Historic airfields, many of which played an important role in World War II, are dwindling in number, leaving fewer to pay homage to a bygone era.

Indeed, some 800 former Royal Air Force stations, including airfields and administrative headquarters, have either closed or changed status and in 2016 there were announcements of a planned schedule of military site closures by the then UK Defence Secretary.

And as the need for housing continues to rise, then more-and-more notable airfields are being demolished, or plans are being proposed, to make way for new homes.

Unfortunately, it is perhaps inevitable that, as demand for housing grows, an increasing number of historic airfields are coming under threat.

World War II airfields played a pivotal role in victory for our country in 1945, so we sincerely hope that each airfield is given the due respect that it deserves, enabling aviation fans to enjoy the thrill of flying for many years to come.

Among those airfields available to still enjoy a historic flight from are Swansea Airport, Humberside Airport, Gloucestershire Airport and Stapleford Airport.

Budding pilots of the future can still learn to fly from airfields which were once alive to the roar of RAF planes, as they set off on daring raids across enemy territory.

A flying experience is a great way to be immersed in the past, and escape the pressures of modern day life for a short time.

Dan Jones

Operations manager

FlyDays.co.uk