Teesside Airport Movements Trip Reports

Airfield Action

Part Two

By Chris Smith

When I embarked on Part One of this trip, I was not expecting four years to pass before finding the motivation to tackle the remainder. Part One saw me visit the many GA airfields of the Midlands (although looking back a lot of commercial crept in), this time it was the turn of Yorkshires airfields. This was the harder task, as despite being closer to home, they are far more spread out and it quickly became clear I would have to split the trip across three days.

Part 2A Tuesday 11th April 2023

REG	A/C TYPE	OPERATOR	NOTES

I was joined on day one by Chloe, a colleague from Swissport who is a low key enthusiast. I picked her up following her early shift where the easyJet crew trainer was noted but not required.

Teesside International Airport MME / EGNV
G-EZBC	Airbus A319-111	easyJet	Crew training
G-JZDB	Boeing 737-8KN	Jet2
G-JZDC	Boeing 737-82R	Jet2
G-OSRA	Boeing 727-2S2AF(RE)	T2 Aviation (2 Excel Aviation)	Oil Spill Response Ltd
YR-ADI	Airbus A321-231	Willis Asset Management	Stored - ex Air Moldova

We weren't planning on visiting Bagby given it's as much our local GA field as Fishburn is and so it made sense to prioritise other places, however I forgot just how close it is to the A19, so we swung by. We couldn't get access to the south-side unfortunately but were given free reign of the north-side, where we bumped into Teesside stalwart Ken Large tending to his Chipmunk, which he's itching to move back to MME but given its pedigree it needs to remain under cover. I logged quite a lot here which is just as well given some of the other locations disappointed. My problem is I tend to do these trips when I'm in the mood, and not necessarily when they should be done i.e. weekends, although to be fair we were planning on doing the trip the day before on the bank holiday but the weather said no.

Bagby Airfield EGNG
G-AKDN/54	De Havilland Canada DHC-1A-1 Chipmunk	Private
G-ASEP	Piper PA-23-235 Apache	Private
G-AVZP	Beagle B121 Pup I	Bagby Aviation
G-AXOZ	Beagle B121 Pup I	Oscar Zulu Group
G-AXPC	Beagle B121 Pup I	Bagby Aviation
G-AXZO	Cessna 180 Skywagon	Private
G-AXZT	Jodel D117	Private
G-AZKR	Piper PA-24-180 Comanche	Private
G-AZOA	Bolkow Bo209 Monsun	Private
G-AZSW	Beagle B121 Pup I	Bagby Aviation	Fuselage only
G-BBMH	EAA Biplane	G-BBMH Flying Group
G-BDUY	Robin DR400/140B Major	Private	Dismantled
G-BOER	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-BONO	Cessna 172N Skyhawk	Flying Fox Aviation
G-BPHI	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk	Flying Fox Aviation
G-BSPE/46	Reims Cessna F172P Skyhawk	Flying Fox Aviation
G-BUGZ	Slingsby T61F Venture	Private
G-CCND	Vans RV-9A	Private
G-CCZJ	X'Air Falcon 582(2)	Private
G-CDPV	Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-CGSH	Cosmik EV-97 TeamEurostar	Private
G-CHER	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-CHIX	Robin DR400/500 President	Private
G-CIFK	X'Air Hawk	Private
G-EVSW	Evektor SportStar	Private
G-FBRN	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-GBUA	Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen	Private
G-GBUE	Robin DR400/120A Dauphin	Private
G-GEFF	Pilatus PC-12/47E NG	GT Aviation (Elwick) LLP
G-HENT	Morane Saulnier Rallye 110ST Galopin	Private
G-MALC	Grumman AA-5 Traveller	Private
G-PAWS	Gulfstream American AA-5A Cheetah	Close Encounters
G-RVND	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk	Flying Fox Aviation
G-SAUK	Rans S6-ES Coyotte II	Private
G-SIMY	Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six	Private
G-TMHK	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk	Flying Fox Aviation
N88NA	Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga SP	Private	Wreck


Breighton next and the first "new" one for me, all I knew about it was it leans towards vintage types. Ken Large had bigged it up, as had the Internet, both saying it's a wonderful friendly place. Unfortunately when we arrived nothing could have been further from the truth, the place was deserted, no-one was answering the phones, we were immediately greeted by one of many "no admittance to the general public" signs which we had no choice but to ignore and proceed down the access road. We hung round for 10 minutes in the hope of catching someone but the unplanned Bagby visit had put us behind schedule so we gave it up as a bad job and moved on. On the way out a hangar door was ajar so I glanced through the gap and noted a couple of extra to the three or four parked out. I'll have to try again sometime, my database shows it's a gold mine! Incidentally Breighton wasn't originally on todays list but I saw an opportunity to ease the pressure on Part 2B! Historic use: RAF Bomber Command (took in our own No.78 Squadron after the Canadians moved in) / Royal Australian Air Force 460 Squadron (Wellingtons/Halifax/Lancasters). Closed 1964.

