Gatwick Aviation Museum

The Gatwick Aviation Museum has a unique collection of British aircraft from the "Golden Age" of British aircraft manufacture. From the end of WWII until the 1970s British aircraft designers produced some of the most innovative and advanced aircraft of the day. From post war to cold war, this museum clearly shows that timeline in aviation terms. Some of the aircraft are capable of running their engines on event days; and it is intended to get as many aircraft as possible restored and into working order. This is thanks to the team of museum staff and volunteers who are helping to restore and maintain these unique aircraft. Both the Avro Shackleton MR3 and English Electric Lightning F. 53 are now performing public engine runs on event days. HistoryOriginally started in 1987 as a private collection by local businessman Peter Vallance, the museum became a registered charity in 1999 with the objective of providing awareness of local aviation history and as an educational centre for the general public, particularly for local students and schoolchildren. A close relationship exists between the museum and the Central Sussex College which uses the museum's facilities to provide practical training for the students taking aerospace courses. The museum has a varied collection of aircraft, aircraft engines and over 500 aircraft models. The museum also has displays and artifacts related to local aviation history particularly Gatwick Airport. Aircraft may run their engines during museum open days.

The Gatwick Aviation Museum has a unique collection of British aircraft from the "Golden Age" of British aircraft manufacture. From the end of WWII until the 1970s British aircraft designers produced some of the most innovative and advanced aircraft of the day. From post war to cold war, this museum clearly shows that timeline in aviation terms. Some of the aircraft are capable of running their engines on event days; and it is intended to get as many aircraft as possible restored and into working order. This is thanks to the team of museum staff and volunteers who are helping to restore and maintain these unique aircraft. Both the Avro Shackleton MR3 and English Electric Lightning F. 53 are now performing public engine runs on event days. HistoryOriginally started in 1987 as a private collection by local businessman Peter Vallance, the museum became a registered charity in 1999 with the objective of providing awareness of local aviation history and as an educational centre for the general public, particularly for local students and schoolchildren. A close relationship exists between the museum and the Central Sussex College which uses the museum's facilities to provide practical training for the students taking aerospace courses. The museum has a varied collection of aircraft, aircraft engines and over 500 aircraft models. The museum also has displays and artifacts related to local aviation history particularly Gatwick Airport. Aircraft may run their engines during museum open days.