Another example of early aviation from the Campbell Collection from the Hanworth Aerodrome.Hanworth Aerodrome was a civil aerodrome also known as Feltham Aerodrome but from late 1920’s it became officially known as London Air Park.

This is one of a series of clips from the Campbell Family Collection about gliding and aviation. The clip is most likely recorded by John Dermot Campbell, a passionate aviator and also features his wife Pat Campbell who is briefly seen chatting to one of the pilots in an aviator cap. 

Hanworth Park was purchased in 1916 to be used as a civil airfield and testing site for aeroplanes during the First World War, opening for operations in 1917 it became known as Hanworth Aerodrome and was the first airport in Middlesex.  In 1917 the aerodrome was officially designated an Aircraft Acceptance Park, a location where aircraft were finally assembled and tested before delivery to RFC squadrons, and in the same year the Whitehead Flying School was set up.

In 1928 National Flying Services Ltd was formed, in response to a call for a central organisation to co-ordinate a national network of flying clubs and aerodromes, and the Hanworth Park was developed as a functional aerodrome changing its name to London Air Park. In 1930 National Flying Services started operating Desoutters for air-taxi and charter work. Flying clubs based at the London Air Park at the time were The Hanworth Club and London Air Park Flying Club.