Breighton Aerodrome EGBR
G-AEVS	Aeronca 100	Private
G-BBJX	Reims Cessna F150L	York Aircraft Leasing
G-BJAL	CASA C.1-131E-1000 Jungmann	G-BJAL Group
G-ETOY	CASA C.1-131E-2000 Jungmann	Private
G-HELA	Socata TB10 Tobago	Future Flight
G-PPFS	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Dukeries Aviation
YL-PAG	Aero L-29S Delfín	The Real Aeroplane Company	Marked 51 RED


Leeds East was a difficult place to spot from, and I was expecting a short visit. Since I was here last however the Café has moved location and is now in a 'no mans land', not quite airside but 'beyond the barrier' in a far more favourable spot. You can drive right up to the hangars, two of which are non-aviation, and one WWII hangar has everything visible providing it's open - which it was, and the other (a relatively new build - nice to see a like-for-like replacement of a long since demolished WWII hangar!) has mirrored windows at the rear, which if you press right up against the glass then becomes two-way. In here was based Challenger M-OLOT, which I believe had Russian connections so don't expect to see that going anywhere anytime soon. Like AKDN at Bagby, sad to see a couple of ex-Teesside residents stationed here against their wishes. Historic use (as RAF Church Fenton): Air defence / fighter base. Hurricanes appear to have been prevailant during WWII, then afterwards Mosquitos, Meteors and Hunters. From the 1960s it became a training base with Jet Provost, Bulldog, Tucano, Firefly and finally Grob Tutors. Closed 2013.

Leeds East Airport QKM / EGCM
G-BASP	Beagle B121 Pup I	Private
G-BAVL	Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E	Private
G-BIZG	Reims Cessna F152	Joe Bill Aviation
G-BMKR	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Private
G-BOYI	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Henshaw Aviation
G-BVEZ	Hunting Percival P84 Jet Provost T3A	Newcastle Jet Provost Group	ex resident from MME, marked XM479
G-EFSM	Slingsby T67M260 Firefly	Anglo Europe Aviation
G-GDEF	Robin DR400/120 Petit Prince	Private
G-HOWI	Reims Cessna F182Q Skylane	Private
G-OCCX	Diamond DA 42 Twin Star	Aeros Flight Training
G-OUTY	Diamond DA 50 C	Private
G-RICO	American General AG-5B Tiger	Delta Lima Flying Group
G-SFTZ	Slingsby T67M Firefly	Slingsby T67M Group
G-SNDZ?	Cirrus SR22T	Sands Wealth Management Ltd
G-WLDN	Robinson R44 Raven	Hire-Trek Ltd
HA-LFH	Aérospatiale SA 342J Gazelle	Gazelle Flying Group
M-OLOT	Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604	Corporate
M-YSPC	Cessna 525 CitationJet	Storey Jet Management
N250DM	Bell UH-1V Iroquois	Unknown
ZD902	Panavia PA-200 Tornado F2A	Unknown
ZH798/002	British Aerospace Sea Harrier F/A2	Unknown

The first couple of times I visited Sherburn I was allowed free reign, the last time I had to be escorted, so I was curious what they would allow and if our airside ops roles at Teesside might play to our advantage! Alas they did not but they were happy to escort us out, but we had to wait around 40 minutes for an escort to become available - well worth it as the cheesecake in the Café is to die for! We weren't able to visit the isolated hangar over towards runways 28 and 01, however this was offset by a new hangar that has recently popped up in the main complex and had a good amount stored within. Whilst here, we decided to can what would have been a second new location for me - Crosland Moor (EGND) near Huddersfield, as it was an hour away and we were starting to run out of motivation. Not sure when I'll get another crack at that one as it's isolated and not on the way to anywhere else! Historic use: Blackburn Aircraft produced Fairey Swordfish during WWII. Not much else to speak of. Appears to have been in civil hands since as early as the 1950s.

Sherburn-in-Elmet Airfield EGCJ
G-ANON	De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth	Tiger Moth Experience	Marked T7909
G-AXTC	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee B	G-AXTC Group
G-AZFI	Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow	GAZFI Ltd
G-BAFG	De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth	Tiger Moth Experience
G-BAPX	Robin DR400/160 Chevalier	White Rose Aviators
G-BATV	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee F	Scoreby Flying Group
G-BBDT	Cessna 150H	Sherburn Aero Club
G-BCRL	Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior	Romeo Lima Flying Club
G-BCRR	Grumman American AA-5B Tiger	Private
G-BMTU	Pitts S-1E Special	Private
G-BNOH	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Sherburn Aero Club
G-BODB	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Sherburn Aero Club
G-BODE	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Sherburn Aero Club
G-BOJM	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	Private
G-BRPY	Piper PA-15 Vagabond	Private
G-BSER	Piper PA-28-160 Cherokee	Yorkair Ltd
G-BTII	Gulfstream American AA-5B Tiger	G-BTII Group
G-BUDE	Piper PA-22-135 Tri-Pacer	Private
G-BWZG	Robin R2160 Alpha Sport	Sherburn Aero Club
G-BZNY	Europa XS	Private
G-CDUT	Jabiru J400	Private
G-CEJY	Yeoman Dynamic WT9	Private
G-CGVJ	Europa XS	Private
G-CGYI	Vans RV-12	Private
G-CIBV	Skyranger Swift 912S(1)	Bravo Victor Syndicate
G-CKZD	Ascent Eurofox 3K	Breeze Aviation Services
G-COLS	Vans RV-7A	Private
G-CRED	Ascent Eurofox 3K	Private
G-DANL	Beech 76 Duchess	UK Flying Clubs / Folada Aero and Technical Services
G-FLAV	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-GGRN	Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee Arrow III	Private
G-GTFC	P&M Pegasus Quik	Private
G-HARN	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	Dennis Flying Group
G-IRPW	Europa XS	Private
G-LORC	Piper PA-28-161 Cadet	Advanced Flight Training
G-MZJI	Rans S6-ESD XL Coyote II	Private
G-OCDW	Jabiru UL-450	Private
G-OPUB	Slingsby T67M Firefly	Private
G-PEKT	Socata TB20 Trinidad	The WERY Flying Group
G-RSSF	Denney Kitfox Mk2	Private
G-SACR	Piper PA-28-161 Cadet	Sherburn Aero Club
G-SACS	Piper PA-28-161 Cadet	Sherburn Aero Club
G-SACT	Piper PA-28-161 Cadet	Sherburn Aero Club
G-SACW	Aero AT-3 R100	Sherburn Aero Club
G-SOBI	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	G-SOBI Flying Group
G-WUFF	Europa	G-WUFF Group
G-YACC	Yakovlev Yak-18T	Private


