Uetersen/Heist Airport (EDHE)

Since April 2026, this aerodrome also allows flying during the absolute off-peak hours without an aerodrome operations manager on duty; PPR required during those times. Details: see https://edhe.jimdofree.com/f%C3%BCr-piloten/%C3%B6ffnungszeiten-fob/. Arrivals and departures are generally to/from the southwest. However, the flight path runs directly over 800 ft masts, which isn’t ideal in the typically poor weather. Depending on the light, you may only acquire the runway fairly late on final; there are strobe lights, at least. The runway is level but almost always quite soft (applies to all areas). An asphalt runway will probably never happen because opponents of the airfield would kick up a storm. But plastic reinforcement would really be useful—at least on the parking stands. In September, with an SR22, everything was still just about OK, but I think from early October well into spring it’s a gamble: you’ll at least get the aircraft very dirty, and with bad luck you may bog down somewhere. The hi-vis vest requirement at a day-VFR-only field is pretty silly, but they blame the licensing authority. 100LL currently costs a painful 2,95€/l, though at Hamburg EDDH it’s reportedly 3,60€. Landing fees are OK, parking is inexpensive. In total (2 nights) just under 40 euros (Hamburg would be over 200€ incl. DFS). Very friendly operations manager on both arrival and departure. Lots of traffic, especially on weekends and in the evening, even in rather poor weather. If you have a pickup, the field is fine; driving time is a good 30 minutes to central Hamburg. So it’s fine for the summer months; overall, however, due to day-VFR-only and especially the soft surfaces, it’s not really suited as the GA aerodrome for the world city of Hamburg. Let’s see when the instrument approach at Itzehoe finally arrives.

Great GA field near Hamburg, unfortunately without public transport. IFR from the northeast. Bremen RDR offers 3 options: a) around Class C of EDDH b) through Class C of EDDH at ca. 5000ft c) through the CTR with TWR at ca. 2000ft. With b), after leaving Class C it's almost a dive from 5000ft to 0ft, as EDHE is very close by. Nice long, wide grass runway in good condition. Parking on grass, tie-down ropes available and anchored in the ground. Hangars are private and all occupied. 999kg MTOW LDG 6,70€ + 1 day parking 4,65€ => 11,35€. Self-service pump (Super Plus 1,51€/L, AVGAS, JET-A1), payment in the C by EC card/MC/VISA/cash. Taxi to Pinneberg Bhf. ca. 20min & 32€, then S3 (with intermediate stops, ca. 40min) or RB (direct, ca. 20min) to HH-HBf, both 3,20€/person. Due to taxi costs and long transfer time, for a short stay without refueling it is overall cheaper to land at EDDH. Restaurant new, good kitchen, fair prices, great view, live broadcast of the soccer European Championship. IFR clearance in the air with Bremen RDR.

EDHE is a great GA airfield with a considerable amount of VFR traffic due to many flight schools and operators of scenic flights present at the field. Watch out for glider activities north of the airfield. No IFR or NVFR options available, especially the latter would be a real benefit if it could be added. Uetersen Radio speaks both German and English, but most pilots radio in German on the frequency.

The runway is grass and normally in a really good condition. After longer periods of rainfall, it is highly advisable to double-check the NOTAMS on the flying day as the runway especially in spring and fall sometimes tends to get flooded and the airfield closed.

When approaching, make sure you follow the standard arrival routes and communicate your position. High traffic volumes can be expected over the power lines (4 Masten) or reporting point "Hotel" of the nearby EDDH CTR.

The Fuel Station is self-service, but please make sure that you don't park there whilst paying at the tower but rather vacate to an apron position as due to the many aircraft based in EDHE, the fuel station is typically well frequented.

Bato's restaurant on site is great value for money and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Toilets for people with handicaps and baby changing facilities are available at the restaurant.

nice airport with good connection to Hamburg. Avgas, Mogas and A1 available