Airfield unlock - or I am just being stupid?

[EAF19_Marsh]

Very short question. Firing up a quick mission, I was wondering why only a fraction of the airfields are available for take-off and free flight. The usable examples do not seem to exhibit any special characteristics vs. the other where you can land.

 

Any reason for this limitation?

[AEthelraedUnraed]

Probably just time - and the fact that they'd need to change the GUI to make it able to select the takeoff airfield.

[Regingrave-]

Various airfields, though not accessible in the QM, are used in AQM, in the campaigns and in the career mode.

[KevPBur]

If it is a freeflight you can take off from the nearest field or pick an airstart.

Fly to your chosen field, land, taxi and park if you wish. Then take off from there again.

 

I often do this in a new aircraft plus it gives me a chance to practice my rather poor navigation skills!