The weather took a turn on the way to LBA vindicating our decision to bin Crosland Moor. On arriving, the large raised mound behind Multiflight had a barrier across - the second consecutive time that's been the case for me so I hope it's not permanent! We had to use the track down the side of the golf course which is in a dangerous state of disrepair to say the least! The weather then further deteriorated so I noted what was on the ground minus registrations which I would tie up later, I was hoping to top up my Jet2 fleet although I think Manchester is better for that these days. Wouldn't you know it I eyeballed seven Jet2 aircraft and FR24 was showing eight on the ground! I took a gamble that the one I needed (JZHJ) was not the one missing! Historic use (as RAF Yeadon): Avro manufacturing facility. Returned to civil use in 1947.

Leeds Bradford Airport LBA / EGNM
CS-DXV	Cessna 560XL Citation XLS	NetJets Europe
F-GXAE	Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300	ADM Aviation
G-CIFE	Raytheon 200 Super King Air	ACH Witham Ltd (2 Excel Aviation)
G-CMMK	ATR 72-600	Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines UK)
G-GDFG	Boeing 737-36Q	Jet2.com
G-GDFK	Boeing 737-36N	Jet2.com
G-GDFL	Boeing 737-36N	Jet2 Holidays
G-GDFM	Boeing 737-36N	Jet2 Holidays
G-GDFO	Boeing 737-3U3	Jet2 Holidays
G-GDFT	Boeing 737-36Q	Jet2.com
G-JZHE	Boeing 737-8K2	Jet2 Holidays
G-JZHJ	Boeing 737-8MG	Jet2.com
G-POLX	Vulcanair P68R	NPAS Leeds
PH-EZW	Embraer ERJ-190-100STD	KLM Cityhopper

Can't visit the above without calling into the below! Unfortunately it was closed up, with only one registration noted from the road; there were at least two other Robinsons parked out. Nothing new seen on arrival back at Teesside.

Leeds Heliport (Coney Park) EGNP
G-SUMX	Robinson R22 Beta	Swift Helicopter Services

Part 2B Saturday 2nd September 2023

Five months later and I was off again (this time on my own) to tick off some more locations, specifically the more easterly ones. First up was Full Sutton, a place until not that long ago I thought was one and the same as Sutton Bank (Gliding Station) - I figured Full Sutton was the name, and Sutton Bank the location before learning they were in fact two different places. As is typical of many GA fields including the one I would return to after this, the airfield along with an extensive industrial estate occupies the site of a former RAF base. After getting lost in said industrial estate from which the aircraft and hangars could be seen, I called Richard Bowater who I knew had been before and he advised you have to drive down the taxiway to get to the clubhouse. Like with Breighton, this meant ignoring "no access" signs. When I finally made it, I asked around for access, and after initial hesitation (I was told the owner doesn't approve of non-flying visitors) I was directed to a pilot who said he was happy for me to walk around but no photos allowed. Given a dog was allowed to run wild with propellers turning, I granted myself further freedoms and walked as far as two new-build hangars, one of which was closed. Reading the excellent aircraftspotting.co.uk website (which hasn't been updated since 2013 so basic guidance only), it seems I should have turned left when entering the taxiway instead of going immediately to the right toward the airfield itself, as there is/was a maintenance and spray hangar at the end, although looking at Google Earth it seems to be entirely industrial now, using the time slider feature you have to go back to 2017 to see aircraft parked in this area. The thing that strikes me about Full Sutton, is that such a facility is allowed right next door to a category A prison! You can guarantee if a con escaped (and there are some seriously high profile names within!) they would gain their PPL, night rating and instrument rating in the time it took to leg it from the wall to the nearest accessible aircraft!!! Historic use: Bomber Command (Halifax) then Flying Training Command (Meteor). Closed 1963.

