Pilot reviews of Lee-On-Solent Airfield
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| “ |  Having last visited some 4 years ago, I thought a trip to the seaside was in order on one of the last warm flying says of September. EGHF have invested in some interior decor and extracting £ 20 for an SEP is now done in a more convivial atmosphere. COVID security is good with the now ubiquituous perspex screen at the payment/reception point situated beneath the imposing control tower. WC facilities have been spruced up too. Pedestrian access to the coast is simply out of the back of the control tower building rather that a pilot's gate as was the case in the past. Another improvement. parking for aircraft is on long and somewhat bumpy grass in front of the tower (although nothing too bad or alarming). We had asked to park on the hard somewhere (twice -once in writing, once again over the phone) sadly both were ignored - but no problem. It's sad that such a large airfield can't accommodate a simple request but hey ho. The town is not up to much and for those hoping for more than a cafe or fish and chips perhaps a pub might be a better option - there are several. There are plenty of nice benches on the coast to sit and admire the boats on the Solent. There is also a cafe attached to the control tower block although we wanted a short walk so didn't visit. The Hovercraft museum might be worth a look - but was closed .... hey ho..... & people wonder why small towns struggle.... ” |
| “ | G-AZUM referred to Solent yesterday as Southampton had no parking space available for GA. Interesting (but well briefed) approach from the north, weaving around all sorts of airspace and danger areas, but no problem and well worth it. Superb new runway surface, very friendly A/G, easy parking (free for a day!), don't mention the landing fee - they'll increase it!, helpful reception, good canteen, passenger lounge, briefing room, pleasant viewing area obstructed only by a Spitfire. The whole place has been spruced up and is really welcoming. Looking forward to being a regular commuter, and exploring the beach at weekends. ” |
| “ | I visited Lee last Saturday, for the first time for a number of years. To my pleasant supprise it had changed from what I knew to be a good airfield with little or no facilities on site into a great place to visit. The airfield has undergone significant investment from the local council, and what a change, new runway surface and major changes to the tower and associated buildings. A warm welcome from AG and reception upon arrival, really nice cafe, service with a smile with non aviators enjoying the facility, thank you Lee for keeping this historic airfield open. If you haven't been there for some time or never visited, put it on your must visit list. ” |
| “ | Another destination we’d wanted to visit for a long time and we were not disappointed. Flew in on 23 September from Shoreham and out again later in the day home to Blackpool. The airfield is undergoing a lot of work but the diner at the Runway 05 threshold was very good. The staff were all friendly and helpful and a phone call to Daedalus Refuelling services before arrival ensured that they were waiting for us on arrival. (Payment was by bank transfer when we got home. Different, but effective). The pilot path to the beach took all of 2 minutes (no PIN required anymore), and we had a wonderful stroll along the seafront watching ships, dinghies and yachts sailing in the Solent whilst eating an ice cream. (I lost count at 125 vessels!) I was very impressed with this as a destination and, if it were closer to Blackpool (1hr 35 minutes with a tailwind going home), it would become a regular destination. Solent radar were very accommodating as were all the units nearby. What more could we ask? Well worth a visit and I think this airfield will become better year by year. ” |
| “ | How pleasant it is to sit by the sea and gaze out over the Solent to the Isle of White. That’s exactly what a flight into Lee on Solent permits. Simple PPR via their website : http://www.daedalusairfield.co.uk returns a page with a reference and a PIN number (although not an email). Landing on 05 involves a final over water which in itself makes a bit of a change. “Lee Radio” were very relaxed, helpful and informal.
Lee Flying Association : http://www.eghf.co.uk also have useful information. Together they make up perhaps the most comprehensive GA information of any airfield this pilot has visited recently. The only thing one needs to check is weather, NOTAMS and perhaps note the Southampton listening squawk : 0011 and the south coast is yours to enjoy.
If heading to the beach, exit the pilot gate (don’t forget to obtain a PIN number from the control tower so as to get back in), walk down to the lower promenade on the beach rather than the road, otherwise you may well walk past a couple of eateries (including Leon’s). We walked along the road (past the hovercraft museum) where within 10 minutes there are a multitude of cafes and even a Tesco supermarket.
