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Yorkshire Air Museum Marks 40th Anniversary with Special Flying Display and Celebration
The Yorkshire Air Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary on August 11, 2025, with a special day of flying displays and exhibitions. Marking four decades since its inaugural open day in 1985, the event will feature three vintage aircraft—including a Blackburn B2 that flew during the museum’s very first display—along with classic 1980s cars and a new exhibit showcasing the museum’s rich history.
A beautiful aerial photo of the Yorkshire Air Museum. Notice the WWII era Quonset huts.
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The Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Monday, August 11, 2025, with a special day of activities, including a rare flying display by three vintage aircraft—one of which flew over the museum during its inaugural event in 1985. Founded in 1985 as a charitable trust, the museum was established on the former site of RAF Elvington after a determined group of volunteers spent months clearing the derelict and overgrown airfield. On August 11 of that year, the public was welcomed through its gates for the very first time. Now, four decades later, the museum is inviting the community to commemorate that milestone with a full day of aviation heritage.
Initial work in 1985 on the future site of the museum
The highlight of the celebration will be an aerial display featuring a Blackburn B2 biplane, a Miles Messenger, and a Bücker Jungmann, with each aircraft performing a seven-minute demonstration. The Blackburn B2 holds particular significance, having flown in the original 1985 open day, piloted by one of the museum’s founding trustees, Robert Sage—a former Halifax bomber pilot from RAF Elvington.
Aerial view of the site in 1986
In addition to the flying program, visitors can enjoy a display of vintage 1980s cars and explore a new exhibition chronicling the museum’s origins, growth, and legacy. Normal admission applies, but as a tribute to the museum’s founding year, guests born in 1985 will receive entry at the original 1985 ticket price of £1.
XL231 joined 139 Squadron on 1 February 1962, returning to Handley Page for conversion to a B(S.R) Mk 2 in November 1963 and joining the Wittering Wing in July 1964. It was converted to become the prototype K.2 Tanker on January 23, 1972, and saw service in the Falklands War, supporting air operations from Ascension Island, and later in the Gulf War. Photo via Yorkshire Aviation Museum
“This is a celebration of how far we’ve come,” said Jerry Ibbotson, Communications Manager at the Yorkshire Air Museum. “From humble beginnings, the museum has grown into one of the UK’s most important independent aviation museums. This event is not just about looking back—it’s about showing where we’re headed, with recent additions like the Tucano and the freshly repainted Victor.” The event is open to all visitors during regular museum hours. No advance booking or special tickets are required. For more information, visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.orgAerial view in May 2025
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.