Full Sutton Airfield EGNU
G-ARYS	Cessna 172C Skyhawk	GARYS Group
G-ATPV	Gardan GY-20 Minicab	Private
G-AWBS	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee	Full Sutton Flying Centre
G-AWWI	Jodel D117	Private
G-AXBF	Beagle Auster D5 Husky 180	Private
G-BARV	Cessna 310Q	Old England Watches Ltd	PWFU
G-BATV	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee F	Scoreby Flying Group
G-BFID	Taylor Titch	Private
G-BIEY	Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior	Full Sutton Flying Club	Different from the Flying Centre?!
G-BPEM	Cessna 150K	Private
G-BVST	Jodel D150 Mascaret	Private
G-BXJD	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee C	Private
G-BYIK	Europa	Private
G-BYTI	Piper PA-24-250 Comanche	Private
G-CBWP	Europa	Private
G-COLH	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee	Full Sutton Flying Centre	PWFU
G-FLXI	Pilatus PC-12/47E NG	Flexifly Aircraft Hire
G-FLYA	Mooney M20J-201	Private
G-GCIY	Robin DR400/140B Major	Private
G-LAKE	Lake LA-4-250 Renegade	Full Sutton Flying Centre
G-MCUB	Escapade	Private
G-PROW	Aerotechnik EV-97 EuroStar	Fly Hire Ltd / Quantum Syndicate
G-RVRT	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee	Full Sutton Flying Centre
N315P	Cessna 310Q	Private	PWFU
N421CA	Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III	Private	PWFU

I decided to take another crack at Breighton following the previous disappointing visit, and the results could not have been more different! On arrival, the same door that was ajar on leaving last time was open again, but this time there was someone there to let me in and wander about the hangar. Next I carried on down the access road to the Café which was open and busy with members of the museum (a slightly incorrect term for my money, given almost all exhibits are airworthy). There is normally a £35 per year membership fee which allows airside access, one of the members escorted me on a tour of the museum hangars, and then allowed me to wander of my own accord down to the private hangars at the eastern end, plus a bit further to some derelict airframes (including HB-CIU, the owner of which had connections with Skydive St George - surprising how an aircraft that was active fairly recently can decline into such a poor state so quickly). On return, I offered to pay the membership fee, but suggested I didn't bother with the paperwork as I will likely only visit at best every two years or so. At that point the lady waivered the fee, despite my continued insistance - very good of her! The airfield is known for vintage types of which there are many, with specialist engineering here courtesy of The Real Aeroplane Company. The split is roughly 50/50 between the museum collection and privately owned examples. Incidentally, the most modern aircraft here, DA40 G-LWLW, I first logged at RAF Shawbury on a base tour as G-CCLV, it had been seized by the authorities, and our tour guide told us strictly not to photograph it because "it has white powder on the floor - and it ain't Shake n Vac!!!", naturally this made it the most photographed aircraft on that trip!!!

Breighton Airfield
G-ADRR	Aeronca C3	Private
G-ADXS	Mignet HM.14 Pou-du-Ciel	The Real Aeroplane Company	Preserved
G-AEXT	Dart Kitten II	Private
G-AFSV	Chilton DW1A	Private
G-AIBW	Auster J1N Alpha	Private
G-AKAT	Miles M14A Hawk Trainer 3	Private	Wears T9738 Royal Air Force
G-AKBO	Miles M38 Messenger 2A	Private
G-AKHP	Miles M65 Gemini 1A	Private
G-AKTR	Aeronca 7AC Champion	Private	Also wears N84323
G-ALXZ	Auster AOP.5	Private	Wears NJ689 Royal Air Force
G-AMVP	Avions Fairey Tipsy Junior	Private
G-ANHK	De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth	Private	Wears N-9372 Royal Air Force
G-ANRP	Auster 5 Alpha	Private	Wears TW439 Royal Air Force
G-APVS	Cessna 170B	Private
G-ATCN	Luton LA4A Minor	The Real Aeroplane Company
G-AVWY	Sportavia-Putzer Fournier RF4D	Private
G-AXDV	Beagle B121 Pup I	Herefordshire Aero Club
G-AXMT	Bucker Bu.133C Jungmeister	Private	Wears U-99 Swiss Air Force
G-AYCP	Jodel D112	Private	Also wears F-BGKO
G-AYFC	Rollason Druine D.62B Condor	Private
G-AYUT	Jodel DR1050 Ambassadeur	Private
G-AYZK	Jodel DR1050-M1 Sicile Record	Private
G-AZHC	Jodel D112	Aerodel Flying Group
G-BAHL	Robin DR400/160 Chevalier	Private
G-BDDF	Jodel D120 Paris-Nice	Private
G-BDJD	Jodel D112	The Real Aeroplane Company
G-BEZI	Grumman AA-5 Traveller	Private
G-BJVS	Scintex CP1310-C3 Super Emeraude	Private
G-BJZN	Slingsby T67A Firefly	ZN Group
G-BOER	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Flying Fox Aviation
G-BPDM	CASA 1-131E-2000 Jungmann	Private
G-BRCW	Aeronca 11BC Chief	Private
G-BRVE	Beech D17S Staggerwing	Private
G-BSYG	Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser	Fat Cub Group	Also wears N3228M
G-BVEH	Jodel D112	Private	Also wears F-BMOH
G-BVGZ	Fokker DR1	Private	Replica, wears 152/17 German Army
G-CDCS	Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser	Private
G-CEND	Cosmik EV-97 TeamEuroStar	York Aircraft Leasing
G-CIGH	Reims Avions Max Holste MH.1521M Broussard	Private	Wears 255/5-ML French Air Force
G-CIUE	CASA 1-131E-2000 Jungmann	Private	Wears A-44 Swiss Air Force
G-CJZW	Vans RV-12	Private
G-CYLL	Falco F8L	Falco Group
G-DHZF	De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth	Private	Wears N-9192/RCO-N Royal Air Force
G-EBJI	Hawker Cygnet	Private	Replica
G-EJGO	Zlin Z.226T	Private
G-EKTP/04	Saab 91D Safir	Private
G-FUZZ	Piper L18C Super Cub	Private	Wears 51-15319/A-319 US Army
G-HELL	Sonex	Private
G-IIGL	Christen Eagle II	Private
G-KKKK	Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1	Private	Wears XX513/10 Royal Air Force
G-LCGL	Comper CLA7 Swift	Private
G-LWLW	Diamond DA 40 D Star	Private
G-MMUL	Ward EIJ E47 Elf	Private	Preserved
G-PAWS	Gulfstream American AA-5A Cheetah	Private
G-TAFF	CASA 1-131-E3B Jungmann	Private
G-TAUT	Pipistrel Alpha BCAR-S 164	Private
G-UANO	De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T20	Private	Wears 1367 Portugese Air Force
G-ZVKO	Edge 360	Private
HA-HSG	Aérospatiale SA.342M Gazelle	Private
HB-CIU	Reims FR172J Rocket	Private	Poor state
N38763	Hillier UH-12B	Private
N6967D	Piper PA-18-95 Super Cub	Private
N98712	Piper J-3C-65 Cub	Private	Wears NC98712


