HA-HSA, Jurby, 18 July 05 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
This Mil-8 HA-HSA arrived in July 2005 to take part in the action-film “Stormbreaker”. The temporary all-black finish was added after it arrived at Jurby, and the registrations were removed for filming. It chases the hero up the main runway. The hangar in the background is a relatively rare “VR” type, and is the only hangar that remained available for aviation purposes and resident aircraft.

G-CCCA (PV202), Jurby, 3 July 13 (9) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Spitfire T.9 G-CCCA arrived in July 2013 for ground shots for some sort of ‘Zombie’ film. This welcome arrival was probably the first fixed-wing visitor for some 8 years, and four spirited display passes were made on its arrival from Ronaldsway.

AIR DISPLAYS

As described above, Jurby Airfield has hosted quite a number of air displays during its 70 year history. By the standards of the Island they have been well attended by the local population, but realistically attendance is never likely to exceed 8,000 to 14,000 (out of an Island population of 80,000) and such numbers are never going to cover the costs of creating a good show. Neither is the airfield perimeter properly fenced, and mainly consists of agricultural fencing and sod hedges. So just getting spectators to enter properly, and pay, is a major if not impossible challenge. The local RAFA Branch was perhaps most successful, but only while MoD participation was plentiful and available at a nominal cost. Sadly those days have now gone, as has the RAFA Branch which succumbed to the ravages of old age among its dwindling members.

XX230, 7 FTS, Jurby, 8 Aug 93 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Hawk T.1 XX230 from 7 FTS, seen here at the 8th August 1993 display, with Catalina G-BLSC behind, and also an RAF Andover C.1.

G-BZPB - WV256, Jurby, 6 July 02 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Hunter GA.11 G-BZBP (WV256) masquerading as the protoype Hunter at the 6th July 2002 display. Note the P-51D Mustang displaying overhead.

G-JUDI, PT462, G-AVFU, Jurby 7 July 02 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Harvard G-JUDI and Spitfire T.9 G-CTIX at the 7th July 2002 display, with Cherokee Six G-AVFU in the background.

G-JUDI, G-VROE, Jurby, 5 July 03 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Two stalwart Jurby types from the past, seen here at the 5th July 2003 display, Harvard G-JUDI, and Anson G-VROE, looking much as they would have at Jurby in 1953.

G-SABR, Jurby, 5 July 03 fpw1 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
F-86A Sabre G-SABR on 5th July 2003, possibly the hottest jet ever to land at Jurby.

G-JUDI, G-CTIX, G-MSTG, Jurby, 6 July 03 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Aircraft types that could have been found at Jurby in WW2; represented at the 6th July 2003 display by Harvard G-JUDI, Spitfire T.9 G-CTIX, and P-51D Mustang G-MSTG.

RA44461, Jurby, 5 July 03 fpw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Yak 50 RA444461 was part of the Yak Team at the 5th July 2003 display.

G-UVNR, Jurby, 5 July 03 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
BAC Strikemaster, G-UVNR at the 5th July 2003 display.

XZ727, 303, 815 Sqdn, Jurby, 6 July 03 fpw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Royal Navy Lynx HAS.3 XZ727, 303, from 815 Sqdn at the 6th July 2003 display.

G-BTDP, Jurby, 7 Aug 04 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Grumman Avenger G-BTDP was a very rare addition at the 7th August 2004 display. A Royal Navy Avenger did appear at a Jurby Display in about 1955.

G-SUEY, Jurby, 7 Aug 04 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Bell 206 LongRanger G-SUEY provided pleasure flights at the 7th August 2004 display.

VR930, RNHF, Jurby, 6 Aug 05 fw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Royal Navy Historic Flight Sea Fury VR930 performing at the August 2005 Air Display, the last to be held at Jurby.

AIR RACES

Air racing was resurrected at Jurby in the mid-1990s, when it became an occasional part of the British air racing scene, usually as qualifying heats towards the annual Kings Cup, or Schneider Trophy Prize. The old 1930’s Isle of Man air racing trophies were also retrieved from museum display and awarded, including the Tynwald Air Trophy, and the Isle of Man Air Race trophy.

These IOM air races were usually combined with the air display and held over two days at Jurby. The events also attracted a large number of visiting light aircraft, as can be seen in these photographs.

