Pilot reviews of Durham Tees Valley Airport

“I recently flew in mid week and found the whole experience a breath of fresh air. When I phoned to arrange our visit the operations dept were courteous and informative on all counts. On arrival the very same person came to meet us at our allocated stand and drove us to the main terminal where we paid our very small fee at the information desk. We were then driven back to one of the flying clubs which was opposite our aircraft stand. Here we were introduced to the security staff who would allow us entry to the apron when we were ready. Leaving us in capable hands the ops wished us a pleasant journey and went out to meet the next lucky crew on their way in. We were told that in future all GA flights will be handled through the club. I enjoyed every moment of our visit and look forward to the next.”

“I flew in on Sunday 10 Feb 08 in a PA28. Walking across the apron to the terminal, I was advised by 'operations' in a pick-up to exit at gate 7 near the tower, as it was no longer possible to exit via the terminal. I was being picked up at the terminal but because of the security gates you cannot drive nor walk from the terminal directly to gate 7 any more. There must be some way of driving round but it was too much for my lift to figure out and I ended up walking through a muddy field behind the car park past the StGeorges hotel and climbing over a wooden fence. There is a telephone in the portacabin by the tower from which you can speak to the information desk (very small ‘C’ on it). They were not able to take my landing fee payment over the phone, as 'operations' had advised and I paid on departure. On departure I had to wait for several passengers to clear security before I could go through, security wanted to escort me onto the runway, but only as far as operations (nobody there) they wanted them to drive me to the stand, typical health and safety nonsense. Everyone was friendly but beware of the security arrangements. 'Information' in the terminal said they had had similar recent complaints.”

“I just wanted to say that over the years a number of companies have kicked MME in the face causing the airfield to become more quiet however this airfield in my opinion is the best in the UK. As its is a previous RAF base, the runway is fantastic. The concrete ends should be asphalted but when flying a C152 we can afford to land just after them. The ATC are friendly and very reliable and so are the resident staff. The general aviation pilot briefings are unfaultable. The only drawbacks are that the landing fees are a little steep and the quality of food in the terminal building is under average and is a little costly but this could be changed very quickly. Once again i would recommend this aerodrome to anyone.”

“Teesside was renamed as Durham Tees Valley as from 1 April 2006.

Calls are made to Durham Radar 118.850 or Durham Tower 119.800 as required, and NOT Teesside these days.

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“I learned to fly at Teesside (now Durham Tees Valley) The controllers are great and are always willing to "slow things down a bit" for student and recently qualified pilots. Approaches onto 23 is simple, Smokey Joes (factory) sits only a couple of klicks from the runway and offers a superb marker. 05 sits right on a large bend on the river Tees.

I would recommend anyone visiting the area from the South East to fly in via Whitby, and follow the river Esk (staying clear of Fylingdales) through the Tees valley, over Roseberry Topping and the Captain Cook monument and onto Stokesley VRP. Stunning scenery and puts you right into the circuit.

St George Flight Training is located at Durham Tees Valley and is the best club in the area, the instructors are second to none!

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“Teeside is my home base so I thought i'd add a few words. The visual markers for the approch are the big green factory (smokey joes) with smoking chimneys is at 2m finals for 23 and for 05 its a low grey warehouse in the bend of the river.

Calls for zone entry are pretty standard but watch for fishburn if coming from the north as often non-radio traffic. Also watch for peterlee paarchute club which can often release over Durham so worth keeping well to west of durham if Peterlee is active (Newcastle radar will have the gen). In general ATC are helpful. One of the controllers can be a bit picky, of course he is right but it slow things down. He also has a tendancy to give taxi and departure clearances at the same time so be ready with a pencil! BUT it is a great airport, sufficient big traffic to make you think but not enough to make you end up waiting ages. Orbits at the end of the down legs are not uncommon on busy w/e.

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“Teesside was one of my designated airports during my QXC (Which I did about a month ago.) Flew in from the south, and was granted a zone entry at Northallerton - easy as hell! The contollers gave me simple joining instructions, and one down I paid my landing fee (£18 - C-152).

And afterwards, one of the controllers even gave me a guided tour of the Tower. He showed me how everything worked and how everyone did their jobs. He was most informative and friendly. I would recommend Teesside to anybody! Lots of cafes, too.”