Welcome to the ATA’s study and exhibition space - home of Grandma Flew Spitfires!

The Air Transport Auxiliary Exhibition and Archive tells a forgotten story of courage, skill and sacrifice. 70 years on, it is difficult to believe that Britain was so desperate that the amateur pilots of Air Transport Auxiliary, (men and women), were allowed to fly dozens of different types of war plane between factories and front line squadrons. But it is true, as you will discover when you visit Grandma Flew Spitfires at Maidenhead Heritage Centre in Berkshire.

Why Maidenhead? Because Air Transport Auxiliary’s headquarters airfield was at White Waltham, just 30 seconds flying by Spitfire from Maidenhead Heritage Centre, where you will find one of the largest collections of ATA memorabilia and records anywhere in the world. For the first time, this Air Transport Auxiliary collection is now on permanent display. Come and discover the inspiring story of ordinary men and women who achieved extraordinary things.

Best of all, you can fly a Spitfire simulator, just like the intrepid men and women of Air Transport Auxiliary!

HALF TERM OPENING

All available slots on the simulator are booked. But see what our visitors have said:

"A fantastic reslistic simulator. I want one for my birthday"

"It was fun. I liked the rolling"

"Amazing - I was up there"

"Beautifully presented exhibition & wondeful Spitfire Simulator"