G-AZKO, Jurby, 12 July 96 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Cessna 337 Skymaster G-AZKO in the 12th July 1996 races. The original WW2 control tower was repainted in its wartime colours specially for the occasion. The tower is now a listed building and continues in use as a ‘Race Control’ building for motor-sports.

G-AZDD, Jurby, 12 July 96 fpw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Monsun G-AZDD was also at the 12th July 1996 races/display.

G-BLVK, Jurby, 13 July 96 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Cap 10 G-BLVK at the 13th July 1996 races/display.

N139JV, Jurby, 5 July 02 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Aero Commander 112 N139JV was a competitor in the 5th July 2002 races.

D-IBPN, Jurby, 5 July 03 pw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Beech Baron D-IBPN at the 5th July 2003 races/display.

G-BZON - XX528, D, Jurby, 6 July 03 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Privately owned Bulldog T.1 G-BZON (XX528) with Tiger Moth behind, at the 6th July 2003 races/display.

G-SIIC, Jurby, 6 July 03 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Pitts Special G-SIIC at the 6th July 2003 races/display, with the Utterly Butterly wing-walking Stearmans, and the Royal Jordanian Falcons team behind.

MILITARY EXERCISES

As described in the introduction, Jurby has occasionally hosted some interesting military and Special Forces exercises, but unfortunately it is now over 20 years since the last one was held.

ZG887, Jurby, 20 July 92 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Army Lynx AH.9 ZG887 acting as a radio station at Jurby on the evening of 20th July 1992 during exercise “Double Eagle”.

ZE380, 657 Sqdn, Jurby, 21 July 92 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Army Lynx AH.7 ZE380 of 657 Squadron on the evening of 20th July 1992 during exercise “Double Eagle”, looking south from Jurby.

ZE380, 657 Sqdn, Jurby, 20 July 93 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Army Lynx AH.7 ZE380 of 657 Squadron on the evening of 20th July 1992, during exercise “Double Eagle”. The Advanced Airships hangar fills the background.

ZG888, Ex Double Eagle, Jurby, 20 July 92 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Army Lynx AH.7s and AH.9s including ZG888, at dusk at Jurby on 20th July 1992. This was exercise “Double Eagle”.

ZD983, EF, ZA711, ET, 7 Sdqn, Jurby, 20 July 92 pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Chinook HC.1s ZA711 ‘ET’ and ZD983 ‘EF’ of 7 Squadron collecting troops on the evening of 20th July 1992, during exercise “Double Eagle”.

ZA771, D, etc, Ex Double Eagle, Jurby, 21 July 92 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Army Gazelle AH.1 ZA771 ‘D’ still in its Gulf War colours, at Jurby on 21st July 1992 during exercise “Double Eagle”. It was one of a large number of Army Lynx and Gazelles, plus Dutch Army Bolkows, that were present on the airfield.

ZA711, ET, 7 Sqdn, Jurby, 21 July 92 (4) pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Chinook HC.1 ZA711 ‘ET’ of 7 Squadron arrives at Jurby for another under-slung load on 21st July 1992, during exercise “Double Eagle”.

ZA711, ET, ZD983, EF, 7 Sqdn, IOM, 21 July 92 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Chinook HC.1s ZA711 ‘ET’ and ZD983 ‘EF’ of 7 Squadron, at rest at Ronaldsway on the afternoon of 21st July 1992 during Jurby exercise “Double Eagle”.

XV300, LTW, nvg ex to Jurby, IOM, 5 Dec 92 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Hercules C.1 XV300 at Ronaldsway on the evening of 5th December 1992, waiting for Jurby to become pitch-black, for a night ‘no-lights’ landing and troops delivery.

XV179, LTW, Jurby, 27 Oct 93 (2) pfw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Hercules C.1 XV179 collects troops on the runway at Jurby in the early morning of 27th October 1993.

ZE413, 8 Flt, from Jurby, IOM, 17 Sept 97 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Augusta A.109 ZE413 of 8 Flight SAS at Ronaldsway, having just arrived from Jurby for fuel on 17th September 1997. This machine carried no identification other than a one-inch high matt-black serial number, painted on the gloss black door! There were no other markings whatsoever.

