HEATHROW visitors centre, next door the Renaissance Hotel and well signposted via the northern perimeter road, is paying its own unique tribute to the centenary of powered flight with the opening of an exhibition of memorabilia that traces the development of aviation since 1903. The display has been put together by the Heathrow branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society and covers aviation from 1903 to the present day, as well as an insight into future developments. A replica of the Wright brothers' simple wind tunnel for testing aircraft models is on view and featured prominently is a tribute to jet engine pioneer Sir Frank Whittle. Hawker, English Electric, de Havilland, Bristol, Blackburn, AVRO, Vickers and Hawker Siddeley, great names in British aviation in the 20th century, are all represented. Entry is free and parking is easy. There is also a caf” plus the permanent display on the history of Heathrow, and a viewing balcony.
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