The airfield has two or three gliders operating on a Wednesday/at weekends, but don’t let that put you off (just avoid overhead joins). They are also a friendly bunch. It would be an oversight not to have such a nice airfield on your bucket list. ” |
| “ | Flew in 20/8/2014. Landing fee £15.nice long runway they have gliding on the East side. £12 taxi ride to the submarine museum then a complimentary boat ride to Hms Victory,Mary Rose,Hms Warrior and much more.Me and my flying partner enjoyed Hms Warrior and the Navel Museum most.You have to crouch a bit in Victory.All for £28 ill will go back next summer on the same ticket. When you pay the landing fee the tower will give you a code for the door to get back airside. ” |
| “ | Flew to Lee on Solent airfield for the second time 3 May. FBO formerly on site no longer there and parking is in front of the control tower. (Tantalising restricted view of the still closed Hovercraft museum). Landing fees (£15) not charged on the day but instead sent an invoice later. I think this was however purely a temporary measure while the new airfield owners are settling in. No food on site. Rather than just stay at the airfield as before, requested a taxi to the ferry terminal to get to the Royal Navy Historic Dockyard. Lots of interesting exhibits there (HMS Victory, Warrior & Mary Rose). To see everything costs £28 but you are entitled to re-visit within 1 year for free on production of your original ticket. ” |
| “ | Flew to Lee on Solent yesterday enroute from Le Touquet to RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. Very helpful briefing before arrival, and fuel put on standby in case we needed it. Also excellent pilot information on their website and straightforward to locate right beside the shore at Gosport. Proximity to Fleetlands doesn't seem to be an issue at all.
Quite strong cross wind on approach made for a sporty landing and then quick taxi where we were met by the "follow me" golf buggy and Steve from Sapphire.
Couldn't have been a better welcome. Steve made us tea and took my dad - who'd worked at Lee on Solent when it was fleet air arm base - for a tour of the field whilst I did the flight planning using their facilities.
Noticed that the place is very well set up with bike hire etc. available and will definitely return. At £15 landing fee you can't go wrong!
Thanks for a great visit. ” |
| “ | If you have the opportunity to fly to Lee on Solent I can highly recommend it. GA has to use the American style FBO Sapphire Aviation but they charge no more than the normal £15 landing fee. They were so very helpful whilst there and food is available next door to their office on site. Gliders operate from here too (winch and aero tow)but we fitted in with their traffic no problem. Excellent! ” |
| “ | Can recommend. Flying in is pretty straightforward. They were very welcoming (Sapphire Aviation) and all looking very spruce and clean, with a little eatery to the side (did not go in). Landing fee is £15. They have bikes for hire at the airfield. I cycled into town (about a mile) and along the coast and around the Meon river nature reserve – quite pleasant. In the town there is a hovercraft museum (graveyard?). Quiet a few specimens, probably from the IoW service. I did not go in but I think I recall a notice saying entrance is on request. ” |
| “ | Visited Lee today. Long taxi to Sapphire aviation, with a "follow me" golf cart. Free coffee and very friendly welcome, and then a free ride to the "bun penny" pub for some very nice food, and then a free ride back too. All that for a £7.50 landing fee. Absolutely outstanding, a better experience than we've had anywhere. The only way it could be improved is to take down the big blue fence and make a more sensible taxiway to save backtracking 1300m of runway.... and this improvement has already started. This place will be seriously busy in the summer - word will travel! ” |
| “ | Visited Lee today for the first time. Great airfield and the Sapphire Aviation Team were great with a follow me buggy and free coffee!
More in the plan I think so will be back soon!
Just need to have a better taxi plan save backtracking! ” |
| “ |  Very efficient and very friendly. Well done Lee Flying Association!
Tea and coffee on site or walk off the airfield for several good eateries (listed on the web site).
