Editor Pick
The Helicopter Museum
The museum was founded in 1958 when aviation writer and publisher Elfan Rees began to build a private collection of rotorcraft documentation. By 1969, this included a complete Westland Sycamore which was followed by further acquisitions and the formation of a volunteer group of like-minded enthusiasts. In 1974 this group evolved into the British Rotorcraft Museum with the aim of increasing the collection and opening it to the public. The collection increased to nine aircraft by 1979 although the hunt was still on for a permanent site where the machines could be displayed.
In 1981 the Museum became a Limited Company and Registered Charity, allowing it to qualify for grant aid and sponsorship from the helicopter industry. By 1988, the collection contained over 50 aircraft and with support from Westland Helicopters, moved to it’s present site on part of the old Weston Airport which was officially opened by Prince Andrew the following year.
This museum is the only one of its kind in the U.K. It charts the history and development of rotary-winged aircraft, how they actually work, and illustrates their diverse roles in today’s technological age. The collection features some world famous craft including the world speed record holder, two aircraft from the Queen’s Flight, various one-off prototypes and a fearsome Russian Mil-24 attack helicopter. There are also a huge collection of models and audio-visual displays for many of the exhibits.
For those wanting a little more “hands-on” experience, “open cockpit days” feature regularly throughout the year where visitors can sit inside the craft and learn how it flies and actual flights can be taken at various prearranged dates.
Part of the main hangar is given over to a large workshop where skillful enthusiasts renovate recent additions to the collection. They are quite happy to show you around, time permitting.
The main exhibit hall features dozens of aircraft from all corners of the world, large and small, military and commercial. There are many examples of Westland aircraft, Britain’s major helicopter manufacturer as well as French, Russian, American and German machines. In the office and cafeteria building, pictures and models chart the history of development of the helicopter starting with Leonardo da Vinci’s air screw design from 1489, the various rotary wing experiments in the early 20th century, the auto-gyros of the 1930s, the first helicopter successes of World War II and the birth of the conventional helicopter in the post-war years.
Top exhibits include a full range of Westland and Bristol aircraft, several Russian Mil’s, various small recreational craft, the huge Sud Super Frelon and the EH-101 that saved the fortunes of Westlands some 20 years ago. The staff here are particularly helpful and a couple of the volunteers were mingling with the visitors and offering expert advise and information on request.
The museum is to be found at Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare. Telephone 01934 635227. Open hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and December 24 to 26.
Winter opening November through March 10am to 4:30pm.
Website www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk
From journal Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Transport Museums in the West Country