Take flight at the National Museum of Flight. Image credit © Andy Catlin

Take flight this half term at the National Museum of Flight

At the National Museum of Flight this half term, master the skills needed by pilots during the Second World War. Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families can enjoy hands-on activities as part of Pilot Training School, running from Saturday 14 to Wednesday 18 February. 

A selection of images is available for press use here.  

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to step into the shoes of wartime aviators and test their abilities with a range of interactive activities. Participants can learn to read maps and use compasses for navigation, construct and fly steerable paper aeroplanes, and explore authentic pilot uniforms and flying gear.  

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: 

“As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.  I hope our young visitors will enjoy learning about this fascinating part of East Fortune’s history during the Second World War and to see whether they have what it takes to become a pilot.” 

The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Pilot Training School is free with museum admission, offering a fun and educational experience for families exploring aviation history together. While at the museum, visitors can also take part in pilot aptitude challenges in the Fantastic Flight gallery and follow the Second World War Trail around the historic site. 

The National Museum of Flight is located at East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian, housing Scotland’s national aviation collection within one of the United Kingdom’s best-preserved Second World War airfields and home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde.  

Pilot Training School 
Sat 14 - Wed 18 Feb, 11:30 - 15:00 
National Museum of Flight 
Free with museum admission 
nms.ac.uk/events 

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Notes to editors

Notes to editors: 

1. The National Museum of Flight  

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF 
Tel: 0300 123 6789 

Adult £14.50 £15.50   
Over 65s £12.50 £13.50    
Concession (Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot)** £11.50 £12.50    
Child (5-15 years) £9.50 £10.50    
Under 5s Free     

Book in advance to save and discounts are available for family and large group bookings. 

Tickets can be booked online nms.ac.uk/flight 

February half-term opening hours: 
Sat 14 - Wed 18 Feb  
10:00 - 16:00 

Opening hours:  
Nov - Mar, Weekends only, 10:00 - 16:00 
Apr - Oct, Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00 
Closed 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 1 Jan, 2 Jan

2. National Museums Scotland

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.   

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland  

Instagram: @NationalMuseumsScotland  

Bheireadh Oifis nam Meadhanan eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig den bhrath-naidheachd seachad do bhuidhinn mheadhanan bharantaichte. Cuiribh fios do dh'Oifis nam Meadhanan airson bruidhinn air cinn-latha freagarrach. 

3. National Museums Scotland has received over £5million in funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through the Postcode Culture Trust.