Fleet Air Arm Museum

While I was away on Holiday a few weeks ago I visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yoevil. I've never been to this museum before, and while it's not as large as the collection at Hendon (pictures here and here), I did find it very interesting and enjoyable to explore. There were lots of detailed models and information available for viewers as well as plenty of informative videos throughout the exhibition.




The museum charts the birth of the Fleet Air Arm from early experiments with ship launched aircraft right up to the modern carrier ships of today. The Carrier Experience was particularly interesting with visitors taking a simulated ride on a Wessex Helicopter out to a Carrier ship. When visitors exit the Helicopter they step out onto the flight deck of a carrier (simulated very well inside a huge hanger building). Simulated takeoffs and landings using static display aircraft and huge projection screens give a really good sense of the noise and frenetic activity of the flight deck.