Comment & Analysis
Nestling in the local wilderness, occupying the former site of RAF Doncaster, is a museum dedicated to preserving the rich aviation history of South Yorkshire.
The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, also known as Aeroventure, is run by enthusiastic volunteers. Its story begins in 1973 when it was a society with a small display at Nostell Priory. The museum grew and in the 1980s it moved to the former RAF Firbeck site, opening to the public in 1986. In the late 1990s, the museum moved to its current site.
On approaching the site, visitors encounter the Piper PA-23 Apache plane and the nose section of an Avro Vulcan B2. Nearby, two small Vulcan bomber alert crew vans from RAF Finningley, which have recently been refurbished, house the Royal Observatory Corps (ROC) exhibition and the communications and radio display room.
The ROC exhibition traces the Corps’ fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a voluntary organisation that reported and tracked flying aircraft, to the Cold War when it gained responsibility for monitoring and assessing the effects of a nuclear attack on the UK. Here, visitors can get an insight into the role of the ROC and see the instruments used for its operations.
The communications and radio display room is home to the amateur radio station that was first set up at the museum while it was situated at RAF Firbeck. But this amateur radio station is not just for adults – visitors both young and old are invited to get involved by talking to the operators and transmitting their own messages worldwide.
A barracks hut designed in 1935 for RAF stations and temporary accommodation has also been converted, and shelters light aircraft such as the Vickers Valetta, the Scottish Aviation Bulldog and the nose section of the Hawker Siddeley 125 “Jet Dragon”.
Outside there are plenty more planes, parts and nose sections to see, including the Handley Page Jetstream and the Blackburn Beverley C1.
Another, larger hut is home to the Helicopter Preservation Group and the Sheffield Blitz exhibition. The latter records the winter attacks of 1940 and their effect on the local population. There’s a treasure trove of artefacts to peruse here, from Vickers Wellington Bomber gun triggers and WW2 signalling lamps to a collection of spooky gas
masks and even a nose off a Firestreak missile.
Tucked away in the back is the Cessna 172 simulator, where gadget lovers and aspiring pilots can have a go at “flying high”.
Taking centre stage in the main hangar is the replica of the Blériot Type XI monoplane, which first flew in 1909. The plane had ground-breaking technologies for its day, such as the castering landing gear that allowed for crosswind landings.
If helicopters are more your thing, there are plenty of those here, too. Among the collection is the Westland Gazelle, a lightweight utility helicopter, and a more modern Westland Scout. Many of the cockpits are readily accessible to visitors, so it’s a great opportunity to jump in and get a feel for the different types of aircraft.
And an outstanding collection of engines dating back to the First World War is not to be missed. Engineers can get up close and personal with the inner workings of engines such as the Liberty L-12, the Pratt & Whitney Wasp, the Armstrong-Siddeley Viper, the Rolls-Royce Dart and the Blackburn Palouste.
5 things to see
Blériot Type XI monoplane
The replica was built in 2009 for the 100th anniversary of the 1909 Air Meeting in Doncaster.
Flight simulator
“Soar through the skies” by taking control of the Cessna 172 aircraft.
Engine room
Dozens of mighty plane engines can be seen in the main hangar.
Cockpit experience
Visitors are invited to try out the different aeroplane cockpits.
Amateur radio
Learn all about communication systems, radio and wireless transmission.