Gatwick Aviation Museum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gatwick Aviation Museum

View plus logo of Hangar at Gatwick Aviation Museum
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Established	1987 (1987), re-opened in 2016 (2016)
Location	Vallance By-Ways, Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0BT
Founder	Peter Vallance

The Gatwick Aviation Museum is a super cool place to visit in Charlwood, Surrey, United Kingdom. It's right next to Gatwick Airport! This museum is packed with amazing aircraft, engines, and lots of interesting stuff about planes and flying.

Discover the Museum's History

The museum started way back in 1987. A local businessman named Peter Vallance began collecting old planes and aviation items as a private hobby. In 1999, his collection became a registered charity. This meant it could help teach people about local aviation history. It also became a special learning center for students and schoolchildren.

The museum works closely with Central Sussex College. Students taking aerospace courses use the museum's facilities. This helps them get hands-on training with real aircraft. Sadly, Peter Vallance passed away in 2013. A special trust he set up now runs the museum.

In 2016, a brand new museum building opened its doors to the public. Many aircraft that used to be outside are now safely kept indoors. Inside the building, you'll find a shop where you can buy souvenirs. There's also a refreshment area for snacks and drinks. You can even try a flight simulator! Plus, you can learn all about the history of Gatwick Airport. The museum is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Explore Amazing Aircraft on Display

The Gatwick Aviation Museum has a fantastic collection of aircraft. You can see many different types, from powerful jets to older propeller planes.

Cool Planes Outside the Museum

Some of the museum's impressive aircraft are displayed outdoors. These big planes are a sight to behold!

The Buccaneer S.1 outside the Gatwick Aviation Museum

• Avro Shackleton Mk.3 MR3 (WR982 coded "J")
• Blackburn Buccaneer S1 (XN923)
• Hawker Hunter F51
• Percival Sea Prince T1 (Former Royal Navy WP308)

Awesome Aircraft Inside the Hangar

Many other aircraft are kept inside the museum's main building. This protects them from the weather and lets you get a closer look.

The Sea Vixen, Hunter T.7, Harrier GR3 and Lightning F.53.

• English Electric Lightning F53 (53-671 Royal Saudi Air Force)
• de Havilland Sea Vixen TT.8 (XS587)
• de Havilland Venom FB50 (J1605)
• Gloster Meteor T7 (VZ638)
• Hawker Hunter T7 (XL591)
• Hawker Sea Hawk FB5 (XE364)
• Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 (XV751)

See Inside Cockpits and Nose Sections

You can even explore parts of some aircraft up close! The museum has special nose sections and cockpits that you can look into.

Accessible Canberra Nose Section

• Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
• English Electric Canberra
• English Electric Lightning

Discover Powerful Engines on Display

Aircraft need powerful engines to fly! The museum has a large collection of different types of aircraft engines. You can see how these amazing machines work.

The General Electric CF6 turbo-fan gas turbine outside the museum.

Some of the engines on display.

See also

• List of aerospace museums