Museum visitors will again be given the chance to experience being a WWII fighter pilot by using a Spitfire simulator. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley launched the Spitfire Simulator on the anniversary of Battle of Britain Day last year.
Now bookings have reopened with sessions available to book on various dates throughout the year. These include:
The simulator, commissioned and owned by Operation Spitfire, has been designed to feel authentic in the cockpit, with realistic interiors and controls.
It has been installed as the city celebrates its Centenary in 2025, with a year-long programme of events and activities celebrating its heritage and more.
Julian Mitchell, great nephew of Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell, said: “The simulator not only gives visitors the chance to actually sit in and fly a Spitfire, but it’s core to a new school’s curriculum package developed by Operation Spitfire and the Museum which we’re currently rolling out to local schools, it’s all about making history relevant through education”.
The design and construction of the simulator has been carried out by students, apprentice technicians and staff at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham led by Dr Mark Jabbal. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the council, said: “The Spitfire Simulator is a massive achievement in technology and construction.
“With the talents of so many people and the generosity of Operation Spitfire and Peter Coates, this is an amazing addition to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and is yet another reason why the museum is a great place to visit in Stoke-on-Trent. This is fantastic to have as we approach our Centenary year, we are incredibly proud of our heritage and of our contribution to the nation and that’s why we included the Spitfire in our Centenary logo. I encourage everyone to visit the museum, have a go on the simulator and experience what it’s like to fly a Spitfire.”
Bookings for the simulator are now open. To see what experiences are on offer and to book visit stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/spitfire-simulator. Residents who do not have access to the internet can book in person at the museum.