ZE410, 8 Flt, from Jurby, IOM, 9 Oct 97 (2) by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Augusta A.109 ZE410 of 8 Flight SAS, just arrived at Ronaldsway after a recce at Jurby on 9th October 1997, prior to the exercise “Chamelion” night exercises. The only markings was the very small serial number on the tail. This machine is an ex Argentinian Army Falklands Islands war trophy.

XV300, LTW, SAS Ex Chameleon, Jurby, 10 Nov 97 (1) fw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Hercules C.1 XV300 on the morning of 10th November 1997 during exercise “Chamelion”. The large white straw bales in the background had been placed there by the motor-sports people to protect riders from the public road at that end of the runway.

XV300 take off, SAS Ex Chameleon, Jurby, 10 Nov 97 by Philip Pain, on Flickr
But they didn’t survive their encounter with Hercules XV300!

FAT BRM, SAS Ex Chameleon, Jurby, 11 Nov 97 fw by Philip Pain, on Flickr
French Army Puma ‘BRM’ just before dusk on 11th November 1997. This was Special Forces exercise “Chamelion”, involving an RAF Hercules and a French Transall acting as on-the-ground refuelling tankers at night at Jurby. There was a second French Puma nearby but as I approached for a photo, I took one look at the French Special Forces blokes (Corsican Pirates would be a better description), and decided that I had a very urgent appointment elsewhere!

So that is the end of this look at the more recent history of Jurby Airfield. This article may seem to have encompassed a lot, but it covers some 25 years, and before you book a trip to Jurby, please bear in mind that 99% of the time there is nothing there to look at!

[ronturner]

I enjoyed reading your post. I am surprised that an aerodrome like this, In such a nice location, is not buzzing with light aircraft. It would be a good place to have a restaurant, but I suppose the winter months might make the economics difficult.

[mw5]

Fantastic feature. Many thanks for putting such a detailed account of a 'forgotten' airfield. I went to the Isle of Man regularly with my job between 2000 and 2008 and regret immensely that I never went out one evening and had a look at whats left, rather than sitting in a hotel room watching TV shite!

[acklington]

Thanks for the comments guys,

and as an UPDATE, wikipedia has helped me to find the current location of the AAC-1 Airship gondola from G-MAAC. It is in the Aviodrome Museum at Lelystad in Holland, and there is a good photo of it here www.flickr.com/photos/skylarkair/9555817035/

Another UPDATE re Jurby, reported by 'Marquis' on the forum this week, is that Cessna 208B N208AJ flew into Jurby on 30th January 2014, for an hour or two. So that makes one fixed-wing movement this year!

[mb]

This is a very interesting thread to which I would like to contribute.I have some pretty good photos of Jurby air days in the mid-80s but can someone give me( if it's possible) a simple sequence as to how to send photos ( with attached text) to the forum.I don't want to get involved with Facebook,Twitter and other dross if possible.Hope someone can help.Keep it dead simple OK.

[acklington]

Hello MB, I'd certainly like to see your Jurby photos posted.

I'll send you a private message (you'll have to log in to this forum to see it appear), with simple instructions.

[viscount]

A really interesting thread this, taking over the history of RAF Jurby and Manx air displays roughly where my copy of Gordon Kniveton’s ‘Manx Aviation in War and Peace’ (1985) leaves off. I attended just the one Jurby Air Show. In the preceding year I had taken on a mortgage and a new car, so being cash poor, surrendered ideas of a ‘States or Europe aviation purge for a week walking, spotting and camping on the IoM with a food, transport and entrance budget of £15 a day – including the Manx ‘Farecracker’ flight to get there and back! My exploits (well the aviation ones anyhow) were written up for the M.A.S. appearing in their magazine ‘EGGP’ and in the context of this thread, are well worth repeating in full and illustrating.

JURBY AIR DAY, Sunday 10th August 1986

The airfield of former R.A.F. Jurby provides a very pleasing setting for an air display, with an attractive back-drop of the Snaefell Mountains making for interesting photography. Although cloudy and cool, the cloud base remained high enough not to interfere with any part of the air display. There are no resident aircraft at Jurby, although at weekends there is a fair amount of microlight activity. Many of the huts from its former military days still stand and are used by light industry, and ‘Jurby Junk’ is a well-established call on the tourist trail.

