UK Aviation Museum News – Page 6

High-flying show heading to the RAF Museum Midlands this summer!

RAF Museum Flying Theatre

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: Children from £10 / Adults from £12.50 (20% early bird discount available until 1 July)

This summer the RAF Museum Midlands and Highly Sprung are teaming up for a thrilling action-packed family show – Bravo, Bravo!

Step inside the Museum’s Flying Theatre and expect to be wowed throughout the 45-minute show by dynamic storytelling as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! Bravo, Bravo is not just a performance but an immersive experience and a captivating demonstration of the spirit of Bravo November, the famous Chinook helicopter, and its invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

The Chinook, with its distinct personality, becomes a living, breathing character on stage as its tales unfold. This exciting new show promises to be a visual and emotional spectacular, combining skill and artistry, with an immersive and dynamic portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo shares captivating stories of Bravo November, a machine that defies the ordinary and embodies the extraordinary.

Shows will run at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets start from £10 for children and £12.50 for adults, with discounts for family bookings. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and save 20% with a special early bird offer and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on-board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30 per person (max 10 per show).

Cockpit-Fest 24 at Newark Air Museum

Newark Cockpit Fest

Arrangements for the 2024 Cockpit-Fest are well advanced at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. The museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; this year’s Cockpit-Fest is once again taking place in its traditional June time-slot; on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June, 202.

This will be the twenty forth (24th) time that like-minded enthusiasts have displayed their aircraft cockpit sections at the museum. Cockpit-Fest has become a fixture on the aviation calendar and each year attracts many visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiasts and the general public.

As ever this event will see a diverse range of aviation subjects represented. Twenty-seven (27) cockpits and airframes are due to attend, incorporating military jet cockpits, helicopters and civilian types.

In addition, eighteen (18) visiting aviation related exhibits will be displayed inside; with seven (7) special displays outside in different parts of our 16-acre site. Alongside Cockpit-Fest an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale is being held. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those missing aviation artefacts, books and models from the thirty-seven (37) sellers who have booked spaces.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like local history groups; re-enactors; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts.

Full details about the events and a full list of visiting cockpits and displays can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

Flying Theatre: Summer Events at the RAF Museum

RAF Museum Flying Theatre

This summer the RAF Museum and Highly Sprung are teaming up for the ultimate fun-filled family show.

Trailblazers!
25 July – 01 September 2024
Trailblazers is a breath-taking, exhilarating aerial performance that unveils untold stories of amazing aviators and unsung heroes.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Trailblazers re-imagines the stories of two early influencers from aviation history: Amelia Earheart and Bessie Coleman.

Trailblazers is not just a performance but an immersive experience that challenges preconceptions and celebrates resilience, courage and innovation. Expect to be wowed by its dynamic storytelling as performers soar through the air and glide with precision.

Tickets start at £10 for children and £12.50 for adults, with discounts for family bookings. Book now and save 20% with our special early bird offer and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history in a new and exciting way!

Book now: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/summer-flying-theatre/

King Charles becomes Royal Patron of the RAF Museum

King Charles

We are honoured and thrilled to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has graciously accepted the role of Royal Patron for the RAF Museum. His Majesty’s dedication to honouring the legacy of the Royal Air Force and his unwavering support for our mission to share the story of the service make him a fitting ambassador for our institution.

King Charles III has always expressed pride in his personal connections with the Royal Air Force and has shown a deep interest in the history and wellbeing of the service. His Majesty is a member of the first Graduate Entry at RAF College Cranwell and flew in the Royal Air Force Museum’s British Aircraft Corporation Jet Provost T.5. which is now on display in Hangar 1 at the RAF Museum’s London site.

With His Majesty King Charles III as our Royal Patron, we look forward to further advancing our mission of sharing the rich history and enduring legacy of the Royal Air Force with audiences around the world.

Please join us in extending our warmest welcome and heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Charles III for his patronage of the RAF Museum.

www.rafmuseum.org

Gyrocopters Saved at Newark

Gyrocopter at Newark Air Museum

A Campbell-Bensen B.8M gyrocopter, G-ASNY that has been on loan at the Newark Air Museum (NAM) for more than fifteen (15) years was recently bequeathed to NAM in the will of the late gyrocopter collector, Roger Light. This complete airframe has been displayed in Hangar 1 since it arrived at the museum in April 2009.

Additional actions by the museum trustees and its volunteers has also safeguarded a significant collection of other gyrocopter airframe structures, engines, parts and assorted spares.

During several visits to north-west England, the items have been carefully gathered together and moved into storage at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

Work is already underway to sort the items out and to produce an inventory of what has been recovered. All items are in a good condition and early indications suggest that there are at least two nearly complete machines, with three additional main-frame structures.

The NAM trustees have agreed with the executor of the Roger Light Estate that eventually these gyrocopters should be made available for disposal to other suitable aviation collections across the UK.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Second World War Week at RAF Museum London

RAF Museum London

25 May – 02 June 2024

Travel back in time with the RAF Museum London this May Half-Term with a range of family activities. Discover all about the RAF and life during the 1940s, culminating in our D-Day Weekend.

