A NEW flying school has high hopes of success after becoming the latest aviation business to launch at Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA).

Durham Aerosports is offering people the chance to learn to fly and gain a pilots’ licence for under £3,500, as well as providing a range of trial flight options from £70 in an Ikarus C42 Bravo microlight aircraft.

The business is the brainchild of Perry Reid and Lawrence Bell who met through their shared love of flying and described DTVA as the “perfect location” to launch their venture.

Company managing director Mr Reid said: “I began learning to fly whilst home from my offshore engineering job, became totally immersed in it and, after discussing things with Lawrence who was my instructor at the time, we decided to set up the school.

“I am an engineer by trade so I will be looking after the maintenance side of the business—currently I am involved in advanced engine courses with the possibility of developing a maintenance facility as part of the business.”

Chief flying instructor and operations manager Mr Bell, who has been working as an instructor since 2010, says they are committed to providing high quality in terms of training, their aircraft and the environment.

He said: “We chose the Ikarus C42 Bravo because it is a great aircraft for flight training—easy to handle, with the best equipment you can get and a range in excess of 500 miles. “Having chosen the best aircraft we then wanted the best location and were delighted when Durham Tees Valley announced their drive to expand General Aviation activities.

“It is the perfect location for training with great facilities and full air traffic control.

“In addition we have been able to base the business in the heart of the airport—using two rooms in the recently opened office suite in the terminal.”

Durham Aerosports is the latest aviation company to base itself at DTVA after the airport campaigned to attract a more diverse range of businesses to feature alongside its main function as a commercial airport.

Airport manager Shaun Woods explained: “Expanding General Aviation business is a central element of our development plans at Durham Tees Valley—and it is working.

“In January we announced new tariffs offering savings for both aircraft based at the airport and visiting flyers.

“As a result seven aircraft have permanently relocated to the airport with more in the pipeline.

“We’ve been delighted to work with Perry and Lawrence in getting the business up and running and wish them all success.”