Nearby Royal Air Force Church Fenton opened as a fighter base in 1937 and was home to a number of illustrious Squadrons during the Second World War. Spitfires, Hurricanes, Blenheims and Mosquito's are just a few of the aircraft types that operated from Fenton during that time.

After the war it remained a fighter base and was soon occupied by jet fighters such as the Gloster Meteor and Hawker Hunter. However, in 1959, the fighters left and RAF Church Fenton became a base for training future generations of fighter pilots, a task which it continues to this day.

It's modern day role is acting as Relief Landing Ground for the Tucano's of No.1 FTS based at RAF Linton on Ouse, near York. In addition, it provides home base for the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron, No.9 Air Experience Flight and 3 Squadron of No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School and their Grob Tutor aircraft.