Last stop of the day was Beverley, quite far removed from the other two, in fact quite far removed from anything. Firstly, this airfield has a serious claim on worst ever access road! It's long (just over a mile), badly maintained, 10mph at best due pot holes, and there are very few passing points on the single track lane. Sat Navs might take you to an industrial premises which is quite a distance from the airfield itself, the company seems to have got wise with "no access to airfield" signage. Road signage also directs you to "Leven Airfield" which is not the name. On a similar subject whilst en-route there was lot's of signage for "Melbourne Airfield" (might have been en-route to Breighton actually), never heard of it but it was extremely well signposted for somewhere that appears to only have two autogyros based! Anyway, back on topic and the airfield when I eventually got to it was vibrant, and I got there just as two aircraft were being towed back to the big hangar just before the entrance, so I seized the opportunity to ask for a look in just as the guy was opening it up, and much like with Full Sutton I got a yes, but a very hesitant one ("be quick as I'm not supposed to let you"). Next I moved on to the clubhouse and asked for access to the rest of the airfield - similar story - after an initial "no", I did get shown into the two main hangars, and despite their reluctance, they were all friendly enough. Nice to see an Aero Club who paint their aircraft in their own colours, in this case inspired by the Coastguard livery.

Beverley/Linley Hill Airfield EGNY
G-AWEX	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee	CBM Associates Consulting Ltd
G-BBFL	Gardan GY 201 Minicab	Private
G-BDRD	Reims Cessna FRA150M Aerobat	CBM Associates Consulting Ltd
G-BIDH	Cessna 152	Hull Aero Club
G-BPOS	Cessna 150M	Hull Aero Club
G-BTMR	Cessna 172M Skyhawk	Hull Aero Club
G-CDJK	Aerosport Ikarus C42 FB80	Private
G-CDTY	Savannah Jabiru(5)	Private
G-CFPA	CZAW SportCruiser	Private
G-CGCH	CZAW SportCruiser	Private
G-CKDJ	Sonex	Private
G-DOZZ	Skyranger Swift 912S(1)	Private
G-FLYO	LSA EV-97 EuroStar SL	Private
G-HULL	Reims Cessna F150M	Hull Aero Club
G-IHCI	Europa	Private
G-JLAT	Aerotechnik EV-97 EuroStar	Private
G-MLAW	P&M Quik GT450	Private
G-MVZU	Solar Wings Pegasus XL-Q	Private
G-MZDV	Cyclone Pegasus Quantum 15	Griffin Toomes Consulting Engineers Ltd
G-MZHF	Thruster T600N	Private
G-NGSA	Extra NG	Addy Aviation LLP
G-PPFS	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Private
G-RMAV	Red Ikarus C42 FB80	RM Aviation
G-RVSA	Vans RV-6A	Private
G-SOOZ	Rans S6-ES Coyote II	Private
G-TEZZ	CZAW SportCruiser	Private
G-WIZS	Mainair Pegasus Quik	Private
G-ZOMB	Comco Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo	Private
LY-CCP	Yakovlev Yak-18T	Private

Driving home, a glider suddenly shot near vertical, before something detached from it and fell to the ground. As I got closer, I realised it was Pocklington. There were a number of gliding sites I could have visited on this trip including Rufforth too but I don't do gliders, autogyros or balloons unless they are amongst other larger types. There was a services at Pocklington and I hadn't eaten all day, so I stopped by Burger King and enjoyed a meal whilst watching the proceedings. Whatever detaches from the gliders when they are catapulted skywards, it seems to land anywhere! One dropped in amongst the buildings and there was an object on the main road I suspected might have fallen back to earth from one! I could see one of those Pawnee things plus an Ikarus and the noses of a couple of 'regular' types poking out of a hangar (one likely G-JBUZ), but elected not to go in - foolish really. Soon after leaving I saw two Balloons over York, thanks again to our local balloon expert Richard for indentifying them as Virgin example G-VBAV and G-ELMR the other. Later near Leeming I saw a paraglider, and whilst none of these types interest me, it was nice to have enjoyed a full spectrum of GA over the course of the day.

