Van Echtenerveld

approx. 52°43'10"N 0o6°22'47"E

runway n/a - ...meter/...feet - moor

Glider field Echtenerveld (Dutch: Zweefvliegveld Echtenerveld, also known as 'Hondhang') was a small glider airfield located south of Ruinen and west of Hoogeveen in the province of Drenthe.
Glider club 'De Snip' was founded on 14 September 1937, only a few years before World War II. Immediately after founding the club they requested the mayor of Ruinen to allow them to use a moor field nearby called the 'Van Echtenerveld' for their activities. The request was granted, and by spring 1938 the club was already flying at the location.
As early as 8 April 1938 they held their first air display to show off the first glider that the 30 or so members had built. The breakout of World War II in 1940 stopped all their activities however.

No picture available at this time

The club succesfully restarted in 1946 when the Dutch Government (owner of the airfield) granted the club renewed access to the moor for their activities. By May 1946 the club was flying again, using three open frame gliders for instruction, and on 27 July they held their first public demonstration. This demonstration included glider towing by motorized aircraft and landings, takeoffs and aerobatics (described as 'stunt flying') by a Tiger Moth. Although the demonstration was succesful (some 4,000 people came to watch it), the wear and tear on the aircraft was too expensive, and by 1949 the flying club stopped.

Since the 1950s the province of Drenthe has seen much development. Once known for its vast moors, much of the province has become farmland over the past half century. As a result, nothing remains of this former glider field.

Thanks to Mr. Herman Dekker for pointing out this airfield.