Leeds East Airfield Review
I remember this airfield as RAF Church Fenton, which operated until 2013. I came here to airshows in the 1990s and remember it for its training units.
Since its closure, it has been taken into private hands and now operates as Leeds East Airport. Its two hard runways are in excellent condition and there are lots of original RAF hangars and buildings on site.
Operations building (c) Leeds East Airport
It had been hoped to turn this into a proper alternative commercial airport for Leeds, but this seems to have been postponed for the time being. Nevertheless, there does seem to be the occasional bizjet and other larger aircraft arrive, which makes it interesting.
I took the opportunity to fly down in the Tomahawk recently to have a look around. On my visit there was a classic WWII livery Douglas DC-3 in the hangar!
The landing fee was £15, and the welcome good. It was pretty quiet, but I’ve heard there are busier days, and the occasional fly-in and airshow here.
There’s a café on site with nice snacks and drinks. Avgas is available.
Website http://www.leedseastairport.co.uk/
Technical Information
Elevation: 29ft AMSL
Runway 06/24 – 1827m x 46m asphalt
Runway 16/34 – 1668m x 45m asphalt
A/G frequency – 126.500
Circuits at 1,000’ AGL, RH on runways 24 and 34; LH on 06 and 16.
PPR on 01937 534197 / 07541 226316
Perform straight in approaches. Beware of Sherburn-in-Elmet airfield only 3nm south of Leeds East.
I flew to Leeds East as part of my QXC this week from DTVA. It has is challenges for a student pilot, especially the close proximity to Sherburn. It is a friendly place to go. I will definitely be flying back there when I have my wings.
Congrats on your QXC Jason. Yes the proximity to Sherburn keeps you on your toes!
I was there this week. The runways are fantastic, the service superb, good price, I’ll be back. It’s a keeper.
Just pick the right VRP for the runway you want and Sherburn isn’t a problem. No overhead joins.
Thanks Neil!
Also can we start a campaign? I don’t like the name ‘Leeds East’ it’s weak; ‘Church Fenton’ is better, but why not ‘Yorkshire Business’ or ‘Yorkshire International’ or ‘Yorkshire Interconnect’ (fot the M1/M62/Train links) or ‘Yorkshire Galactic’ (you never know…)