Part 2C Saturday 9th September 2023

Having thoroughly enjoyed myself the weekend before I was eager to get the trip boxed off so one week later I was back on the road this time heading for the borders of South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire to complete the remaining airfields, although visits to Humberside and Wickenby were both canned as they are too far off the beaten path. I always thought there were friendly GA airfields and unfriendly GA airfields, however there is unfriendly, friendly, and then there is Netherthorpe! Home of Sheffield Aero Club and Duckeries Aviation who provide most of AeroSchools maintenance (the first three aircraft I saw were theirs!) and have in the past leased them G-PHUN. I entered their Café which looks and feels more like a classic village pub, and having never been here before I got the impression there is a tight-knit group of regulars who always claim the same tables much like a village pub! I bought a can of coke and went and perched on a table in the beer garden and started taking note of aircraft parked out and in the circuit, as well as getting a feel for the layout and working out where I would need to wander if I got airside. Next thing I know the regulars have collared me to pull up a chair and join them, "nobody need sit alone like billy no mates here!" was the declaration and a lot of people might have considered it a little weird but what was impressive was how comfortable they made you feel and how easy it was to talk to them like you were one of them! Even some of the more friendlier airfields could learn a lot from Sheffield Aero Club!! After lengthy conversations about the world of GA and my role at Teesside, arranging hangar access was effortless and they were only too happy to show me around! (Sadly they confessed they avoid us as we are perceived as anti-GA, I assured them I am constantly fighting their corner but I don't have sufficient clout to alter our policy on GA). I will definitely be back here!

Netherthorpe Airfield EGNF
G-APXJ	Piper PA-24-250 Comanche	Private
G-ARJT	Piper PA-23-160 Apache G	Private
G-AVUG	Reims Cessna F150H	Skyways Flying Group
G-AYRS	Jodel D120 Paris-Nice	Private
G-AZUZ	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Private
G-BBKI	Reims Cessna F172M Skyhawk	Private
G-BBKY	Reims Cessna F150L	Private
G-BBTB	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Private
G-BFHU	Reims Cessna F152	Dukeries Aviation
G-BMCV	Reims Cessna F152	Dukeries Aviation
G-BNST	Cessna 172N Skyhawk II	Private
G-BOJZ	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Praeluceo Property Ltd (AeroSchool)
G-BOTN	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Henshaw Aviation
G-BOVK	Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II	Flightplan Aviation
G-BPXA	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	Cherokee Flying Group
G-BRNK	Cessna 152	Dukeries Aviation
G-BUUX	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee D	Aerogroup 78
G-CDJR	Cosmik EV-97 TeamEurostar UK	Private
G-CIPL	Vans RV-9	Private
G-CJWW	Supermarine Spitfire Mk.26	Private	Wears MH526/LO-D
G-CLMH	Pipistrel Alpha BCAR-S 164	Micro Leasing Ltd
G-CLUH	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Archer	Private
G-CMLA	TL-3000 Sirius 600	Private
G-CMRR	Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub	Private
G-EXTR	Extra EA-260	Private
G-FION	Titan T-51 Mustang	Private	Wears 441968/VF-E
G-GBRB	Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee C	Bravo Romeo Group
G-JAGS	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Eshott School of Flying
G-JAJB/15	Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah	Cheetah Group
G-ORAE	Vans RV-7	G-ORAE Group
G-RVTB	Vans RV-7	Private
G-SEVN	Vans RV-7	Private
G-STVT	CZAW SportCruiser	Private
G-TSDB	Aquila AT01-100A (A211)	Praeluceo Property Ltd (AeroSchool)
G-TSDE	Aquila AT01-100A (A211)	Praeluceo Property Ltd (AeroSchool)
G-XTRA	Extra EA 230	Private
SE-IIV	Piper PA-24-260 Comanche C	Private


Overflight
F-HHAV	Airbus A350-941	Air Caraïbes

Short hop to Gamston next and despite a non-permeable fence having been put up near the airside barrier straight ahead of you as you drive in, and the arrival of the Children's Air Ambulance complete with a rather large portacabin resulting in the always-open gate down the other end now being closed, rendering photography damn near impossible, I still managed a rather good visit here too, with the apron the fullest I've ever seen it, even if much of it was routine stuff. Historic use: Flying Training Command (Wellingtons and Hurricanes). Became a civilian airfield in 1993 although military activity likely ceased long before this.