The display, organised by the Royal Air Force Association Manx Branch was very enjoyable. Access by the public to the flight line aircraft was well controlled and photography fairly uncluttered. A number of interesting local aircraft were intelligently displayed eg the Tiger Moth, Isaacs Fury, King Air 300, Commander 695 and Short SD.3-60 (the usual lack of use of local ‘talent’ by display organisers has long been a ‘beef’ aired by your editor). However, the 25 or so visiting light aircraft were tightly parked, the more interesting of them eg the Tiger Moth, Nipper, Terrier and Italian Falco being impossible to photograph from the public area – indeed were difficult to see! This need not have been the case and was a wasted opportunity.

The 1985 display had suffered badly through fog-like low cloud. This the 11th display put on at Jurby would have been even better if the forecaster had been right in their prophecy of long sunny periods! There was a large crowd, well entertained, who were given good value for money with a pleasingly low entrance charge.

STATIC AIRCRAFT PARK/FLIGHT LINE

PG617 (G-AYVY)  DH.82 Tiger Moth              Camouflaged 'Lhemeen Vannin'.  Gerry Smith, local owner
G-AZKV          Cessna FRA.150L               'Aerobats Duo'  Penguin logo on tail 'The Penguin Club'
G-AZSC          Harvard 2B                    Garry Newman’s "Zero", complete with WWII Japanese colours
G-BACO          Cessna FRA.150L               'Aerobats Duo'
--/26 (G-BAVO)  N2S Stearman                  US Army blue/yellow period colours.  Keenair, Liverpool
G-BIHY          Isaacs Fury                   RAF '30s style period markings  IoM homebuild – took 6 years to construct
G-BKMW          Short SD.3-30 Sherpa          Camouflage colours, c/s "Short 01", departed to Belfast Harbour
51-15527/10 (G-BKRA)  Harvard                 US Navy dark blue period colours
G-BLLZ          Long Ez                       white, based at Rochester
G-BLRN          DH.104 Dove C.2               retains former RAF colours still.  Based in Holland at Gouda.
G-BLUX          Slingsby T-67C                Red & white scheme
G-MANN          SA.341G Gazelle               Pleasure flying at £10 per person.  Locally owned.
G-MBHW          American Aerolights Eagle     Microlight
G-MBJN          Elecraflyer Aerolights Eagle  Microlight, built Alberquerque, New Mexico
G-MMUA          Southdown Puma Sprint         Two seat microlight, built Port Slade, Sussex.
G-SRES          King Air 300                  Vernair, c/s "Vernair 370" flew in flying display
-+8 (G-WULF)    WAR Fw-190 scale replica      WWII style Luftwaffe period scheme
G-YABU          Commander 695A                Celtic Bank/Manx, flew in flying display
HB275/N5063N    SNJ/C-45/Beech 18             RAF SEAC period markings
N8035H/N        Stinson L-5c Sentinel         US Marines period colours.  Keenair Warbirds Group
XS597/597       HS.780 Andover C.1            RAF ‘Falcons’ drop aircraft.  c/s "Ascot 7541", dep to Cranfield

FLYING ONLY AIR DISPLAY PARTICIPANTS

G-LEGS          Short SD.3-60                 Manx Airlines, f&t Ronaldsway, c/s "Manx Golf Sierra"
P7350/EB:Z      Spitfire 2A                   Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
LF363/VY:X      Hurricane 2c                  Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
PA474/SR:D      Lancaster B.1                 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
...../HC        Buccaneer S.2                 12 Sqdn c/s "Buccaneer".  Not read off at the time, with digital zoom from the photo could have been XZ432.
……../HR         F16C                          USAFE, with another loafing around holding – departed for Cranfield?
While en route into Ronaldsway from Belfast Harbour "JY 232" (presumed SD.3-60 G-OJSY?) wanted to make a pass over the display at 1445, however the BBMF were about to perform their routine at that time.

