It was used by only one operational squadron on long-range bombing missions during the Second World War, with most flying dedicated to conversion units under the auspices of nearby RAF Marston Moor.

[7] The squadron was initially used on long-range bombing missions to Italy (Genoa being a frequent target), which led to a high attrition rate due to aircraft often running out of fuel and having to land elsewhere or crashing.

158 Squadron were moved to RAF Lissett in February 1943, they had lost numerous aircraft and nine crews, 61 one of whom had been killed over enemy territory.

1663 Heavy Conversion Unit was stood up at Rufforth in early March 1943 operating ex-operational Halifaxes, which required considerable maintenance from the ground crews.

Occasionally the taxiway is utilised by Autogyros when the wind is from the North or South due to their ability to land short, typically requiring only 0–20 metres of runway length to stop.

[23] The other hard runway 10/28 at Rufforth East is used to offer courses in stunt riding and also used by the Police for advanced driving including tactical pursuit training.

The perimeter track of Rufforth East is used by a motorcycle training academy offering courses to motorcyclists to enhance safety.

Its main character is Jack Ruskin (played by Roy Marsden) who as a demobbed RAF transport pilot tries to set up his own airline using a Douglas DC-3/Douglas C-47 Skytrain.

The series also starred Polly Hemingway as Jennie, Richard Heffer as Peter Witney, Sean Scanlan as Mc Evoy and Terence Rigby as Ernie Cade.