First fixed-wing landing at Yarmouth airfield in 20 years

North Denes airfield on Caister Road reopened earlier this year under the new name of Yarmouth Heliport.

The new firm said it spent the past year bringing the main building back to its former glory, with the aim to encourage general aviation flight, including microlights and pleasure craft.

New operators, Yarmouth Heliport, have been updating the facilities at Yarmouth Heliport. Picture - Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

Last Wednesday, Yarmouth Heliport saw the first landing by a fixed-wing plane at the airfield in over two decades, with pilot Roy Allgood touching down aboard his PA28 Piper Cherokee 140 G-AVLC.

Roy Allgood's PA28 Piper Cherokee 140 G-AVLC grounded at Yarmouth Heliport. Picture - Yarmouth Heliport (Image: Yarmouth Heliport)

A spokesperson for Yarmouth Heliport said: "There are airfields all over the country that have been surrendering to the pressure for development land by housebuilders.

"While that on its own merits may represent good news nationally to ease the burden on the housing crisis, it is hugely worrying for the general aviation community, particularly fixed-wing.

"Fliers need places to stop for fuel, refreshment, and comfort breaks, but with airfields closing down at a faster rate than enthusiasts can react to, having one that is trying to reopen is a valued blessing and one we should cherish."

Roy Allgood's PA28 Piper Cherokee 140 G-AVLC before taking off from Yarmouth Heliport. Picture - Yarmouth Heliport (Image: Yarmouth Heliport)

Yarmouth Heliport has confirmed it will be visited by an R44 RI rotary aircraft next week while it flies a circuit over Caister and Great Yarmouth. The heliport has also received enquiries from other general aviators of rotary craft.

The firm has also confirmed it has had several drone flight days with industry professionals visiting the site for test flights, and public service client visits to examine what is on offer to host training days and create exercise-based scenarios.

Passengers boarding a fixed-wing aircraft for a pleasure flight at the North Denes airfield in 1979. Picture - Peter Allard (Image: Peter Allard)

Before its reopening, the airfield closed in 2015 with the loss of 30 jobs after CHC lost a contract with Perenco following the oil company's move to Norwich.

Helicopters ferried more than 5,000 passengers a month using the airfield in its early-1970s heyday.

Yarmouth Heliport has confirmed its facilities are for training and pleasure use and currently does not operate within the North Sea oil and gas market.