Shropshire Aero Club + RAF Sleap Heritage Museum, Sleap Airfield, near Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 3HE

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleap_Airfield

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleap_Airfield#RAF_Sleap

2026 "Sleap (pronounced "Slape") is an ex-Royal Air Force airfield, which was opened in April 1943, and used by RAF advanced flying training units. Initially it was the base for No. 81 Operational Training Unit RAF (81 OTU) within No. 93 Group RAF (93 Gp) of RAF Bomber Command equipped with Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber aircraft.

From 1 January 1944 Sleap was assigned to No.38 Group RAF (38 Gp). 81 OTU's Armstrong-Whitworth Whitleys towed Airspeed Horsa heavy troop-carrying gliders on training missions; the Horsas making practice formation landings at RAF Sleap to simulate attacks in enemy territory. Vickers Wellingtons replaced the Whitleys from November 1944 and by January 1945 the strength was 51 Wellington T.Xs, used to train Transport Command air-crew with Vampires and other early jets being early visitors. The RAF finally released Sleap in 1964, but the location is still used as a relief airfield by nearby RAF Shawbury for Juno and Jupiter aircraft from the DHFS as part of the UKMFTS.

The following units were also here at some point:[3]

• No. 1380 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
• No. 1665 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
• Central Navigation and Control School RAF
• Empire Air Navigation School RAF

The Shropshire Aero Club members' bar (also a cafe open to the public) at Sleap was named Eric Lock Lounge after Bayston Hill born Flight Lieutenant Eric Lock the World War II Battle of Britain pilot who was the highest scoring British-born pilot with sixteen and a half victories during the epic battle.[4]

Through the co-operation of the Shropshire Aero Club, the RAF Sleap Heritage Museum operates a small museum on the site, which itself is steeped in history. This all-volunteer group runs the museum from donations only, and is currently open Saturday and Sunday. The displays include a number of aero engines, and a reconstruction of an airfield Flight Office."

https://www.shropshireaeroclub.com/

2026: " Welcome to Shropshire Aero Club, the premier home to general aviation in Shropshire since 1955. ​The club and airfield are open to the public and visitors by air or road 7 days a week.

​The cafe is closed for refurbishment and improvements from 12 Oct. Fresh coffees, breakfast sandwiches and hot food available from 21st, with full opening from early November. 

Flying in to Sleap is easy and you will always find a friendly welcome for all types of GA traffic. Sleap Air/Ground Radio on 122.455 is manned

7 days a week - 8:30-18:00 summer, and 8:30-16:30 in winter.

​We are a very busy airfield with many types of GA flying, solo students, display flying, aerobatics, warbirds and MOD traffic most days so please read all the helpful infomation below to make your visit by air simple! 

To find out what runway we're using, the weather, crosswind component and NOTAMs, visit our live weather page!

With 2 large runways, open airspace, friendly, bustling atmosphere (and the UK's cheapest aviation fuel) Sleap Airfield is a superb destination for pilots and non-pilots alike."

+ Learn to Fly https://www.shropshireaeroclub.com/pilot

Address

Shropshire Aero Club, Sleap Airfield, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury SY4 3HE

+ RAF Sleap Heritage Museum, Sleap Airfield, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury SY4 3HE

Email

info@shropshireaeroclub.co.uk

Phone

01939 232882 

Website

https://www.shropshireaeroclub.com/

Directions

"Getting to Sleap

Visit our Fly-In page to find out how to fly into the best GA airfield in the UK."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2026: "Shropshire Aero Club: Open everyday Monday - Sunday 8:30 - 16:30 Winter, 8:30 - 18:00 Summer"

Transport

Amenities

Sleap Model Flyers, Sleap, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury SY4 3HE

+ RAF Sleap (former), R6PJ+C8, Shrewsbury SY4 3HE