PRESS RELEASE 30/09/2026
Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd – A New Chapter for Andrewsfield
Dear Members, Students, Instructors, Staff, Aircraft Owners and Friends of Andrewsfield,
We wanted to write to you personally to share some important news about the future of
Andrewsfield Aviation.
For more than 30 years, Andrewsfield has been at the heart of local aviation. It has been a
place for people to learn to fly, hire aircraft, develop their skills, share their passion for
aviation and become part of a very special community.
Over the past year, we have been thinking carefully about how best to prepare for our
eventual retirement from the day-to-day running of the airfield and flying school.
Having dedicated many years to Andrewsfield, we have always been determined to find a
way of ensuring that it could continue for the benefit of its members, students, instructors,
staff, aircraft owners and the wider aviation and local community.
Unfortunately, as time progressed, it became increasingly apparent that, without a
suitable succession plan, the only realistic option may have been to close Andrewsfield
Aviation Ltd as stated in the January newsletter, bring its operations to an end.
We are therefore delighted to be able to tell you that Andrewsfield has a future.
Over recent months, Andrewsfield member and newly qualified pilot Jamie Oliver has
worked hard behind the scenes to help explore and develop a solution that would allow
Andrewsfield to continue operating.
Jamie recognised the importance of Andrewsfield, not only as a working airfield and flying
school, but also as a place with a remarkable history and a very special connection with its
members and the local community.
Jamie has provided support to help facilitate the new ownership arrangements. He will
continue to support Andrewsfield and its community, but he will not be involved in the day-
to-day running or management of Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd.
Jamie said:
“Andrewsfield is a special place with so much potential. It has an extraordinary history, is
full of wonderful people with an exemplary training environment that has changed my life
for the better. When I heard it was in danger of closing, I wanted to do all I could to help
secure its future under Marc Naylor’s infectious energy and Aviation experience in the AF
left seat. I will remain closely involved as a supporter and will help wherever I can. It has
got an amazing past and I believe it can have an exciting future.”
As part of this new chapter, Marc Naylor, known to many of you as “Blondie”, will take over
from us as the major shareholder and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of
Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd.
Marc will lead the ongoing operation and management of the company, working with the
existing shareholder and team to maintain Andrewsfield as a thriving aviation facility and
build on the foundations that have been established over many years.
Marc said:
“I’ve been fortunate to enjoy many happy years at Andrewsfield, and this airfield has
always held a very special place in my heart.
After ten years away flying Air Ambulance operations in Devon, returning to Andrewsfield
felt like coming home. I came back last June to complete my Flight Instructor Rating and
have stayed involved since then.
Andrewsfield is much more than somewhere we fly from. It is a community built on
friendships, shared memories and a passion for aviation.
Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m proud to take on a role in shaping
Andrewsfield’s future. My aim is to protect the character and community that make this
airfield special,
I’m looking forward to working with everyone who cares about Andrewsfield to build on
what we already have and create an exciting future together.”
Carol Cooper will remain at Andrewsfield as Head of Training, continuing the role she has
carried out for many years.
She will continue to provide and develop the specialist training courses for which she is
well known, as well as continuing her work as a flying instructor and examiner.
Carol brings extraordinary depth of experience to the flying school, having accumulated
more than 27,000 hours of flying experience during her aviation career. Although
retirement may be getting closer, she has no intention of putting her flying boots away just
yet.
The new target is 30,000 flying hours.
We would like to thank everyone who has been part of the Andrewsfield story over the
years.
We also want to thank you all for the patience, encouragement and understanding that so
many of you have shown during what has been a challenging period.
There will inevitably be changes as Marc takes over the running of the company, but the
objective is clear: to preserve Andrewsfield, develop its future and ensure that it remains a
place where people can learn to fly, enjoy aviation, some good food and be part of the
Andrewsfield community for many years to come.
Andrewsfield has a remarkable history, built by the many people who have passed through
its gates over the decades.
Now, the next chapter can begin.
With our very best wishes,
Mike Rowland and Carol Cooper
Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd
