Pilot reviews of Coventry Airfield

“had to land in Coventry, due to the plane i was in developing a fault, all at the airport very professional and helpful. big runway. handy pub around the corner to obtain some light refreshments. Grass parking a bit bumpy, but when are they not. Some interesting planes parked in the GA area.”

“Here is my review from the latest new airfield i have visited, I was entertained in the Coventry Aero club by our very own Loz and as usual the welcome was first class, the bar staff were friendly, the food was superb, the guy who fueled me was friendly also, at £1-05 per litre + VAT it was a good price for a big airfield, ATC were efficient as expected at a large (ish) airport. The runway was first class but i have marked it down slightly as the grass taxiways are a little bumpy and required caution. Although i haven't yet paid my fee, (i do that today by phone), i believe it is around a tenner for my 575kg aircraft with no mandatory handling fee. The pilots facilities in the Aero club were good. Pics to follow later...”

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Despite being a busy regional airport, handling international passenger flights, freight and air charter work, Coventry always seems to make room for GA traffic and pilots of all levels of experience. The airport is also the base for a number of flight training schools, from PPL to ATPL, so the is always plenty of activity in the circuit and further affield, but it never seems too crowded, thanks to the excellent ATC.

Being a "proper" airport there is full ATC cover, including radar, but as yet no surrounding controlled airspace (though Birmingham's CTR is nearby and above). The Controllers are efficient and accommodating and always manage to give a servide to en-route as well as visiting traffic.

Landing fees are typical of a regional airport, and cheaper than some, but if you ask for taxi to Coventry Aeroplane Club, you can take advantage of their preferential rates, and they can take your payments as well.

The Coventry Aeroplane Club Clubhouse offers a briefing room with excellent computer based self briefing facilities and you'll always find someone there willing to talk aviation! A good selection of food is available at weekends in their excellent first floor bar which overlooks the 23 threshold and tea / coffee (and alcoholic beverages for non pilots) is available at other times. - If the food was available weekdays as well, I'd have given a 1, but as it is, it only merits a 2!.

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“Whilst flying from Sywell to a private site 8 miles to the north of Cov near to the A5 I made a freecall to Cov Approach and was told during that flight to make certain manouvers. I was not asked but told that whilst crossing to the north of the extended centre line that I should basicaly follow instructions from ATC. Since when has Coventry ATC had control over any aircraft outside of there zone and in uncontrolled airspace. Maybe I am missing something in my airmanship or is COV ATC taking over just like TUI have with everything else at the airport or are there practising in preperation fro extended airspace which they want.”

“Just so everyone knows, handling is not required for anything under 5 tonnes at Coventry, dont let MidWest fleece you! ”

“Landed in Coventry on my way up to Inverness and on the way back to Maastricht with a PA28. On my way first landing I was handled by Mid West Exec. Friendly people! They handled the customs papers for me and they have a very nice lounge there. They asked for a £10 pound handling fee, not unfair. But they seem to cater more for the corporate flyers. It took very long until the AVGAS truck came from the GA terminal at the west end. Obvioulsly they sell more jet fuel

On the way back I tried the GA Terminal. VERY friendly people and also very professional service. They really took care of everything and I was on my way again in no time. And that without a handling charge. These guys really try hard! Highly recommended.

from Norbert Vorstädt, Germany”

“The Atlantic Flight Traning centre on the main apron was new this year (2003) and is fabulously clean and welcoming, more akin to the quality in the U.S.. There is a new snack bar in reception and, as everyone has said, the staff are great.

I did love the free landing too as my aircraft was built pre-1960. Thanks Neil (below) for the advice.

N.B. The building is guarded by a large locked gate. Do not be intimidated by this, just walk up and hit the large button to open the gate!”

“Visited Coventry on Monday evening as part of a club flyout. They kept the GA terminal open till 10:30 for us, were top-notch friendly, and the fine people of the Air Museum even opened that up too, because there were 16 of us coming. And you get to go aboard the exhibits, which are non-trivial things - I've now sat in a Vulcan and a Starfighter. Top geeky evening that even the non-geeky wife enjoyed! Go there (but watch out for Birmingham airspace).”

“Visited Coventry for fuel and to clear Special Branch on the way back from Isle of Man. Very friendly and helpful staff -- Emma, your Ginger Bread men get a 90% rating! Excellent facilites for GA. ”

“Visited Coventry en-route to the PFA.

Excellent service provided by all. Very friendly staff with Emma from Sykpartners being exceptionally helpful.

An up and coming airport looking after GA. ”

“Visited Coventry on the 12th July enroute to the PFA Rally (Kemble) in our Chipmunk for fuel arranged previously. The service was excellent and prompt and I would like to thank the staff for their friendly welcome. Also if your aircraft is built beore 1960 (as our Chipmunk is) the landing is free!”