A Pilot’s View of Historic Aircraft

PRESS RELEASE – Aviation fans from across the country are being given the chance to sit inside some of the world’s most historic aircraft at the Open Cockpits Evening being held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next month. Just 300 tickets are available for this exclusive evening on Saturday 20 September, where a wide range of aircraft will be available for close viewing on the night: including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes.Aircraft enthusiasts will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these much loved machines by entering their cockpits and enjoying a Pilot’s view. In addition to this, visitors will have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum which displays a collection of over 70 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artifacts within three wartime hangars and the award-winning National Cold War Exhibition.

The aircraft open on the night will span the Museum’s entire collection ranging from research and development aircraft often produced in secrecy and built to test a new theory, to war planes that have seen action in several conflicts. Research and development aircraft will include the Bristol 188, built mainly of stainless steel and designed to investigate the effects of heat on aircraft structures at very high speeds and the Saunders-Roe SR53 interceptor which used a rocket motor to climb rapidly to high altitudes.Fans of the modern jet will have the opportunity to sit inside the Harrier GR9, often referred to as the Jump Jet. This famous family of British-designed military jet aircraft were capable of vertical/short take-off and landing operations and only retired from operational service with the RAF in December 2010. Much older aircraft will include the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a German fighter aircraft widely used by the Luftwaffe during World War Two. So whether you’re interested in seeing how manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of aircraft design or you’re keen to see up close aircraft that have served in conflicts across the globe, there will be something for every aviation fan to enjoy.

The event, which is held twice a year in May and September, has been a complete sell out for the last five events and with less than half the tickets remaining, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets soon to avoid disappointment.The evening will commence at 6.00pm and finish at 9.00pm, with numbers onto the Museum site strictly limited to 300 people – providing enthusiasts with three hours to examine the Museum’s historic and wondrous aircraft in an exclusive environment. Admission is by advance ticket only; tickets cost £12.50 per person and are available to purchase through the Museum’s website. Museum members price £10.00 per ticket (please note membership cards will need to be shown on entry to the event). Parking charges are included in the ticket price. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply.

The Museum will close at 5.00pm on Saturday 20 September in order to set up for the Open Cockpits Evening event. For further information on the ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ or to purchase your tickets online visit www.rafmuseum.org.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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