The land on which Fairoaks is situated was originally known as Dolley’s Farm.  It is believed that its name was changed to Fair Oaks around 1931 when flying started on a strip prepared by Louis Strange.

In 1936 the site was requisitioned by the Air Ministry.  In 1937 the control tower, still used today, was constructed and the first squadron of 6 Tiger Moths arrived.  Over 6,000 pilots were trained at Fairoaks during the war.

Fairoaks Aero Club undertook training from the mid 1940’s in Tiger Moths and Austers.  A selection of commemorative plaques still lay within the main hanger.  It is from here that the Fairoaks Flight Centre can trace its origins.