VISITING AIRCRAFT PARK

G-ASEG          A.61 Terrier                  G-BEWR         Cessna F.172N
G-ARMP          Cessna 172B                   G-BGPU         Cherokee
G-AVFR          Cherokee                      G-BGSG         Seminole 180
G-AVKK          T.66 Nipper                   G-BGVU         Cherokee 180
G-AYIT          Tiger Moth                    G-BHLE         Robin DR.400
G-AYYD          Rallye                        G-BIAA         TB-9 Tampico
G-AZFO          Twin Comanche                 G-BMHT         Cherokee Arrow
G-BAIS          Cessna 177                    G-HIHI         AA-5B Tiger
G-BBBN          Cherokee                      G-LIMA         Commander 114
G-BBPY          Cherokee                      G-OPUP         Pup 150
G-BBTH          Cessna F.172                  I-ROVI/13      F-8L Falco
G-BCBY          Cessna F.150                  N26634         Comanche
G-BELR          Cherokee

The pilots of these visiting aircraft were encouraged to partake in a 'spot landing' competition upon arrival.  Winner, only a metre and a half from the mark was Barry Greenwood in Tampico G-BIAA.

FINAL NOTES

"No shows" on the published programme were a Zlin, Chester's Mosquito and the Hibernian Flight Dakota.  Extra items not in the published programme were provided by the Dove and Slingsby T-67C.  I seem to recall the hangar being closed-up and not within the public area.

The photos are all digitised from Fuji 100 colour transparencies and are my own originals.  They have been cleaned, straightened, sharpened and cropped using Picasa and downloaded via Photobucket.  This is the complete 'set' of photos taken by me in 1986, so vary in quality.  Also on reposting January 2022 to remove the obscuring Photobucket watermark, I notice that my skills in 'Picasa' have improved since 2014, some shots could do with further colour refining and straightening.




The Beech C-45 crew always ensured that one of the aircrew remained in the cockpit to entertain the crowd - and provide a healthy profit for Mr Kodak!





Just a pair of Harvards at Jurby in 1986, in later years the team grew to four aircraft, here G-BKRA painted as 51-15527/10 U.S.Navy and G-AZSC as a Japanese Zero!



Long time Isle of Man resident, Tiger Moth G-AYVY as PG617



Another Manx resident was Isaacs Fury G-BIHY constructed on the Island over a number of years.



In contrast, Long Ez G-BLLZ flew from the English south coast to appear at Jurby.



Most notable of the 'fly-in' aircraft was this Italian registered F-8L Falco, I-ROVI/13.



While the organisers made good use of local aircraft, the fly-in visitors parked close together and away from the public



Locally owned Gazelle G-MANN provided pleasure flights

More of the flying display continues on the following post .............

[viscount]

More images of the flying display at the 1986 Jurby Air Day



At that time Manx Airlines were an enterprising operator with a strong Manx base, so it was little surprise to find one of their Short 360 aircraft being shown off. G-LEGS seen here being put through its paces.









While the normal impulse would be to screw on the largest lens with me (400mm), the backdrop at Jurby just called for the 135mm lens to capture aircraft and scenery. On digitally cropping these shots I have usually taken out sky and grass, but left the original width of the image. At that time focus was entered manually, using information from the center of the viewfinder. Seems I was just a tad off at times during the afternoon!

The aircraft here is Keenair Warbird's Stinson L-5c Sentinel N8035H/N in US Marines Pacific theatre blue scheme. The aircraft flew slowly, but also had a great short-field performance, which was shown off to the crowd.





Where would any self-respecting display be, both today and back in 1986 without an appearance by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, along with the sound of so many Merlins flying in close formation. Fabulous.



This Devon is not quite what it appears to be, as it not a R.A.F. example, but is a former military aircraft, registered G-BLRN, but based and flown from Holland.



Microlights, especially 'flexiform' types were quite new on the British aviation scene in the mid '80s. Looking nothing like as sleek as todays Mainair Geminis, this is G-MMUA a Southdown Puma Sprint about to be shown off to the Jurby public.



Immaculate Tiger Moth PG617/G-AYVY, locally owned and flown by Manx resident Gerry Smith.







Keenair brought not only their Sentinel from Liverpool to perform, but also Stearman G-BAVO, clearly flown in a spirited manner. Although of a similar age to the genteel Tiger Moth, the radial 'growl' of the 'chunkier' Stearman made it a popular airshow performer.