Retford Gamston Airport QKR / EGNE
G-ATPT	Cessna 182J Skylane	Papa Tango Group
G-AVYT	Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow	Dukeries Aviation
G-BBEO	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Dukeries Aviation
G-BFGG	Reims Cessna FRA150M Aerobat	Private
G-BFPH	Reims Cessna F172K Skyhawk	Linc-Air Flying Group
G-BHWA	Reims Cessna F152	Dukeries Aviation
G-BKAO	Jodel D112	Private
G-BNKI	Cessna 152	RAF Halton Aero Club
G-BRPH	Cessna 120	GBRPH Syndicate
G-BWVY	De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T10	Private	Wears WP896
G-CFNF	Robinson R44 Raven II	Kuki Helicopter Sales
G-CPTZ	Leonardo AW169	Sloane Helicopters	The Children's Air Ambulance
G-DJET	Diamond DA 42 Twin Star	DEA Aviation
G-DMNG	Diamond DA 42 M-NG Guardian	DEA Aviation
G-EMPP	Diamond DA 42 M-NG Guardian	DEA Aviation
G-GWOW	Cirrus SR22T	Private
G-PHOR	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Dukeries Aviation
G-PHUN	Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat	Dukeries Aviation
G-RAMS	Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP	Mike Sierra LLP
G-RVST	Vans RV-6	Private
G-YDEA	Diamond DA 42 Twin Star	DEA Aviation
G-ZATG	Diamond DA 42 M Guardian	Plane Rentals Ltd
G-ZDEA	Diamond DA 42 Twin Star	DEA Aviation
N200RE	Beech E90 King Air	MPS Aviation
PH-ZHZ	Beech 200 Super King Air	Zeusch Aviation

I made my debut at Sturgate just as the BoBMF Lancaster was lining up for an overshoot! Talk about good timing! Some of the Netherthorpe pilots mentioned Sturgate is not what it used to be having recently introduced a landing fee in the region of £10-15 (previously free), and they told me I'd be better off keeping Wickenby on the docket instead, but I stuck to the original plan and they told me if I did come here, ask for Eugene and tell him "Tony and Nigel sent me", I get the impression hangar access would have been no problem anyway but this certainly didn't hurt my chances and I was allowed free reign of the place. That said I never got in the spray hangar, and I should have made more effort to investigate the eastern end of the site although the hangar in this area from a distance looked all locked up. Having explored the Lincoln Aero Club hangar, Eugene then showed me into the Eastern Air Executive hangar which is used for maintenance, I told him about the Teesside TriStar magazines dating back to 1973 and that even in the early copies there are regular references to Eastern Air Executive and he confirmed they used to be a big deal, with King Airs and Citations etc on the books. Nowadays they focus only on smaller GA. The inauguration date of the old RAF air base is carved into the concrete - makes me wonder if Teesside has a similar feature! Historic use: Avro Lancaster training then handed to USAF who based Republic F-84 Thunderjets. Closed 1964.

Sturgate Airfield EGCS
G-ARRS	Piel CP301A Emeraude	Private
G-ATLM	Reims Cessna F172G Skyhawk	Private
G-AWGK	Reims Cessna F150H	Private
G-BBDP	Robin DR400/160 Chevalier	High Aviation
G-BBHF	Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E	MPS Aviation
G-BDDG	Jodel D112	Private
G-BGXS	Piper PA-28-236 Dakota	G-BGXS Group
G-BIPN	Alpavia Fournier RF3 Avion Planeur	Private
G-BRIV	Socata TB9 Tampico	Private
G-BRPV	Cessna 152	MPS Aviation
G-BVUZ	Cessna 120	Private
G-CIAZ	Eurofox 912(1)	Private
G-DEND	Reims Cessna F150M	Hull Aero Club
G-EXLL	Zenair CH 601XL Zodiac	Private
G-FARY	QAC Quickie Tri-Q	Private
G-GAME	Cessna T303 Crusader	Private
G-HIBB	Jabiru J430	Private
G-MLXP	Europa	Private
G-OMCB	TL-2000UK Sting Carbon S4	Private
G-OPAZ	Pazmany PL-2	Private
G-SHMN	Pioneer 300 Hawk	Private
N761JU	Cessna T210M Centurion	Private
N888BR	Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP	Private
N955BE	Beech 95-B55 Baron	Private
N737CN	Cessna 172N Skyhawk II	Private
PA474/AR-L	Avro 683 Lancaster B1	Royal Air Force - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight	Also coded VN-T


Final stop of the day was Sandtoft and after initial worry it was all closed up (what kind of airfield Café shuts up shop by 2pm on a hot summer weekend?!), I decided to ring Yorkshire Aero Club who said it was fine to come through the security barrier, they then gave me free reign of the airfield (well - almost! A couple of very remote hangars were not practical to get to). After an enquiry in the RFFS portacabin, the engineering hangar in the main complex was opened up for me. Normally with these GA fields the rules are "go anywhere you like - just not the engineering hangar!" yet this was the second of the day I'd managed to get in! Definitely 4 out of 4 successful visits today! Historic use: RAF Lindholme satellite station (Halifaxes and Lancasters). Closed 1955.

Sandtoft Airfield EGCF
G-BBKA	Reims Cessna F150L	Aviolease Ltd (Yorkshire Aero Club)
G-BBKB	Reims Cessna F150L	Justgold Ltd
G-BBNI	Piper PA-34-200 Seneca I	Private
G-BCGI	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser	Private
G-BGBW	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk	Private
G-BHVR	Cessna 172N Skyhawk II	Aviolease Ltd (Yorkshire Aero Club)
G-BIFB	Piper PA-28-150 Cherokee C	Private
G-BIHI	Cessna 172M Skyhawk	Private
G-BOMP	Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II	Private
G-BOSM	CEA DR253B Regent	Private
G-BSKA	Cessna 150M	Aviolease Ltd (Yorkshire Aero Club)
G-BSYV	Cessna 150M	Aviolease Ltd (Yorkshire Aero Club)
G-BZBF	Cessna 172M Skyhawk	Aviolease Ltd (Yorkshire Aero Club)
G-CIMI	Grob G115	Private
G-ECGC	Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk II	Private
G-MICK	Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk II	Private
G-MSFC	Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk	The Sherwood Flying Club
G-TAXI	Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E	Private
G-TAYI	Grob G115	Private
G-TEFC	Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee F	Private
N20UK	Mooney M20F Executive	E-Plane Inc
N131MP	Piper PA-31P-425 Navajo	E-Plane Inc
N210UK	Cessna P210N Pressurized Centurion II	Private
N337UK	Reims Cessna F337G Super Skymaster	E-Plane Inc
N2136E	Piper PA-28RT-201 Cherokee Arrow IV	Private


