Aircraft Access Volunteers: Vulcan and Cold War Experience

Our Vulcan and Cold War volunteers take visitors on a journey of a lifetime. They make people's dreams of sitting in our Vulcan and Phantom aircraft come true! 

What is the role? 

We are proud to offer the chance to join a very special team of volunteers offering our visitors the rare opportunity to take part in the Vulcan and Cold War Experience. This starts with the chance to sit inside our stunning Avro Vulcan B2 before being taken on a tour of London’s Cold War aircraft and ending in a cockpit tour and the chance to sit in the pilot seat of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2. The experience has been carefully crafted by our team of volunteers with the guidance and support of our Events and Collections teams.  

For the last few years, these extra special access events have taken place on the first Wednesday and last Tuesday of each month; and every year we sell out in a matter of weeks. So now we are looking to offer more sessions and give people the chance to buy a very sought after ticket. We will be offering the experience on the first Wednesday and last Tuesday, of the month from January to November in 2025.  

What will I be doing? 

You will deliver an exclusive tour and experience to our visitors – young and old - sharing your knowledge of the Cold War and these amazing aircraft. You will first show your guests inside the Vulcan, then deliver a tour, and finally show them inside the Phantom. 

As a new volunteer, you will start off being trained on the tour, then you will move on to accessing the Phantom, before moving to accessing the Vulcan. The contents of the tour are scripted, but volunteers are welcome to add their own anecdotes and knowledge. 

This role is perfect for you if you… 

·         Have some knowledge, and a lot of enthusiasm for Cold War History and the RAF, 

·         Have some free time on a Tuesday or Wednesday, 

·         Are okay with heights and confined spaces, 

·         Would like to support the mission of the RAF Museum, 

·         Are personable, friendly and approachable  

·         Enjoy making people feel welcome and love to engage with our family audience 

How much time would I need to commit?  

· We are looking for volunteers who can commit to at least one day every two months. You are welcome to volunteer as much as you like after that.  

· Sessions are available on a Tuesday and Wednesday only. It is the Volunteers’ choice which days they sign up to do. The timing is from 10am to 4pm. Some flexibility is possible. 

What’s in it for me? 

·        Become part of a great team of volunteers and staff, 

·        Meet new people and have new experiences, 

·        Exclusive access to the Phantom and Vulcan aircraft, 

·        Discounts in our gift shop and on site café, 

·        Free access to Flight Zone and similar attractions on site, 

·        Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy, 

·        Free entry to a wide selection of other museum and heritage sites and exhibitions nationwide. 

.        Free onsite parking.

What happens next? 

We will hold a Taster Day on 4th February to give suitable applicants a feel for the role and the opportunity to meet current volunteers.