Another locally owned Manx aircraft, with connections to the Manx Celtic Bank and Manx Airlines, is G-YABU a Commander 695A which arrived, performed and landed during the afternoon.



After the passage of years, uncertain now why the only picture I have of the Shorts 3-30 Sherpa demonstrator G-BKMW is such a distant shot. The aircraft was flown by manufacturer Shorts.



Two fast-jet displays featured in the flying programme. I seem to recall the USAFE F-16C stayed somewhat distant even for my 400mm lens, however clearly the RAF Buccanner S.2 from 12 Squadron (fox head badge) came well into range of my lens. Here caught with everything open and dangling! With digital zoom the registration could be XZ432, which makes it the final Buccaneer built, although code 'HC' sequence the previous year was used by 237OCU (crossed swords and motor board badge).

Well that is all I can contribute on the subject of Jurby. Clearly an extremely photogenic location, even if somewhat remote to get to by public transport, even for a special event day. I look forward to 'MB's' promised contribution to this thread.

Hope you liked the scenic shots, I certainly enjoyed and still clearly recall my day at a Jurby Air Display!

[ronturner]

Good collection Brian. What a shame this airfield is not active.

[acklington]

I love your photos Brian (Viscount), and they really fill a gap in the record for this airfield. And a proper spotters log too! Great!

'MB' is getting there with his photos - we've got as far as loading them onto a photo-hosting site. So more goodies to come, and I suppose I'll now have to start ploughing through my albums and scan a lot more. I'll try amd follow your lead in going for more 'scenic shots'.

[acklington]

Feb 3, 2014 8:35:47 GMT 1 ronturner said:

Good collection Brian. What a shame this airfield is not active.

I know that I'm going to regret saying this, but for flyers like you, there is no reason why Jurby can not be made 'active' for (say) a fly-in. We'd just have to find a date when there is no other event booked there, then get permission from the IOM Airport's Department, arrange a BBQ and some fine weather, and off you go. Please bring plenty of mates and all their aircraft with you. I can probably find sufficient Manx Aviation Museum members, helpers, and resident aviation enthusiasts to overcook the hot-dogs (and secure and inspect the runway). The nearby IOM Airport would provide a safe haven in the event of bad weather, or for fuel, etc.

Certify me now - please!

[RICEY]

Great Pics and Info guys. I have a few freinds involved with Jurby Transport Museum which of course is inside on of the refurbed hangers

[acklington]

I've been thinking how best to post my 20 years of occasional Jurby photos, and I guess there is only one answer - start at the beginning (in 1989)! So this could be a long and slow process, but I guess it will fill the time when the forum is otherwise quiet.

My first photos were taken on 10th August 1989, on a pre-airshow inspection of the airfield;

G-BAED, Jurby, 10 Aug 89 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

G-BAED, Jurby, 10 Aug 89 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
G-BAED PA-23 Aztec, then a resident with the Advanced Airships Corporation - note the 'Blimp' on the tail. This aircraft frequently flew to/from Jurby, piloted by the AAC Project Manager, Gp Capt David Scouller RAF (retd), a former Tornado test pilot. The hangar it lived in at Jurby (1st photo) has now been re-clad and is the Bus and Tram Museum.

G-BLLZ, Jurby, 10 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Also in the hangar was Rutan Vari-eze G-BLLZ, flown by another AAC employee.

The 1989 airshow was held on Sunday 13th August 1989, and most of the military exhibits came in to Ronaldsway on the Saturday, to over-night before poitioning up to Jurby on the Sunday. Present at Ronaldsway on the 12th were;

P7340 Spitfire BBMF
LF363 Hurricane BBMF
PA474 Lancaster BBMF
XN494 JP.4 1 FTS
XN497 JP.4 1 FTS
XW322 JP.5 6 FTS
XX614 Bulldog T.1 CFS
XX692 Bulldog T.1 CFS
ZD324 Harrier GR.5 233 OCU
ZD348 Harrier GR.5 233 OCU
ZD703 HS.125 CC.3 32 Sqdn

I got reasonable photos of most of these at Ronaldsway, so was less inclined than I might have been to use up valuable slide film at Jurby the next day.