D-Day, The RAF Story: The Tour

For the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing, the RAF Museum will be offering a tour for a limited time only, telling the story of the role of the RAF during the D-Day Operations.
Explore the varied roles of the RAF during D-Day, from bombing to reconnaissance and logistics. See this story come to live in the Museum’s Hangars 3, 4, 5 among iconic aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, the Handley Page Halifax and the de Havilland Mosquito. Delivered by our expert volunteer tours guides; they will meet you by the nose of the Lancaster at your tour time.

Tickets: £10.00
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Sunday 26 May, Tuesday 28 May, Thursday 30 May, Saturday 1 June, Wednesday 5 June and Thursday 6 June.
Timings: 30 min timeslots available 11:00am to 1:00pm then 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Recommended Age: 8+

Aircraft Access: Lockheed Hudson

This is the opportunity to fully experience the aircraft that bravely carried into and out of Nazi occupied Europe.
Although often a forgotten hero of WWII, visitors will be privileged to gain exclusive access to the first Allied aircraft to capture a U-boat, be equipped with airborne lifeboats and shoot down an enemy whilst operating form the British Isles.

Tickets: £5.00
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Saturday 25th, Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th of May
Timings: 15 min timeslots available 11:00am to 1:00pm then 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Recommended Age: 8+

Audio Story WW2 Trail

Embark on an exciting journey through aviation history with the RAF Museum’s brand new trail.

Meet Woof Commander Antis the Dog and Flight Lieutenant Percy the Parachuting Penguin!

Enchanting narration interspersed with the hum of engines and the buzz of crucial radio chatter will guide visitors as they learn of the tales of the brave men, women and animals who made the difference in Britain’s finest hour.

This audio trail promises an accessible experience that transcends anything you’ve heard before. All you will need you will need to access this journey to the pass is your own smart device, headphones and internet access.

What we want to know most is are you Team Antis or a Team Percy? Make sure you let everyone know who is your favourite during your visit!

Tickets: FREE
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June
Timings: Drop-in throughout the day, just scan the QR code and go!
Recommended Age: 4+

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

East Midlands Aeropark Aviation Museum – Late Evening Openings for 2024

East Midlands Aeropark

During the year the Aeropark holds a number of events where subject to availability we open up the cockpits of our aircraft in order that visitors can view the inside and in certain of the aircraft actually have the opportunity to get inside the aircraft and/or cockpits.

The late evening opening events will also see some of our aircraft lit up for the chance of a great photo opportunity and to also view movements at the airport later in the day including possible movement of cargo aircraft.

http://www.eastmidlandsaeropark.org/aeropark-events.html

Objects gifted to Newark by the RAF Museum

Yellow Sun at Newark

Following a short meeting on 9th April 2024, the ownership title of several objects that had been on long-term loan from the Royal Air Force Museum (RAFM), were formally transferred over to the Newark Air Museum [NAM].

These items comprised of: A Rolls-Royce R.B.108 engine and jet pipe; a Yellow Sun bomb casing; and a Fireflash Missile and trolley. Some of these items have been displayed at NAM’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire, for more than fifteen years.

The generous donation was made as part of ongoing discussions between the two organisations, about a range of subjects. It follows a similar donation of the Lockheed TriStar simulator from the RAFM, back in autumn 2015, which is now displayed in Hangar 2 at the museum.

“The museum trustees are grateful to the RAF Museum for donating these objects to the museum,” commented Newark Air Museum Trustee, Colin Savill. He concluded, “Such donations illustrate the benefits of our Accredited Museum status, and we look forward to the possibility of working with the Royal Air Force Museum to explore similar loans and donations in the future.”

An additional comment has also been made by Dr Harry Raffal, Head of Collections and Research, RAF Museum. “The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to be gifting these objects to Newark Air Museum with the knowledge that we are sharing the RAF story and making it more accessible to people across the country. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship and working together to inspire new generations.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale

Newark Aeroboot

Saturday 13th April, 2024

The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 13th April, 2024. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place alongside the quarterly meeting of Aviation Heritage UK (formerly known as BAPC).

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.

More than thirty (30) sellers, who come from around the UK have pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.

Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £11.00, Over 65s £10.00, Children £5.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £30.00.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.

Newark Air Museum Chinook Update

Newark Air Museum Chinook

Following the arrival of BV Chinook HC.1, ZA717 from RAF Cranwell back in February 2018 Newark Air Museum became the first Accredited Independent museum in the UK to acquire and display a Royal Air Force (RAF) registered Chinook helicopter.

Since its arrival the museum staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to acquire missing airframe panels and structures from many normal disposal sources, including the original manufacturer.

Sadly, these efforts have been to no avail, so the museum’s resourceful volunteers have now started to fabricate missing and damaged items for the nose section and side sponsons on this unique Chinook rebuild project.

The majority of the damage that is being repaired was caused during a non-fatal flying incident on 25th July, 1989 that saw ZA717 ‘written-off’ at RAF Mount Pleasant, in the Falkland Islands. Having been transported back to the UK, ZA717 was later used at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire to train Aircrew Loadmasters in slinging techniques and load securing methods.
These ongoing repair and restoration works will soon be more visible as the museum is planning to reposition the Chinook and nearby Puma XW208 helicopter, to make them both more accessible. This move will also benefit the museum’s long-term plan to use ZA717 as an interactive education space / resource for visiting groups of school children, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets.