Popham Airfield recently celebrated a major milestone – 50 years since its very first landing. This special fly-in event marked the occasion by welcoming back both the aircraft and the pilot behind that historic moment in 1975, as well large numbers of visiting aircraft.
22 August 2025
Popham Airfield recently celebrated a major milestone – 50 years since its very first landing. This special fly-in event marked the occasion by welcoming back both the aircraft and the pilot behind that historic moment in 1975. Ted Gardner made the very first landing in a Piper L4 Cub, and that aircraft now owned by Dave Pulleston, and Ted were at Popham to celebrate. The day also featured a symbolic landing by Ted in his Piper Vagabond, exactly five decades after he flew the first dog leg approach past the iconic petrol station. While the future of Popham may be in doubt due to potential plans to use the site for a housing development, its rich aviation heritage and an absolutely thriving community of both the pilots who use the airfield and the general public who visit, this anniversary serves as both a celebration and a timely reminder of Popham’s place in UK General Aviation.