Do visit. ” |
| “ |  Very efficient and very friendly. Well done Lee Flying Association! Tea and coffee on site or walk off the airfield for several good eateries (listed on the web site). Do visit. ” |
| “ | Flew in after a sightseeing trip to the Needles in a C42. Cracking little airport with a friendly team, from the guys in the tower to the operators in the little portacabin / cafe. No restaurant but free tea and buiscuits with the £7.50 landing fee (for microlights). Just to stress again, the welcome and service we received was on a par with the best we've had anywhere. Well worth a visit and we'll certainly be back. ” |
| “ | Visited Lee on Solent on Saturday, this was my second visit , the first was an organised fly in, quite a busy airfield with both GA and Gliding. We recieved a very warm welcome and parked at the tower.Its was £15 for a PA28, yes a bit steep, and as previously stated below facilities are very limited at the moment ( Tea, coffees and cookies only)but clean and tidy, however speaking to the staff, there are plans to develop the facilities to include a cafe etc, however the nice chap did offer to call us a cab if we wanted one.
I guess the more of us that use this great airfield and facility, the more likley B&N will invest in a manned cafe.
So why not pay the airfield a visit, and hopefully it will become another popular south coast venue( bit like the old Bembridge used to be)
” |
| “ | I flew into Lee-On-Solent for the first time today. its pretty straight forward but it is necessary to read the briefing and call PPR as there is gliding at the airfield using circuits to the east so all visiting aircraft circuits are to the west.
Only the hard runway on 23 / 05 is available to visiting traffic and its long and in excellent condition.
Facilities are limited but have been recently refurbished. Refreshments are limited to hot and cold drinks and cakes / biscuits etc. but were good value and the service was friendly. I think that fuel has to be requested in advance.
It was very quiet when I flew in but they are keen to get more GA traffic. the landing fee for my Jabiru was a very reasonable £7.50
Its good to get a "new" airflied when we are losing so many others so please support it by flying in when you are on the south coast ” |
| “ | Flew in again to Lee on Solent on Wednesday and got the usual friendly welcome. Despite being close to Solent controlled airspace it really is trouble-free, even with the glider operations which work seamlessly with GA. The landing fee is now £15 which I think is high considering there are no facilities (fuel, cafe, pilot area etc.). A 30-minute walk to the seafront finds you at the Shack which does really good value hot food and drink. ” |
| “ | Agree entirely with the contributor below. I have been apprehensive about flying into Lee in the past with its complex coastguard/police/SE development agency ownership and seemingly daunting operational rules. However I flew in for the first time this weekend after thoroughly reading the briefing on the Lee Flying Association website (www.eghf.co.uk) and it is all straightforward and self-evident when you are there. Great welcome, lots of visitor parking and loads to see in the surrounding area. ” |
| “ | Its some time since I last put pen to keyboard re Lee on the Solent. Since then and the awful demise off GA at Lee, A lot has happened. It is now possible to fly from Lee once again. The praise for the bulk of the work to get this re-instated must go to the Lee Flying Association. A number of private craft now freely fly from this wonderful ex military field along with Phoenix a new flight training school. Of course with the new rules allowing flight training from un licenced fields Phoenix with ther competative pricing for trainging and private hire are growing daily. A great flyin in May proved the point the flight at Lee was truly back.
With close and easy access to Portsmouth and Southampton its worth a visit. but PPR IS A MUST see LFA or Phoenix web sites for information as how to get this.
Finally an AG service is only available when the Gliding Club is active and as such the powered circuit due to gliding ,noise abatement and Coastguard / Police Needs requires learning to avoid upsetting the locals. Part of PPR Briefing. ” |
| “ | Lee-on-Solent 1st May 2010 Fly-in
Finally managed to get to Lee-on-Solent today as part of their 1st May Fly-in. Booked some time ago, and just waited for that call with a PPR. We flew in from Fairoaks and the wx prior to setting off was not looking good, however once over the south down it cleared up as if by magic, Lee A/G had things sorted and were helpful and very welcoming with very efficent marshalls, various types of aircraft present the usuals plus Tigermoths, and a really nice C172 Ambian. Cafe was very busy and the staff worked flat out, we opted for a 'Level 2' which turned out to be a very substantial all day breakfast, their Avgas was very reasonably priced to. Thank you and very well done to all at Lee on Solent. ” |
| “ | Sadly the once great Solent Flight has now for various reasons been removed from operations at Lee. It is now operating from Lower Upham near Bishops Waltham. This Farm Field and its limitations means that Solent flight is concentrating on Microlite (VLA) operations and cannot readily support cat A aircraft, training or additional training such as Night and IMC ratings. It must be hoped that Solent Flight prospers in its new market position and that all those that need to support and maintain a Cat A licence find suitable new fields / clubs from which to fly. ” |
| “ | i am an active member of the gliding club based at lee the portsmouth navel (presumably naval - Ed?) gliding club offers amazing views of the solent and other areas and lee is an amazing airfield for those who want to see the area from the sky it offers amazing views all year round ” |
| “ | Just to clear up one or two mis understandings about Lee. (As far as these things are ever current!)
