17 October 2022
A breath of fresh air has blown into North Moor Airfield, North Lincolnshire, in the shape of its new owner – 24-year-old Bethan Haley.
As a licenced pilot and flying instructor with a passion for aviation, when Bethan’s parents decided to buy a house that happened to come with an airfield, it was an obvious decision that she would run it. And, just a week after taking ownership, Bethan is already getting things in shape.
“My first official day was Saturday 8 October, but I had already started promoting North Moor on social media, so we had several exciting aircraft fly in to visit. I want people to be part of this from the start and watch it develop,” she explains.
North Moor Airfield. Photo: Richard Flagg
Bethan has already carried out a lot of work on site, including reducing the height of hedges and cutting the grass short to welcome as large a range of aircraft as possible. Repainting runway numbers and markings is high on her list of priorities, as well as building a new clubhouse that will become a hive of community activity.
Her parents are successful first-time business owners and are guiding and mentoring her. But Bethan is keen to show herself and her family how capable she is.
She has not been short of advice from a wide range of individuals and companies, and has been contacted by people all over the country wanting to offer support and come and visit. There is a considerable amount of interest – not just around general aviation, but also around related infrastructure like the ever-important airfield café. Bethan is also actively undertaking her own research and getting valuable input and feedback from members.
“It’s important to me that this airfield will be part of the local community,” says Bethan. “The members have been fantastic, and there is a great mix of trades who are eager to get involved. I’m looking forward to working with them and making joint decisions, together building a successful club.”
One example is a local lady who runs a baking business from her home. Bethan is keen to discuss how they can work together and support each other’s businesses. She has also had initial conversations with aviation-related companies who have seen the potential of North Moor and how it aligns with their own values.
Every airfield has its own ethos and personality, and Bethan aims to create a safe and friendly establishment that is a solid part of the local community. She hopes to become a role model for younger people in aviation while building a business that reflects her as an individual.
While it’s currently a full-time job to get the airfield up and running, Bethan’s ultimate dream is to fly for an airline, while being able to return to the family home with a fully functioning airfield in the garden. We wish her the best of luck and look forward to visiting! – Annabel Cook
North Moor Airfield on Facebook
1 comment
There is another airfield in the next field just to the west.