Opened by Viscount Trenchard in 2014, the James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre (JMFHC) was originally created to inform, promote and inspire air mindedness in RAF recruits, air cadets, youth organisations and school children. Now open to all visitors, it extends the scope of the Trenchard Museum with exhibits illustrating the history of military flying, flight simulation and the development of aircraft engines and safety equipment using classic training aids and equipment purchased with funds donated by a variety of charitable trusts.

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The flight centre is named after James McCudden who served at Halton with No 3 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1913 as an engine mechanic.  James subsequently became a RFC pilot and was one of the most decorated pilots in British Military History. Sadly, at the age of 23 and the rank of Major, he was killed in a flying accident.

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​​JMFHC exhibits include three working Link Trainers (early flight simulators) which were used to train pilots in instrument flying. During your visit you can experience flying a simulated Chipmunk aircraft into RAF Halton and also fly a variety of other aircraft in our latest (VR) cockpit simulator.

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Additional displays of aircraft engines take visitors from the period of simple piston engines through early gas turbine to the modern jet engine, all featuring moving cutaway displays. A collection of ejection seats, guided missiles, air navigation instruments, and a sit in a real Chipmunk cockpit add to the Centre’s visitor experience. Finally, visitors can stand next to a complete Panavia Tornado engine complete with thrust reverser and wonder how they fitted two of these enormous “beasts” in the aircraft.