Concorde, Lady Di and keeping Teesside skies safe: Karen marks 40 years with airport team

A mainstay of Air Traffic Control has celebrated reaching 40 years with the Teesside Airport team.

Karen Maidment first joined the airport’s roster in 1985 after spells in the St George Hotel and aircraft cabin crews.

She has spent 35 of those 40 years keeping Teesside’s skies safe in the Air Traffic Control tower – and her years of service were marked in an award ceremony on Tuesday (4 February).

Originally from Fairfield, Stockton, Karen first began her working life at Teesside on the information desk.

But her true calling came in 1990 when she transferred from the terminal to the tower.

Karen said: “There was a new information desk built, and I started to come over to Air Traffic every night to request the weather every day – and I just loved it. I spent hours here and decided it was what I wanted to do.

“I applied for a job in 1987 – but I didn’t get it.

“I tried three times, and the third time I was lucky. I’ve just loved it.”

Karen established herself as a valued Air Traffic Control Assistant. Health rules and regulations from the time meant her Type 1 Diabetes stopped her qualifying to become a fully-fledged Air Traffic Controller.

But she didn’t let her chronic illness stop her rise to become Head of Air Traffic Services.

“If at first you don’t succeed, and you really want to do something, keep trying – and don’t let any illness stand in your way,” said Karen.

“I didn’t get these face lines from crying – I’ve had a blast, but I’ve always been professional. You’ve got to be.

“There’s a time to laugh and there’s a time to be serious. It’s been great.

“People and your staff are your best asset and we’re a very friendly unit.

“We all get on. There have been challenges over the years – but I have a philosophy; you’ve got be happy, enjoy what you do – and you’ve got to be there for your staff to catch them if they fall to keep the unit on track.”

During her time in the tower, Karen has waved off Concorde from Teesside – and Princess Diana.

She stepped back from her leadership role last year, but still works part time offering up her invaluable experience, advice and expertise gathered over the years.

Karen added: “I must be a bit geeky and technical – I didn’t think I was but maybe I am. I’ve always been fascinated by it and still watch planes take off and land.

“It’s a job that’s hidden. Not many people understand it, but we are an important cog in an airport.”

Karen even saw romance flourish during her time with the airport – meeting husband-to-be Gary, an Air Traffic Engineer, in 2005.

She added: “The nights fly by in our house talking about ILS, NDBs and suchlike – it would bore anyone else to tears, but it works for us!

“We’re not alone – there have been a few people who’ve met their partners at work in here.

“He is the longest serving Air Traffic Engineer – but he hasn’t warmed his seat up yet.

“I think he’s only done about 26 years.”

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “Karen has been a rock in the Air Traffic team across four decades – and her experience and knowledge is simply second to none.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside her during my time here – and it’s wonderful she is still providing invaluable guidance and support at the airport more than 40 years since she first stepped foot on the site.

“To reach 40 years with the airport is a monumental milestone and we’re lucky to have her.”