Airfield hire for driving and filming?

[RemarkLima]

Not sure where this should go, it's not trackdays, not advanced driving, not films!? Maybe business?? Please move if there's a better section...

I've made a replacement display for my car and am now looking to make more and sell them - all plug and play, and rather "good" IMHO. Some of the features are a flashing RPM warning, and G meter - these two features are going to be difficult to film on the road, and get decent footage. I do not think a track day organiser would be too happy either?

So, I was thinking if it's possible to hire an airfield / runway for a morning, somewhere with decent tarmac and not too expensive. The trouble is I have no idea of what kind of cost we'd be looking at? Or anywhere to start to check? North Weald isn't far from me, but thought I'd ask in case anyone has some pointers or places to start to look.

Thanks in advance!

[SuperPav]

Definitely possible...

https://ukfilmlocation.com/category/airports-airfi...


With work we've used airfields for training events (driving etc.) in the past - depending on how much of it you want and for how long and when, shouldn't be too expensive!

[Inbox]

Best thing to do is contact the control tower and see if they offer something like this.

[Turn7]

Part of Bovingdon airfield used to be available for private hire, not sure if it still is.

[200Plus Club]

Curborough sprint circuit allow stuff like this I believe.
Elvington Airfield also.
Fees will be payable in both cases.

[Robertb]

I'd imagine Bicester Motion could help...

https://bicestermotion.com/hire/track

[RemarkLima]

SuperPav said:

Definitely possible...

https://ukfilmlocation.com/category/airports-airfi...


With work we've used airfields for training events (driving etc.) in the past - depending on how much of it you want and for how long and when, shouldn't be too expensive!

Thanks for the link, that's a good place to start - I'll give them a buzz and see what the options are.

I'm thinking a few hours and just the runway, or enough to get up to max RPM without having to be silly about it all... Do you have an idea of the kind of cost involved approximately?

[BertBert]

Llandau? A very informal place!

[kiethton]

I've had a few hours at Bruntingthorpe previously, could be an option if they're still doing it

[stef1808]

Maybe try here: www.runwaysfarm.co.uk

I don’t know how “crazy” you plan to get on driving although I personally would be thinking about a road trip to the German autobahn

[200Plus Club]

kiethton said:

I've had a few hours at Bruntingthorpe previously, could be an option if they're still doing it

Long closed to car stuff. Used to be £175 for the afternoon for testing, I ran my T70 in there after I built it, great fun.

[RemarkLima]

BertBert said:

Llandau? A very informal place!

Wales? Bit of a trek but could be worth it and maybe get a pal to do the filming who's up that way.

stef1808 said:

Maybe try here: www.runwaysfarm.co.uk

I don’t know how “crazy” you plan to get on driving although I personally would be thinking about a road trip to the German autobahn

I'll give them a shout - not mental, but ideally some "up to the redline" runs, and with Porsche's stupid long gearing means higher speeds in bursts - but no need for dabs of oppo!

200Plus Club said:

kiethton said:

I've had a few hours at Bruntingthorpe previously, could be an option if they're still doing it

Long closed to car stuff. Used to be £175 for the afternoon for testing, I ran my T70 in there after I built it, great fun.

That's a shame, as that'd be awesome for an afternoon... And a decent price!

[Grey_Area]

Does it need to be an airfield?

Millbrook for example, dynamics pad for showing G forces, handling track likewise, mile straight for speed, and the alpine track for sts and giggles; couple that with the 2 mile bowl, should cover most of your bases...

[Castrol for a knave]

Lydden Hill are a nice bunch - worth giving them a call. Close to you as well.

[RemarkLima]

Thanks both, no need for an airfield, but ideally cheap(ish)... Hence thinking of a quiet airfield to do some between planes maybe?

My mate in North Wales has offered to do some filming and drone stuff, Lydden isn't far from me, but millions of miles from him

I'll give both a shout and find out.

[smokey mow]

As you’re in Essex Gosfield may be an option for the straight line stuff and is cheep to hire for a half day. You won’t find any corners there though.

http://theoldwhichtesttrack.co.uk/

[DS129]

You could try Bentwaters cold war museum, it's on the airfield and there is a film company there.

[Leptons]

Blyton used to be available for private hire and not out of this world expensive either.

Personally I’d be speaking to a TDO about your intentions and do any filming towards the end of the day when most people have buggered off. Presumably you’re doing any filming with a passenger or bodycam/gopro.

[RemarkLima]

A TDO may be a good conversation.... I should do some more track days anyway! A good excuse to get another day in... But yes, would want a passenger filming and go pro mounts kinda stuff... I'll try a body cam, but no idea if that'll end up being sick vision!?

smokey mow said:

As you re in Essex Gosfield may be an option for the straight line stuff and is cheep to hire for a half day. You won t find any corners there though.

http://theoldwhichtesttrack.co.uk/

Now that's my kinda bargain! Probably worth a first pass there as close and cheap for a few hours. Nice one and thank you!

[vaud]

RemarkLima said:

Thanks both, no need for an airfield, but ideally cheap(ish)... Hence thinking of a quiet airfield to do some between planes maybe?

Take this the right way but if owned a plane I would want anyone near it filming from their car.

If you do get permission make sure your insurance explicitly , explicitly covers this as I’m sure you can rack up some very expensive repairs with even a minor shunt.