Ref. 28481-05AN aviation-minded businessman has bought an airfield on the edge of Swindon.

John Green is the new owner of Draycott Airfield, near Chiseldon. He purchased the grass airstrip, which has existed since 1950, in October this year for an undisclosed sum and has already begun making changes in order to attract more visitors.

Mr Green, 41, who lives in Marlboro-ugh, said: "I have always been interested in aviation. I am not thinking of turning the airfield into another Lyneham, Heathrow or Stansted but just to make it more open and well known for people to see and visit the area. This is a beautiful airfield to fly out of."

Although quiet in the winter months, during the summer there can often be between 30 to 40 take-offs and landings each day.

To attract more visitors Mr Green recently abolished the airfield's landing fee, although planes which are parked for any long period will have to pay a small charge.

Mr Green said: "Aircraft can land at any time, they just need to follow the procedures we have in place.

"More and more business people are beginning to use the airfield to fly in and visit Swindon. Often they will ring us first before they land and we can arrange a taxi to Swindon for them."

Mr Green wants to raise the airfield's profile with a series of open days and air displays.

The first of these is planned for the early summer and will also raise money for local charities. He also plans to set up a website.

There are more than 20 light aircraft and five helicopters based at Draycott, including Mr Green's own helicopter, which he regularly displays at airshows and fly-ins.

Draycott is also home to Aerial Training Services, a company which specialises in training pilots of radio-controlled helicopters and aircraft.

Pilots that wish to use Draycott have to contact air traffic control at RAF Lyneham before landing.

They must also take into consideration the noise abatement rules, which include not over flying Chiseldon village or any farm buildings on landing or take off. The airfield's largest visitors include light twin-engined aircraft although a number of military helicopters have also landed there.

The airfield straddles the historic Ridgeway path and is one of a number of private airstrips around Swindon used by light aircraft owners.

Mr Green already owns Helicopters R Go at Draycott which offers charter flights, sales and air displays.

He recently sold Aerial Training Services, where model aircraft fliers can learn the ropes.

He has previously worked as a pilot including military surveillance in the Middle East.

Anthony Osborne