We are Peel airports, we know little about running airports, but we can realise property values - because we are a property development company.

We have launched "drive" to develop the airport. It failed and so we are applying for planning permission to develop the airport as a combined residential and light industrial estate.

I am cynical by nature, but - compulsory handling at an airport where there are virtually no scheduled services and officious security????

Well it is obviously going to save the airport - isn't it?

gasax, you will be happy to know you only have to go through the full security if you are entering the restricted zone, the GA parking is separate and in most cases you can go through the handling agent Weston's own gate.

The last time I was there it was a route march to the terminal from the allocated parking and getting back to it via the terminal near impossible - largely because the 'security' said it could not be done....!

Have you tried this as a visitor without local knowledge?

No sorry, only gone through security to go to the hangars. Quite sure you would be fine if you parked on the GA, someone on here must have flown in recently. There was at time when you weren't allowed to take more than the 100ml of fluids through or any sharp objects but that was before they moved the restricted zone which is just the main apron. Give Weston a phone they will answer all of your questions.

When I visited last year there was no security I recall, a Weston Mini Bus picked us up, through the gate and dropped us at there office / rest area.

Likewise took us back when ready and paid up. Same at Newcastle.

Blackpool and Southend I recall full Xray type baggage scan

Exeter use to do this but no scan the last few times.

Some of the criticism on here seems harsh to say the least, DTVA is now one of the most attractive airports for GA of its size and facilities.

They deserve credit for holding their hands up, acknowledging their previous faults and trying to do something about it. My understanding is that the hated mandatory handling rule is on borrowed time.

The scheme is clearly working, they've had at least six new resident aircraft move in since November, prior to that they'd be lucky if they had that many in the last five years! Furthermore, they've had three new GA air operators move in in just over a year and I believe they are in talks with at least a further two. Things are definitely improving.

If they are really serious (I doubt) then add a GA specific tab to the website to give clear unambiguous info regarding the total cost of landing/parking a spamcan there.

AND make the prices in line with others like Gloucester etc...discounts for fuel uplifts......etc

As for "Handling" is on "borrowed time" while it is still on loan, then they can shove it where the sun don't shine. It's not an "attractive" destination for me.

Gloucester has inspired this, the airport execs went down there and got a tour of the place.

And here is your clear unambiguous info regarding the total cost of landing/parking a spamcan:

http://durhamteesvalleyairport.com/u..._-_FY15-16.pdf

If handling is a tenner that would be pretty reasonable I think. Still quite a big more expensive than Gloucester but not outrageous.

Last I heard it was an extortionate £25 but that may have changed. All that gets you is a minibus ride from aircraft to gate which is easily within walking distance :mad:

I can picture that list of charges being read out in a Monty Python skit, particularly the fees for passes....

Well I am glad someone came on and said. Guess what, they are running a business, and with that comes attempting to make it profitable:*

The issue is, the UK GA scene, generalisation, has always run on a shoestring. Be it maintenance, flying club fees, landing fees. Pilots have always mumbled, about the 100 quid hamburger. The irony is, that we will fly 100/200 miles, at 8gallons an hour, and then complain that the landing fee has increased from 10 quid, to 12.50.........

I feel everyone misses the point. Cheap fuel, lends itself to more flying. More flying allows FBO to be more competitive. More competition, with increased utility, tends to make everyone happy and smile a bit more.

Issue is you are not going to see that anytime soon. So, full transparency of exactly what you will get, exactly how much you will pay, and be sure that after a two hour flight for a cuppa, the cafe is not shut. Yes, it did happen to me......

At least they deserve credit for having a go, although it does seem an odd time to issue the press notice if the removal of mandatory handling is under consideration - that would have been a useful hook for launching the new approach.

Given the decline in airline traffic, a Gloucester/Kemble of the North might be a useful model, although is there the local demand?

Looking fora job. The excellent team at Gloucester know all about that but they also understand that they need a blend of business to make it work. CAS, training, engineering and GA are all busy and all encouraged by competitive pricing and the lightest touch practicable of bureaucracy and security. They also have NDB, ILS GNSS approaches and three paved and one grass runway as well as fire cover snow clearing etc.

It's because Gloucester have shown that it can be done that people get so frustrated about places who don't get it so well. I'm pleased to hear that Durham have been to see Glos. Their environment may be more limited and therefore prices a bit higher, but handling can be fixed I'm sure, on the "some revenue is better than no revenue" basis.

I visit DTV half a dozen times a year for work and another half dozen for pleasure. One of my favourite airports, security used to be a nightmare, but that is nicely sorted. You used to be able to pay landing fees in the main terminal, but now I always go to the handlers who sort taxis, fees, met brief and flight planning in a comfy office with great coffee and really nice friendly ladies.


If you are staying in the area get them to book hotels for you, they get great discounts and always find really good places to stay. Frankly I can't remember what I pay for handling in my own aeroplane (it certainly isn't much), but the corporate machine I fly costs around £ 200 inc landing fees, and the handling for required for that machine is pretty substantial, and I'm more used to seeing £ 500-£ 1500 disappearing for mandatory handling for that one.


Fishburn is great, but DTV provides a good service and facilities, and when I got caught out in my PA22 in unforecast thunderstorms they gave me a radar service to finals, the bowser driver helped with covers and tie downs and the airport treated me as an emergency weather diversion and waived the landing fees.


Nice place, nice people


SND

You mean I possibly get a deduction on fees upon doing things like this? Absolutely awesome idea, splendid! I can't wait to see this happen at our airfield. But, wait, should rebates be applicable if the reason is only the seven-hour-flight-bladder?

DTVA do seem to be giving GA a go - latest announcement is a microlight school

Microlight flying school opens at Durham Tees Valley