Photograph c1948; with the original Control Tower (and bus).
The old golf course was taken over as airport in September 1937.
WWII added some buildings and equipment for the RAF.
After the war, Rapides flew between the island and Land's End airport (until 1970).
As far as I can make out this is BEA G-AHLL, one of three planes that took the route.
The Rapide strictly speaking is the De Havilland D.H.89 Dragon Rapide.
An eight seater biplane, 2 x 200hp De Havilland Gipsy 6 six cylinder engines.
Flying time 20 minutes at 1,000 feet;
wingspan 48 feet x 34 feet 6 inches x 10 feet 3 inches height.
It was not uncommon to hit an 'air pocket' to feel as if one's internal organs were ten feet above one's head.
The new airport buildings were erected in 1975.
