RAF Little Rissington

RAF Little Rissington (EGVL) in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is an active Royal Air Force satellite station and not a commercial airport open to general civilian travelers. As such, there are no typical "traveler reviews" or experiences akin to those found for public airports. The facility is primarily used for military training, specifically gliding for RAF Air Cadets, parachute dropping, and as a relief landing ground and training area for other military aircraft. Information regarding terminal facilities, security wait times, and customs/immigration experiences is therefore not applicable in a civilian travel context.

Recent developments at RAF Little Rissington focus on enhancing facilities for its military and cadet users.

What Users (e.g., Cadets, Military Personnel) Appreciate:

• New Accommodation and Operational Facilities: In 2024, environmentally friendly overnight accommodation and enhanced operational facilities, including a kitchen extension and an extended glider hangar, were officially opened. This £5 million investment aims to support the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons and enable more Air Cadets to access gliding opportunities.
• Dedicated Training Environment: The airfield provides a dedicated space for elementary flying training for Combined Cadet Force and Air Training Corps cadets, offering a valuable experience for youth aviation development.
• Active Military Use: The base remains active for elementary flying training, air drops, and ground training, supporting crucial military operations and training programs.

Aspects Not Applicable to General Travelers:

• No Commercial Passenger Facilities: The UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication (MIL AIP) explicitly states "Passenger Facilities: Nil," indicating no public terminals, shops, or services typically found at commercial airports.
• No Customs or Immigration: There are no customs or immigration services available at RAF Little Rissington, as it does not handle international civilian passenger traffic.
• Restricted Public Access: Access to the airfield is highly restricted, and "traveler reviews" regarding security wait times or general public access are not available. Obtaining prior permission is essential for any non-military aviation activity.
• Limited Transportation Options: While local public transport (e.g., bus line V22) might pass near the general area, direct transportation connections and parking for public access to the military airfield are not provided.

In summary, RAF Little Rissington serves as a vital military training asset with recent investments enhancing its capabilities for Air Cadets and military operations. It is not a destination for civilian air travelers, and public access or commercial services are not available.