The Air Park

	Caernarfon Then...
Avro Anson	return to index
DURING the darkest days of World War II when a German invasion seemed imminent, the War Ministry decided to build new airfields to house the RAF fighter squadrons along the north west coast of Wales - beyond immediate reach of the invaders. Alongside Valley on Anglesey, Caernarfon was one of those airfields. In the event, the invasion threat diminished and the need to move the fighter squadrons evaporated. However, the airfield at Caernarfon still had an important part to play in the war effort. As an RAF station, it became a centre of excellence for training of Bomber Command navigators, radio operators, bomb aimers and gunners. Avro Anson trainers and Whitley bombers were the types of aircraft most commonly based at Caernarfon. The first RAF Mountain Rescue service was formed at Caernarfon in 1943. After the war, the demand for so many airfields dropped dramatically, and the RAF station was finally decommissioned in 1946 with the airfield falling into disuse.
	And Now...
A pilot's eye-view	top of page	return to index
THE THRIVING air park which is Caernarfon today had its humble beginnings in 1969, when the old RAF airfield was re-opened as a convenient local landing strip, coinciding with with the investiture, at Caernarfon Castle of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. However, it was not until almost 10 years later that it was developed into a proper civil airport. Now owned and operated by Air Caernarfon Ltd., part of the Atlantic Group. Caernarfon Air Park has something for everyone: excellent facilities for visiting pilot's; a pleasant flying club; a convivial licensed restaurant; a superb beach within five minute's walk; comprehensive aircraft maintenance; inexpensive aircraft hire and highly skilled flying tuition. For tourists the air park also offers pleasure flights over Snowdon, the Menai Straits, and Caernarfon Castle; an informative and "hands-on" air museum and a coffee shop enjoying splendid views.
	Destination Caernarfon Gateway to Snowdonia
Beaumaris Castle	top of page	return to index
Snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, sparkling streams, dramatic waterfalls and abundant wildlife including some magnificent birds of prey, are just some of the natural beauties of Snowdonia - one of Britain's first National Parks. Add to that the wealth of man-made attractions, such as castles (the most magnificent being at Caernarfon itself), narrow-gauge railways, slate mines, and Telford's and Stephenson's bridges over the Menai Straits, and you can see the lure of the area. Adventure is on hand too! Rock climbing, abseiling, conoeing, white water rafting, dry skiing are just some of the activities available, with expert tuition if required. For the less active, there are plenty of safe sandy beaches and a host of tourist attractions including farm parks, sea zoos, National Trust properties, Caernarfon Air Park's own Air Museum and much, much more.
	Flying In....
Penrhyn Castle	top of page	return to index
Anyone visiting Caernarfon by air is sure of a warm welcome and a pleasant surprise or two...

Camp by your plane

Self-drive car hire and taxis

Pilots can uprate licences

Non pilots can learn to fly

Dakota Licensed Restaurant

Coffee Shop open all day

Explore the Museum

Enjoy the near-by beach

Let the children loose in the Adventure Playground

Private pilots visiting by road can hire one of Air Caernarfon's light aircraft and explore the local scenery from the air. Others can enjoy one of Air Caernarfon's varied pleasure flights.

Caernarfon Air Park is more then just an airport - it is Snowdonia's only holiday centre for pilots and their families. There's plenty to do and see with the beach just beyond the end of the runway. To take advantage of all Caernarfon Air Park has to offer, just call the Information and Booking Service. All the family will discover that enjoying themselves is so easy at Caernarfon Air Park.

	Dine in Dakota Style....
Dakota - stylish comfort	top of page	return to index
LUNCHES, afternoon teas and evening A la Carte dinners can be enjoyed to the full in the superbly appointed Dakota Restaurant with its dramatic panoramic view of the Air Park and beyond to the Snowdonia mountains, the sea, the Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon itself. Open for lunches from late morning and throughout the afternoon. The evening dinner menu is served from 6.00 p.m. and the restaurant offers diners the opportunity of relaxing in the pleasant, congenial atmosphere of its bar before or after enjoying their meal. The expertise of the Dakota's chef ensures an interesting and varied menu and diners can be assured of a warm welcome and first rate service with the restaurant being under the personal supervision of Roy J Kehoe, a restaurateur with a wealth of experience.The restaurant is open seven days a week throughout the main season, and at weekends and other times of demand throughout the winter. Table reservations are advised for evening meals and can be made by calling 01286 831600. A quick break.... VISITORS in need of a quick snack or just a refreshing "cuppa" should look no further then the Coffee Shop. Choose from a selection of light refreshments such as sandwiches, hot soup, home made delicacies and pastries. A variety of hot and cold drinks is also available.
	PPL's add an extra rating
Flight training	top of page	return to index
In ADDITION to PPL training, Caernarfon? Flying Club can provide the following courses for pilots who wish to add other ratings to their licences;

• IMC	A 16½ hour course including a flying test and ground examination;
• Night	A five hour course;
• Multi	A six hour course plus a flying test;
• AOPA	Radio navigation course, five hours count towards IMC;
• No!	Landing fees for students / members;
.	The Air Park is a CAA licensed aerodrome
.	Only minimum time is spent taxiing and holding
.	Examinations are given on the airfield
.	Day Membership of the friendly and relaxed Flying Club with an enviable record
Also, qualified pilots visiting Caernarfon by road can hire aircraft on production of their licence and log book and, after a quick flight check with a club instructor, can take their own sightseeing trip over North Wales' beautiful scenery - including the mountains and valleys, the sea and the shore.

	Aerial Photography too!
Caernarfon Castle	top of page	return to index
Getting The Message across is a specialty of Air Caernarfon, which offers clients a superb way to promote their business. Aerial advertising is the answer! This unique medium allows a message to be towed behind an aircraft flying through an area of the client's choice. What's more, anyone wishing to undertake aerial photography, whether stills, video or film, can take to the skies with Air Caernarfon.
	CAMCO at your Service....
Maintenance by CAMCO	top of page	return to index
QUALITY MAINTENANCE of single and twin engined piston and turbo propelled light aircraft is carried out by CAMCO - Caernarfon Aircraft Maintenance Company.
Open throughout the year and JAR145 approved, CAMCO carries out 50 and 150 hour servicing, annual maintenance and C of A renewal according to agreed schedules.
Its experienced engineers will carry out minor defect rectification for visiting aircraft.
Whatever an aircraft's maintenance requirements, CAMCO's charges are well worth checking out!
.	Re-fuelling....
PILOTS needing to refuel aircraft before continuing or completing journeys are well catered for at Caernarfon. Both JET A1 and AV Gas 100LL fuels are available.
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Telephone

From the U.K.

Tel: 01286 830800

Fax: 01286 830280

Caernarfon Air Park

is operated by

Air Caernarfon Ltd

Dinas Dinlle

Caernarfon

Gwynedd

LL54 5TP

Telephone

From Europe

Tel: 00 44 1286 830800

Fax: 00 44 1286 830280