TEESSIDE Airport is gearing up for today’s airshow and The Northern Echo was invited to see the amazing sights of Teesside, North Yorkshire and Darlington from the sky.

We headed to the airport yesterday for a flight in the Catalina amphibious flying boat, which served in the Second World War.

The Catalina was involved in significant actions including the location of the German battleship Bismark and the sighting of the Japanese invasion force heading for Ceylon.

First we were talked through the safety procedures and were told not to expect a business class experience.

The Northern Echo: The Catalina amphibious flying boat. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Catalina amphibious flying boat. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Read more: Everything you need to know about Teesside Airshow ahead of 2022 return

Although luxurious is not the word I would use to describe the experience, it was definitely exciting and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Northern Echo: We flew for roughly 20 minutes. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTWe flew for roughly 20 minutes. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The inside of Catalina looked almost like a submarine, quite dark but with ‘bubble windows’ to the rear of the plane which were great for seeing the views of the North East countryside.

The Northern Echo: The inside looked like a submarine. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe inside looked like a submarine. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The interior looked as though it could be used as a set on a period drama, just some 1940s fighter pilot hats would be needed to finish the look.

The Northern Echo: The 'bubble windows' were great to see the views. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe 'bubble windows' were great to see the views. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

From boarding to take off took around 15 minutes and it was extremely noisy. We boarded the ten-seat plane and after not too long we were flying, with beautiful views of our region below, including the distinctive Huntcliff at Saltburn.

The Northern Echo: The Catalina crew that took care of us. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Catalina crew that took care of us. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Read more: Car parking at Teesside Airshow - here's what you need to know

Seeing the North East from a bird’s eye view was definitely an experience, especially as were lucky enough to have blue skies. 

The Northern Echo: Happy after a safe landing. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTHappy after a safe landing. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

We were in the air for just over 20 minutes. The flight overall was smooth apart from a few bumpy moments, although this was a very blustery day so we can blame the British weather.

The Northern Echo: The Northern Echo Facebook Live-d the experience. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Northern Echo Facebook Live-d the experience. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

With a crew of six, we knew we were in good hands.

The Northern Echo: After a successful flight. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT After a successful flight. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The time flew by and I happily could’ve stayed in the plane for twice as long.

--

 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054