Bonus Picks Sunday 3rd September 2023

Visited around the same time as the Yorkshire fields were the two below destinations so I've included them in the same report. I've been meaning to visit Eshott for quite some time, not least of all because I'm acquainted with the owners from their time as operators of Fishburn Airfield. Another airfield that suffers an identity crisis as it is sometimes called Bockenfield which presumably was its name at some point but it's always been Eshott during my time in the hobby. The resident flying school also owned by the same people suffers similar confusion, with the aircraft registered to either North East Aviation, Hardman Aviation or the individuals themselves and often listed as such on this website instead of "Eshott School of Flying". Like Breighton, Eshott are trying to establish themselves as a centre for vintage aircraft, and the school has three Chipmunks, a Tiger Moth, a Harvard, a Gemini and an N3N amongst others. Sadly only one Chipmunk was out and about today, the same one that had diverted into us just two days earlier. They also operate a couple of vintage WWII-era RAF vehicles on site. It was unfortunate I couldn't get around the Hangars on this occasion (the owners weren't on site, more fool me I should have messaged them first) but the trip was very well worthwhile for the San Marino PC12 which the pilot opened up for me and I was able to photograph both inside and out! It's owned by a 14-strong syndicate who all own properties in Monaco and London and it ferries them between the two as well as occasionally destinations serving the Alps. It shares these duties with a P180 T7-DAT, which despite being of similar size to the PC12, cannot get into Eshott. I believe the pilot has family in the area and was here visting them, he wanted to go into Newcastle but when quoted £680 by Samson Aviation, the £90 Eshott fee became far more favourable!! He used to fly N94DE when based at Teesside. I asked why P180s, with comfort and speed competitive with a Citation or similar, aren't far more popular? He confirmed the operating costs are only marginally higher than the PC12, but the maintenance costs are extortionate, and he mentioned the lack of leading edge flaps as well as something relating to the landing gear (I can't remember exactly) means it can't make grass fields unlike the PC12. In fact, he mentioned it barely gets into Blackbushe, despite the larger Dassault Falcon models having no trouble!!! I hung around for the PC12 departing, which was quite the spectacle, during the take-off roll it was bobbing up and down on the slightly rough surface and then leapt into the air with no rotation. Historic use: Flying Training Command (Spitfires).

Eshott Airfield
G-AWUJ	Reims Cessna F150H	Eshott School of Flying
G-BDLT	Rockwell Commander 112	Private
G-BYSJ	De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T1	Eshott School of Flying	Wears WB569
G-GBLP	Reims Cessna F172M Skyhawk	Leading Edge Aviation	Poor state
T7-SLXP	Pilatus PC-12/47	Dax Air Enterprises Inc


On the way home, I called into a very quiet Newcastle, where Samson have had a wooden fence erected parallel to the perimeter fence to prevent viewing from the car park, and despite this arrogant move (if major biz hubs like Luton and Stansted don't feel a need to do it then no-one else needs to) bizjets can still be viewed from either end but you have to keep moving there's nowhere really to stop. Some of the below were noted from the A1 either side of the visit.

Newcastle International Airport NCL / EGNT
EI-ENP	Boeing 737-8AS	Ryanair
F-HBLK	Embraer ERJ-190-100STD	Air France Hop
G-CMMK	ATR 72-600	Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines UK)
G-DRTT	Boeing 737-8Q8	Jet2 Holidays
G-EUPT	Airbus A319-131	British Airways
G-EZAN	Airbus A319-111	easyJet
G-JZBX	Boeing 737-8HX	Jet2
G-JZDC	Boeing 737-82R	Jet2 Holidays
G-KION	Cessna 525 CitationJet	Apex Global Investments Ltd (NALJets)
G-TAWV	Boeing 737-8K5	TUI Airways
G-TTCK	Textron 525B CitationJet CJ3	NALJets
M-OUSY	IAI Gulfstream G280	Ineos Aviation (Hampshire Aviation)
PH-BGA	Boeing 737-8K2	KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
PH-BXI	Boeing 737-8K2	KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	Remote parked - tech?!

Included in the "Bonus Picks" was going to be a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, with Chloe joining me once again (her idea). It will likely still happen but it's now outside of the timeframe of this trip.

All in all a superb trip with lot's of places ticked off that I really should have visited long before now. One thing I've learned is these grass airfields deserve your full attention, and not just a quick in-and-out as part of a bigger trip. Chris Evans once told his Radio 2 listeners that if they were ever stuck for something to do of a weekend, to jump in the car and go visit their local airfield Café - absolutely sound advice.