Pilot reviews of Lydd Airport

“Visited Lydd earlier this year, very impressed with the airfield facilities, great ATC services and parking. Restaurant acceptable but could probably be improved. The Girl at the front desk was very helpfull and friendly.”

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“Flew to Lydd with 5 fellow pilots, VOR near to field, friendly ATC and excellent runway and taxiway. Parked next to a (Mark 1V?) Spitfire but as we admired her were told to put Hi Viz jackets on immediately as we had a long walk (30 metres) to Reception and viz was only 10K + . Despite calling from EGTR to announce our intended arrival for lunch the restaurant decided 14:15 too late to order food as they close at 14:30, not even a sandwich could be had! Met with Holly at reception who was very kind and tried 5 different taxi firms to try and get us food after failure at Restaurant, if the staff were all as friendly as her it would have been a better experience.”

“flt to lydd to day went very well, went with mark who is post ppl like myself airfield was easy to find, weather ok bit cloudy in places thou, ATC very good very deserted In the air as well on ground”

“I have flown into Lydd a number of times from Oxford and every trip has been great. Flying north of the Heathrow CTA you get to see Wembley Stadium and the Millenium Dome then cross the Thames for a scenic flight to the coast.

ATC are very friendly and helpful and the runway has a new surface and is top quality. Plenty of parking and a nice rural area top it off as an excellent stop.

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“I have flown into Lydd a number of times from Oxford and every trip has been great. Flying north of the Heathrow CTA you get to see Wembley Stadium and the Millenium Dome then cross the Thames for a scenic flight to the coast.

ATC are very friendly and helpful and the runway has a new surface and is top quality. Plenty of parking and a nice rural area top it off as an excellent stop.

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“Flew into Lydd today in a PA28: very helpful on the telephone prior with a briefing and excellent ATC service - note that they now have an ATIS service. Great facilities and very welcoming to GA pilots with a good restaurant. Make sure that you stay clear of the danger areas around the power station to sthe south. In summary - highly recommended and a very picturesque arrival!”

“Very friendly and efficient field, good-looking restaurant though I didn't have time to stop, bargain landing fee (£10 for a C152 - having just come from Bournemouth). No problem at all finding it, just had to remember to keep clear of the danger/restricted areas to the south.

One to remember for future days out, I think. They even have a scheduled service to Le Touquet...

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“I have been visiting Lydd on and off for a couple of years now as I have been wading my way through my PPL. I have always found the airfield a gentile and quiet place to visit. There is always something going on though. The owners are spending serious money on the place as it strives for growth and it really shows. The airside is very well finished off and professionally run. The main terminal (it used to be a ramshackle collection) is quite modern and feels like a small airport. The Lydd Aero Club has retained it's members club feel and is very well run by Bill and his crew. The cafe is pleasant (but the girls who serve could do with brushing up on their welcome technique from time to time) and the owners are (I hear) restoring the outside viewing area which would be great.

Finding the airfield was always described to me as hard but to be honest I've never found it a problem. If you are intending to come from the West or North, find Ashford (Trashford to the locals!) and spot the ugly white tented city which is a shopping mall - the pointy end points pretty well to Lydd. Coming along the South Coast, Rye is a very distictive feaure on the coast - due East and you're there. Joining overhead at 1500' with the circuits usually on the Coast side. Take care with the Danger and restricted areas - they are real bullets especially at weekends! ATC are very professional and helpful. Give them planty of time at weekends though as it can get busy.

I've taken to the place so much I now fly from there regularly. Give it a go!

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“Visited Lydd on 13 May 2006, ariving via Rye. Overhead join was at 1500 ft AGL dropping to circuit height on crosswind. The close proximity to the Power Station and the Hythe ranges is a little daunting on the chart, but no problem in reality. Huge runway. The airport is very isolated, but freindly staff and a decent all day breakfast make it a worthwhile trip.

One point of historical interest are the parabolic concrete sound detectors to the south of the field, clearly visible on down wind. Unfortunately it is not possible to walk over to them from the airport.

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“Visited Lydd today as part of a cross-country flight, it was my third time to the airfield. A well appointed and very professional airfield with a slightly deserted feel to it live side. The highlight of the airfield is definately the Biggles Bar with its good food (including Sunday roast) complimented by anunequalled view of the airfield activities with its floor to ceiling windows. Pictures of Lydds past ventures adorn the walls. Lydd Air operate Trilanders to Le Touquet from here and I have also seen army Gazelles refuelling for thier exersizes at the nearby range. Lydd is often described as being hard to spot from the air but this really shouldn't put you off.Although it isn't easy to spot until you are within about 6 miles it is still one of the easiest airfields to find. Dungeoness powerstation is next door and can be seen from anywhere in Kent on a good day. The modern red-roofed town to the north-west of the airfield is also easy to spot. Pass over the left edge of the town as you approach the airfield and you will be perfectly positioned for the overhead. You will see the airfield before you get to the town. They will expect a full PHACER call and high viz jackets are a must if you want to get back to your aeroplane. Be aware of the danger zone close to the circuit south and west.”

“Stopped at Lydd today on a cross country flight, the third time I have been there. A well appointed and very professional airfield with a slightly deserted feel to it live side. The Biggles Bar is definately the high point of the visit. Good food including a fine Sunday roast are complimented by an unequalled view of the airfield activities. Lydd Air operate Trilanders to Le Touquet from here. Lydd is often described as hard to spot from the air but don't be discouraged. The town to the north-west is very easy to identify and if you aim to left edge of the town as you approach from the north then you will be set up perfectly to join overhead. The airfield is not hard to see when you get close. They will expect a full PHACER call and be aware of the danger areas. High viz jackets are also a must if you want to get back to your aeroplane.”

“I visited Lydd recently and it is now much easier to see thanks to the repainted/new runway. Excellent service and a nice scone too. ”

“stopping off point to france and use to be a ferry port for cars by air, to france. well organised field not easy to spot hope the pictures help. cheap to land and friendly cafe nice but view of the field not good from inside. ”