Valley (RAF) - Anglesey

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ICAO Code EGOV/VLY
Last Validated 2025-05
City Valley
Position 53°14'53"N 004°32'07"W
Runway(s) 01/19, 13/31
Elevation 36 ft

General

RAF Valley is a Royal Air Force station on the island of Anglesey, Wales. The Station opened on 13 February 1941, in No 9 Group, Fighter Command, and for the first few weeks it was called RAF Rhosneigr after one of the nearby villages, but was re-named Royal Air Force Valley on 5 April 1941. It housed Czech and Australian RAF squadrons. Nowadays, it provides advanced pilot training using the Hawk and Texan for fixed-wing, and Juno and Jupiter for rotorcraft. No. 4 Flying Training School takes RAF and Royal Navy pilots from 1 FTS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and trains them to fly fast jets, prior to training on an Operational Conversion Unit. 4 FTS is divided into two squadrons; 208sq provides the advanced flying training, students then moving onto 19sq to receive tactics and weapons training.

The airfield is also known as the commercial Anglesey Airport, but lost its scheduled service in June 2022 as the Welsh government terminated its subsidy.

Layout

Situated along Cymyran Bay, the base has two runways left from the previous three, with the longer one running northwest to southeast. The shorter one is more is less north-south oriented. There are four larger aprons, divided around the runway junction(s), with most facilities at the northeastern part of the field - including the civil terminal. The fence can be approached on many sides, albeit for a large part just on foot or bike.

Getting There

The motorway network and the A55 road along the North Wales coast offers dual carriageway access right across the island or if you are travelling from the south you may prefer the A5 that takes you through the mountains of North Wales. It will be a two hour drive from Birmingham. Leave the A55 and the A5 at exit 4 towards Llanfihangel Yn Nwowyn.

Around the Airport

1Landing 31

The first spot is for the landings at runway 31, so landing with northerly winds. As it is just outside the village of Rhosneigr you will have to leave the A5 towards this village via the A4080. Drive through the village until the road makes a sharp right turn. To the west there is a golf course and a small road. Take the small road into the field. On foot you will be able to cross two bridges which will take you to both sides of the approach path for the proper photographic position. There are some dunes will allow a view onto the field and the aircraft taxiing onto runway 31.

2Landing 01

Runway 01 is rarely used and it is a fair walk along the beach towards this point. Park your car at spot 5 and walk towards the sea and just follow the coastline.

3Landing 08

A very good spot for landings at runway 08. Park your car at spot 5 and proceed to the sea and follow the coastline for the proper position.

4Hangar Overview

On your way to spot 2 and 3, have a good look just before the walk on the beach as from this position you will have a good view onto the hangars close by and, with a good scope, on the other side.

5Landing 13

After leaving the highway, drive towards RAF Valley via the Minnfordd road. Turn right at the junction near the base area. At the next junction, turn left and continue onto the gravel road towards the crash gate. Park your car at the right side leaving the road unobstructed. You could position yourself on top of the rocks to have a level view with the landing aircraft.

6Landing 19

After leaving the highway, drive towards RAF Valley via the Minnfordd road. Turn right at the junction near the base area. At your right, there is a gravel car park. From here walk to the approach of runway 19. You will have a good view onto the visitors apron also. After passing the lights, position yourself staying clear of the road for landing and taxiing aircraft.

7Landing 19

After leaving the highway drive towards RAF Valley via the Minnfordd road. Park at spot 8 and from there walk to the approach of runway 19. You will have a good view onto the visitors apron also.

8Gate Guard

There is a car park opposite the main gate, entrance just after the sharp right turn in the road. The gate guard, nowadays a Hawk that replaced the Hunter, is at the left.

Ian Watson caught this Texan landing on runway 19 in the morning, from spot 8.

This fine study of a Hawk approaching runway 31 was made by Nico van der Steen at spot 1.

Frequencies

369.500 / 122.100Ground
389.275 / 122.100Tower
269.100 / 125.230Radar
266.125 / 125.230Approach
363.650 / 123.300 / 125.230Director
313.550 / 123.300Talkdown
120.730ATIS

Based Operators

1 FTS / 202sqJuno HT1
Jupiter HT1
3 FTS / 72sqTexan T1
4 FTS / IVsqHawk T2
4 FTS / XXV(F)sqHawk T2

Preserved

XX156Hawk T1 as gate guard

More Info

RAF ValleyOfficial homepage

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