As of 2006, the airfield was bought (i.e. the active runway 05/23) and surrounds, by the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency). The Hampshire Constabulary Air Support Unit also operate and manage the active field.
The remaining part of the airfield is under SEEDA (South East England Developmenmt Agency), and existing GA is permitted to use the runway during daylight hours (or 6pm whichever is earlier). In general it is not a GA field, and may only be used for planes vsiting operators on the field for business purposes. It does remain a 'diversion' airfield however.
Solent Flight (see last reviwe) are not now based at the field (as of the time of writing).
Being one of the lucky ones to fly from here, it is a very convenient airfield, both for flight East West and 'over the water'....France not the Isle of Wight ...that's just 6 minutes away! ” |
| “ | As Promised the review of EGHF Lee on the Solent.
As an ex-military airfield some old hangovers still remain. So as you enter the site you have to park the car get out and walk to the security guards hut. This is where you are given a form to complete and a car pass the size of most car wind screens and a briefing you have to sign for to show understanding.
Once in and armed with the directions off you go around the old perimeter road to one of the two GA schools/clubs now using the airfield. At this point it is worth noting that you are shareing this road with taxiing aircraft and there is not enough room to pass each other. Should you come across an aircraft you must pull off the road onto the grass and give way.
Once at your chosen school/ site it's easy.
Sign the various logs and cheak out your aircraft as per normal.
There is no ATC at Lee however it lies within Fleetlands Helicoptor Maintainance Facility's traffic zone (manned part time). So if Fleetlands are there announce to them your intentions and if they are not there broadcast blind on the same frequency but calling yourself Lee Traffic.
During taxiing remember no room to pass cars or planes so listen out and try not to oppose anything on the taxiways. So far so good. I guess someday soon a pilot is going to wish he had reverse.
Run up is done at the Xs painted on the ends of the two now disused runways where they cross the threshold of the only remaining active runway 05/23.
Announce your intentions and then off you jolly well go. Remember Southamptons ATZ is only 2 miles away so be careful in your planning and accuracy of flight.
You are not allowed to overfly Stubbington, however the planners have conveniently put fields all the way around this town and its like a circuit has been painted on the ground just for us to follow. The circuit is left hand for 05 and right hand for 23 at 1000ft, as before just announce your arrival intentions and get on with it.
If you are not sure of the runway to use as you have not heard any other calls overfly the field at 2000ft, look at the wind sock and then position for a 1000ft circuit as required but remember there is no dead side at Lee so be carefull.
Finally the Police and Coast Guard operate from Lee, in a word they have priority at all times and if you see their aircraft with a flashing beacon stop and give way even if engines are not running. Finally backtracking is not allowed nor are touch and goes unless safety is involved and finally finally you must be a guest of one of the schools/clubs to land at Lee. Just call in advance and I am sure you will be made welcome.
In a word a great no pressure easy large runway GA airfield close to Pompey, Southampton etc etc etc. Give it a go. ” |
| “ | As a member of Solent Flight currently in the process of moving from Southampton EGHI to Lee on Solent EGHF I will endevour to write a full report on this newly aquired flying venue as soon as the move is complete and of course as soon as I have carried out my maiden flight from said airfield. I am sure the club will welcome new members thus making full use of this now available hard runway site. ” |
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