Today I ticked off something that has been on my flying list for years. I finally landed at RAF Montrose. Scotland’s first ever military airfield, now home to a museum, and once a year it opens its runway for a fly-in.
The strip itself is no longer a strip in the usual sense. It is now playing fields, with goal posts and football lines painted across it, which makes for a strange but brilliant landing experience.
Changing Plans
The original plan had been a trip to Laurencekirk. I had the aircraft ready to go when David Mac told me Montrose was on this weekend. With the chance only coming once or twice a year, Laurencekirk could wait. I had already flown over Leuchars and Dundee earlier in the week, so the route was fresh in my mind and it made sense to head north.
The Flight Up
Leuchars was offline again with it being a Sunday. I climbed to 6,000 feet and flew over the Tay and the clouds sitting below. The route takes you past Carnoustie and then Arbroath, with the coastline stretching out in the sun. The view was absolutely stunning.
As I got closer, I switched to SafetyCom and was surprised at just how busy it was. Aircraft were arriving from every direction. I have never flown into a proper fly-in before, so the radio traffic and the thought of so many other aircraft in the circuit was daunting. I slotted myself in behind David, who had done it before, and let him lead me in.
The Approach and Landing
The approach into Montrose is unlike any other. You come in over the town, descending to about 500 feet with houses right below you. Just as you line up, you realise there are groups of spectators at the threshold watching every move you make. It certainly sharpens the focus.
I got the plane down, rolled out along the old runway, and taxied to the parking area where I strapped her down. Then it was time for a walk, a look around the aircraft on show, and a chat with a few of the other pilots and visitors. There was food available, although nothing that tempted me, so I gave that a miss.
Heading Back
After about 90 minutes on the ground I decided it was time to head back. The clouds were starting to look a bit unsettled and I wanted to avoid a situation where I had to divert to Edinburgh to get across the water. In the end it wasn’t a problem and the flight home was straightforward.
A Rare Chance
Landing at Montrose is only possible on these rare fly-in days, and it has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. To finally tick it off the list felt special. The history of the place, the unusual runway, the busy circuit, and the whole atmosphere made it an unforgettable trip.
It might only be open to aircraft twice a year, but I am very glad I was lucky enough to be part of one of those days.
