Upon opening IX(B) Squadron (9 Squadron) and 214 Squadron (214 Squadron) were the first residents of the station, arriving in October 1936, operating the Handley Page Heyford and Vickers Virginia. IX(B) Squadron stayed at Scampton until March 1938, 214 Squadron having departed for RAF Feltwell in April 1937. Another squadron which was stationed at the base was 148 Squadron (148 Squadron) formed from C Flt of IX(B) Squadron operating the Hawker Audax and later the Vickers Wellesley. The term of residence of 148 Squadron was brief being replaced by 49 Squadron (49 Squadron) and 83 Squadron (83 Squadron) in March 1938. At this time both 49 Squadron and 83 Squadron were operating the Hawker Hind before re-equipping with the Handley Page Hampden.