NOTE: We are located on an operational military base therefore we are subject to their plans and schedules.
Our 2025 Opening dates are listed here:
Sunday 6th April Sunday 4th May Sunday 1st June Sunday 6th July Sunday 3rd August Saturday 16th August Sunday 7th September Saturday 20th September Sunday 5th October
Yet another successful day across at the HAS Site today.
As part of our routine maintenance of the aircraft, the jets need to be moved periodically to avoid the tyres getting flat spots. This is a standard aviation industry procedure for aircraft that are parked up for a long period of time.
HAS25, some jets and our faithful tractor
So, since we were going to be moving the aircraft for maintenance purposes anyway, we thought it would also be a good idea to make it an aircraft towing practice day.
This allowed us to train and refresh the skills of a number of our volunteers so that there are more people available to carry out these tasks in the future.
An initial bit of instruction on the basics of using and operating our tractor was followed by some aircraft ground handling and manoeuvring lessons, with all aims achieved.
Basic Tractor operation instructions
By expanding the knowledge and skills to more volunteers, we are in a better position in the future as we now have a larger number of competent and confident aircraft towing team members.
Continued work over at the HAS site this week as usual, even when there are no public Open Days or private visits taking place.
Phantom Canopy Cover in place
This week we took delivery of another custom-made aircraft canopy cover, in a similar style to our previously purchased Meteor canopy cover. A small team were on-site to fit the cover and secure it correctly to the Phantom. This cover will help ensure that the Phantom cockpits are kept dry and free from debris, as well as keeping the glass and perspex out of direct sunlight.
This cover is relatively easy to fit/remove when needed, and is great added protection to the aircraft. Thanks go to all the team involved in obtaining and fitting this cover, as well as the supplier.
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The official start of Meteorological Summer brought the usual blue skies and warm weather to Suffolk for our latest Open Day.
Following a morning of aircraft maintenance and minor restoration tasks, we were very pleased to host a variety of individuals and groups from far and wide who showed a great interest in both the Museum and the aircraft across at the Hardened Aircraft Shelter.
A former pilot of our Phantom XT914 was most appreciative of the access provided to him, as were all the visitors who took advantage of our usual open-cockpit policy.
We were also very grateful to accept a number of donated artefacts that had a connection and relevance to Wattisham, these will be looked after.
A bright sunny April day saw our first public Open Day of 2025.
We welcomed our visitors to the main Museum and across at the Hardened Aircraft Shelter to take advantage of the glorious sunny (but cold) conditions.
Thanks go to all our visitors for their interest during the day, and also to our hard-working volunteers whose efforts over the Winter have come to fruition.
If you want to come and give us a visit, check out the Museum Visit Page on the website.
A selection of pictures are shown here.
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