23rd June 2019
Following their previous successful visit back in September 2013, FoDTVA were once again delighted to welcome our sister group the Friends of Doncaster Sheffield Airport to Durham Tees Valley.
Arriving at around 11:15, we went straight into an airside tour, starting in hangar 1, after which one half of the group headed to the burning ground and the south side areas, including the old Lancaster bomber ‘pans’ and the airport’s ATR 42 fuselage training aid.
We re-joined the rest of the group at Hangar 3 West, where Ken Large, owner of famous resident DHC-1A Chipmunk “G-AKDN” was busy polishing his aircraft, which could not have been better timed for us as it meant the covers were off and FODSA got to enjoy the aircraft in all her glory.
Other highlights here include the beautifully Egyptian-decorated “G-MUMY” and a brand new twin-engine resident that had arrived just the evening before.
From here, we visited the fire department, who graciously brought out two of their fire tenders for us to look around, giving us an excellent briefing on how they work as well as answering the many questions from a fascinated FODSA.
Unfortunately we ran out of time before we could get the other half across to the burning ground/south-side as we were booked in for lunch at the nearby Oak Tree Inn, who accommodated our large group at short notice and what a fantastic meal we all had!! The Sunday lunches here are very highly recommended!
Next we went to Fishburn Airfield where we had a look around a couple of preserved aircraft followed by a walk around the hangar areas. Only one hangar was open but you couldn’t pick a better one as it houses the resident Spitfire/P-2 Kraguj and other vintage types. Finally we headed back for DTVA where a talk and presentation was enjoyed.
We presented FODSA with a copy of the excellent and highly recommended Goosepool book, very kindly signed by author Stan Howes, before finally saying our goodbyes and wishing FODSA a safe journey back.
All in all, an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all!