[acklington]

Especially as the weather turned out to be most inclement on the Sunday. This probably also accounts for the lack of visiting light aircraft on the day. Maybe some of the flying exhibits were also scrubbed, so it was a pretty thin day;

XN494, 43, 1 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XN494, 43, XN497, 52, 1 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XN494, 43, XN497, 52, 1 FTS, RR299, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
That can only be Mosquito T.3 RR299 flying, it did not land.

XN497, 52, 1 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XN497, 52, 1 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XN497, 52, 1 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XW322, D, 6 FTS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XX614, 11, CFS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XX692, 5, CFS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

XX692, 5, CFS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

ZA683, EW, 7 Sqdn, Jurby 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
The Chinook was ZA683 'EW' of 7 Squadron, which I think was only a static exhibit.

ZD324, B, 233 OCU, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
This is ZD324 'B' of 233 OCU. It was then a GR.5 (I think).

ZD348, G, 233 OCU, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
And this is the other Harrier, ZD348 'G', also of 233 OCU, the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit.

ZD348, G, 233 OCU, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Always nice on a wet runway!

ZD703, 32 Sqdn, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
A rather strange choice of exhibit was the 125 from 32 Sqdn, but I guess that it brought in some RAF ground-crew.

That is it for photos of the military stuff, although I also noted (flying but not landing) the BBMF Spitfire P7340, Hurricane LF363, and Lancaster PA474. Also Tornado ZA596 '596' of 45 Sqdn / Tornado OCU, plus an un-identified Hawk T.1.

Next up is the civilian stuff ...........

[acklington]

As noted earlier, the civilian stuff was very thin on the ground;

Eiderduck, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Lurking in the Cement Company hangar was the unflown "Eiderduck", which is now on display in the Ronaldsway Airport terminal building. For the record the designers included Dennis Reid, and Cyril Cannell, and also (I assume) the father of Gregg Wright, to whom it still belongs. It originated as a Cranfield student project, as a hand-flown glider. The construction techniques were very advanced, being one of the first experimental applications of carbon fibre technology. Cyril Cannell (ex Malta Convoy Hurricane pilot) was responsible for producing the Peel cars of the 1960s, and the use of advanced moulding techniques.

I can claim the credit for rescuing it for display in the new Airport Terminal building (which was designed to fit around the Eiderduck!)

G-MAAC, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
The Advanced Airships hangar was open to the public, and in this view the G-MAAC AAC-1 envelope is test-inflated with air (not helium). On the right is the skeleton framework of one of the four fins. These were incredibly light, being constructed of 'crinkly tin-foil', for want of a better description. A mock-up fin such as this (it may actually be this one) is now in the Bus and Tram museum at Jurby.

G-MAAC, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 (2) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
The part-completed gondola was also present, and it is now in the Aviodrome Museum in Holland. Also note, to the right, an AAC stall selling tee-shirts and other souvenirs. Has anyone still got one?

G-BLLZ, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Vari-eze G-BLLZ had also crawled out of its hangar, to be put on static display. On interest in this photo is the girder mast in the background. This was actually the AAC-1 Mooring Mast, at the end of the steel guide rail from the hangar. Sadly it was never to see any use.

G-FLYV, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Slingsby Firefly G-FLYV was on static display, and I'm guessing that it was also connected with an AAC employee.

G-HUEY, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Ex Falklands War trophy UH-1D G-HUEY performed, displaying its (then) new "Superkings / IAAT" livery.

G-HUEY, XX614, 11, CFS, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
In this view, in addition to the CFS Bulldog, can be seen the Jurby Church, a distinctive airfield landmark, and also with a large War Graves section, containing many Jurby fliers who never went home to Canada, Poland, Holland, and the UK.

G-LEEM, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Piper Archer G-LEEM attempting to brighten up the day. I know the Cherokee in the right background, but just can't recall the registration at present.

G-AVZV, G-BFJV, Jurby, 13 Aug 89 w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
Cessna 172 G-AVZV is seen wearing 'skydiving' logos, but if it was meant to put on a display I can not recall that happening. Behind is another Cessna G-BFJV.

I also noted (but did not photograph) Fournier RF-4D G-AVNZ plus three others, which I think were a display team at the time. I can't recall them landing.

So that was it, more or less, for the 1989 Jurby Air Display.