HomeOur impactAirbases

Airbases

With airbases in Earls Colne and North Weald, EHAAT’s critical care doctors and paramedics work alongside our regional partners using helicopters and rapid response vehicles (RRVs) fitted with life-saving equipment.

Airbases
North Weald airbase visitor centre

North Weald Airbase

In December 2019, we were granted planning permission to build a new airbase at North Weald Airfield. Construction began in early 2020, and the external build was completed in early 2021. The building gives us security of tenure and provides facilities for aircraft, vehicles and crew. We also have dedicated spaces for training, mentoring, patient liaison, and cross-training, which benefit EHAAT and the local pre-hospital care community.

Our Simulation Suite allows for the realistic simulation, debriefing and critique of incident-based scenarios. High-tech visual projections, sounds and smells enable our team to undertake ultra-real training scenarios so they can practice advanced procedures and enhance confidence, knowledge, team communication and performance at the scene of each mission. We also have a Visitor Centre with interactive touchscreen displays, information boards and educational videos. With an energy performance certificate (EPC) grading of A, the highest possible, the airbase has been designed with ‘green’ issues to the fore. It includes charging points for electric cars and photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity – any excess is supplied to the National Grid.

Earls Colne Airbase

We’ve been operating from Earls Colne since 2011 and have continually improved the facilities. With the help of our remarkable supporters, we updated and extended our hangar to create a first-class facility, enabling us to continue to provide an exceptional clinical service for those in need across the region well into the future. We’ve also incorporated photovoltaic panels to generate electricity with excess sold to National Grid. Earls Colne is also home to our headquarters and visitor centre (based at Earls Colne Business Park), where we regularly welcome and engage with our supporters, giving visitors an insight into the work of the charity, a guided tour of the visitor centre, plus the unique opportunity of seeing the helicopter and meeting the crew (subject to operations).

Outside the Earls Colne airbase visitor centre
Visitor centre at North Weald

Visitor Centre Tours

Whether you’re planning to visit our Earls Colne or North Weald Visitor Centre, our friendly team of volunteers are ready to welcome you, providing an exciting, engaging and empowering experience. During your tour, you’ll gain insight into the charity’s work and a guided tour of the visitor centre, plus the unique opportunity of seeing the helicopter and meeting the crew (subject to operations).

Tours are open to individuals, families, schools, groups and corporates but must be booked in advance, and you can do so by completing our enquiry form. There is no entry fee for a tour, but donations are welcome.