EBZR Oostmalle Zoersel (PPR)

Malle Airport (EBZR) was built in the 50's as a reserve NATO airport. The total area of more than 200 ha falls entirely within the territory of Malle. In 1973, the APCK (Aero Para Club der Kempen) was founded here and has always had the airport as its home base. In the early 50's, in the middle of the cold war, many plans were made for the construction of civilians and military airfields in Belgium. Previous plans to make the airport more to the west, more specifically in the area ‘Vraagheide’ near Brecht, were not carried out because of environmental issues. New plans were made for an airport lake to the east in the ‘Bruulbergen’ area between Wechelderzande and Oostmalle, on one of the few drifting dunes that Belgium was rich in. Despite local protest and a series of social, tourist and environmental objections, an expropriation notice was sent to the then owners in 1952. The most affected were the Ackermans family, but also Godfroy Lenaerts-Van Merstraeten, Graaf de Renesse and some smaller landowners were expropriated between 1952 and 53. Belgium had to fulfil its obligations in NATO, and therefore the airport had to be built in the area ‘Bruulbergen – Middelburg’. It took until 1955 for the construction to begin effectively. Barbed wire, concrete bunkers, metal hangars and Fuel depots appeared on the property. After the construction, peace and quiet returned. Similar airports were built in Weelde, Zutendaal, Ursel, Bertrix and Saint Hubert as NATO reserve airports. The future of the airport was several times the subject of discussion. Military and civil authorities regularly unfurled plans with new destinations for the airport. From the late 60’s to the late 70’s, the move from the airport from Deurne to Malle was repeatedly placed on the agenda. Each time these plans encountered fierce resistance from the local authorities and the local population and these plans were always classified without consequence. In the 80’s, it was rumoured that the U.S. armed forces wanted to use the airfield first as a storage for nuclear material or as a helicopter base. Again these plans were referred to the trash under loud protest from the population. The airport was now used as a logostic platform for NATO’s biennale REFORGER exercises. In 1995, the provincial council wanted to transform the airport into a recreational center for aviation (parachutism, sieve flies, ULM, engine flies..) but these plans were also never concreted. In 1998, the move from Melsbroek to Malle was suggested and researched as an idea, but like all other scenarios, these plans were nipped in the bud. Despite the fact that the base was maintained with NATO funds, there have never been military aircraft in Malle outside of a few exercises. In 1961, the air cadets settled in Malle. Six Rhönlerche gliders and 3 SV-4 towers made their appearance and were used to start the gliding activities in Malle. The sieves were later replaced by performance floats and the SV-4s were replaced by Piper Super Cubs. Until their move to Bertrix in 2007, the air cadets used the airport as their home base during the weekends and the holiday periods. Hundreds of military and civilian pilots have started their flying career here. In 1973, 2 aviation enthusiasts (F. Van der Heyden and G. Truyens) the idea of setting up a flying club, and why not use the airport of Malle as a home base? The airport seemed ideal and with the advice of A. Josten and local politicians were founded the APCK and officially opened by former Prime Minister Vanden Boeynants. The concession was signed and this was the start of the APCK's flight operations. An old bus initially served as a clubhouse and after a few wanderings on the site (Hangaar Zuid, middle section) the current clubhouse was built on the northern part of the site. For more than 35 years, the APCK has given the opportunity to about 300 people to exercise their passion for aviation in the form of motor and gliding. The APCK is also an RF (Registered Facility) for flight training consisting of theoretical and practical training for student pilots. The Aero Para Club der Kempen loves to welcome all visiting pilots. The airfield (which is on military supervision) is located on a European protected site. The airfield is open on Friday and during the weekend, but strictly PPR (+32 (0) 3 311 55 13). During the opening hours of the airfield, foods & drinks are available at the bar located on the airfield. Accommodation is available nearby the airfield. Bed & Breakfast Heihuyzen is situated on 1KM from the airfield. Transfers are available upon request. Information can be found bedandbreakfastheihuyzen.be & info@bnbheihuyzen.be. Source: http://www.ebzr.be/