In the past these have included visits to ATC Control Towers, on board different aircraft types, visits to Airport Fire Stations, Police Stations, Photo Shoots on an airfield, Aircraft Simulators, Emergency Control Centres, Flight Catering Units, Trips down a Runway, and Aircraft maintenance hangars!
Since its formation (over 45 years ago) The Aviation Society (TAS) has operated trips “Behind the Scenes” at airports for its members. These unique tours enable our Members to have a detailed look at the workings of an organisation, perhaps not normally seen by the public.
BHST to Jet2 Training facility in Stockport - May 2025 “Slides Armed!”
Future Tour Dates:-
Manchester Airport Main Fire Station – Tuesday 27th January 2026
Time to be confirmed
Please note Manchester Airport Watch Scheme Membership needed for this visit.
Visit TAS Website https://www.tasmanchester.com/manchesterairportwatchscheme for details of membership to MAWS
£5 Charity donation charged
Sky People Training, North Manchester – Tuesday Evening 1900 hours 24th February
This will be a BHST with a difference!!!
It will be an interactive evening, everyone will be able to take part in any or all of the following activities:-
Fire Rig and smoked filled chamber
Emergency slide descent
Door Trainers
The cost for the evening is just £10 (in cash) per person and this will be donated to Sky People Training’s local charity. This tour is exclusively for TAS Members.
This is a great opportunity to take part in things you never want to encounter in real life!!!
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HOW DO I BOOK?
It's easy! All you have to do is send e-mail to our Behind the Scenes Coordinator – Pam Barker requesting that a place is reserved for you on a particular trip and also providing a contact telephone number. OR you may attend a TAS Social Evening and make the booking and payment direct. This is the most efficient and our preferred way for you to book. Remember you have to be a Member of TAS to book so we will need your Membership number on booking. The e-mail address for booking and any further info is:-
How DO I PAY?
If you are reserving your place in advance via e-mail the booking is not confirmed until a cash payment is made at a TAS Social Evening. It's easier therefore if you can go along to a Social Evening and make your booking on site. For persons who are unable to get to the Social Evening, Pam will make mutually convenient arrangements with you via e-mail for the payment.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of each Behind the Scenes Tour is normally £5 per person (subject to change dependant on tour). In some circumstances the host organisation may have an additional standard charge (e.g. entrance fee) – you will be informed of this at the time of booking.
HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?
You will receive instructions at the time of booking. However, as a general rule it will be your responsibility to make your own way to the venue. If you are able to offer transport to another Member i.e. Car Sharing – Please let Pam know at the time of booking.
Special Requirements?
Where possible we will inform you in advance of any special arrangements such as the requirement to have a valid Airport Watch Scheme Pass or any Car Parking information at the venue etc. Cameras are normally allowed on all the Behind the Scenes Tours.
How long does the tour last?
Every tour is unique but as a general rule will last approximately 2 hours.
Can I have a refund if I don't turn up?
No refunds are given unless the Tour is cancelled by the host organisation / TAS. In such circumstances you will be advised in advance. Please inform Pam if you are unable to attend (having booked) as it would be unfair on the host and group if they were to be delayed as a result of waiting for you to arrive.