A day out - and in the cockpit

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Today was a busy day in Aviation. I missed:
- XH558 at SouthPort Airshow
- XL426 at SouthEnd Visit the Vulcan Day
- Croydon Airport 50th Anniversary flypast
and instead attended one of Gatwick Aviation Museum's few open days.

With not one, but two Avro Shackletons (including one of the only two running Mk3's in the world) and aircraft ranging from an English Electric Lightning to a Harrier Jumpjet, this small unique museum provides a fascinating day out.

Sited in an area of pictoresque countryside just outside Gatwick Airport, the museum's aircraft are housed outdoors, while the buildings contain models, engines and more. Most of the aircraft are either live or under restoration by volunteers. The museum provides extensive educational opportunities for students and has a number of independant volunteers working on the aircraft.

One of the treasures of the collection are indoors in the engine rooms - as well as the Conways, and Avon engines, there are two Bristol Olympus engines from the cancelled TSR2 programme.

As a day out, the day is very much what you make of it. With a little knowledge of aviation (or picking up a guidebook and being prepared to ask questions) the open day is a chance for anyone to learn about classic aircraft and have fun doing it.

So, while I may have missed seeing classic aircraft fly, I think I made the right choice. Besides, the opportunity to have a look inside an Avro Shackleton and get into the cockpit was not one I would pass up.

There is a lens and a full review on the way.

Meanwhile for anyone interested, the museum's official site is at http://www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk/ and their next open day is on October 11th.