New Opening Hours From 16th April 2012

Monday and Tuesdays   CLOSED  (Except Bank Holidays)

Wednesday – Sunday  10am – 6pm

Essential Charity Established

To Save Endangered National Heritage

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new charitable trust which is being set up with the aim of securing the future of the unique collection of classic British aircraft assembled at Coventry. There is a strong tradition in Britain of preserving the nation’s industrial and technological heritage, and the creation of the Classic Aircraft trust follows in this great tradition.

Nevertheless, rising costs and shortage of parts and technical skills make operating vintage jets expensive and challenging. In order to better confront these challenges, TCAT is being set up to provide the basis for a solid financial footing for this unique collection.

Tim Skeet, Chairman of the Trust explains:

 “There are numerous examples of Britain’s early post war aircraft sitting in museums but very few that remain airworthy. This new trust has been set up to ensure that we can raise funds efficiently to secure the future of the little aircraft we have left. It has taken years to get the Meteor T7 back in the air and our aim is to try and ensure that it and the rest of the fleet can be flown.

“This unique collection founded by Mike Collett, includes iconic examples of early post war aircraft, built by long gone names from British aviation history, including Gloster, de Havilland, English Electric and Scottish Aviation. Ensuring that future generations can learn about the technology and design features of this early post war technology is only really possible if the equipment still fully works.

“Besides keeping those aircraft that are already airworthy fully operational the trust plans restore the historic altitude record breaking Canberra B2/6 to flying condition. This, along with the collection’s T4, are two of the last potentially airworthy examples of a world beating and innovative British design that revolutionised jet development.

“The Trust will also continue to operate the Meteor T7, Britain’s oldest flying jet aircraft, and its sister the Meteor NF11, besides examples of the Vampire and later Venom fighter from the 1950s.”

These aircraft will not only thrill crowds at airshows; they will be the centrepieces of an educational experience at AIRBASE, where students and enthusiasts can learn about the engineering, design and history of these machines. Visitors will be able to examine airframes, engines and find out about systems developments in aircraft that are still able to do precisely what they were conceived to do- take to the air.

Mr Mike Collett Founder and Trustee of The Classic Aircraft Trust Ltd concluded:

 “It has taken significant efforts to bring these very rare aircraft together and keep them flying. The efforts of many people lie behind these unique machines, which are so different from modern computer designed and operated, composite built aircraft. It is vital that we preserve these aircraft as a collection for the nation that designed and built them. This is a major part of our heritage.”

“I am proud to have founded the Trust and look forward to working closely with Tim and the other Trustees to ensure the Charity secures a positive future for the aircraft that ultimately made air travel possible today.”

For more information visit: www.keepthemflying.co.uk

Mercia Radio Breakfast Show

On Friday the 29^th July AIRBASE played host to the Mercia Radio, JD Breakfast Show. JD the shows presenter, aided by Roisin and Producer Tom took to the skies for a ride with a twist or two. JD who had a birthday from hell, was treated by Roisin and Tom to a aerobatics flight in AIRBASE’s Chipmunk, with loop the loops and barrel rolls. Watch JD’s video by clicking the link in the video links.

New Conference Suite Opens in Coventry

AIRBASE, the only live air museum in Europe based at Coventry Airport was pleased to welcome AOPA as the first organisation to hire their newly launched conference suite.

AIRBASE, conference facilities offers a truly unique venue hire for any event. Offering a unique location which is surrounded by iconic aircraft provides an extra attraction for your conference, seminar, banqueting, training seminars or meeting room hire. Easily accessible from the main motorway connections and Coventry station makes this venue the perfect place for meeting clients. We can cater for meetings from 2 – 40 delegates and we have the added advantage of hosting up to 1,000 guests in our aircraft hangar.

Chris Royle explains:

“This was the perfect venue for our monthly meetings, nothing was too much trouble and the service was excellent. The menu choices consisted of a good variety too. Aside from the conference suite AIRBASE offered a very unique location – being able to walk around the museum afterwards was a good talking point and helped build relationships. Had we more time we’d have booked a pleasure flight too, but perhaps we’ll save that for next time. We’ve already booked again for next month”.

AIRBASE is the home of Europe’s largest collection of
privately owned and operational jet aircraft.
ome and see us for a great day out.