AVIATION MUSEUMS

390TH MEMORIAL MUSEUM, The Joseph A. Moller Library, located on the grounds of Pima Air Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ, (602) 574-0287. Equipped with B-17 aircraft, the 390th Bombardment Group flew 301 combat missions out of England during WWII. Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

AIR GROUP ONE, Gillespie Field, San Diego, Calif., is the San Diego Wing of the CAF and their museum is open free to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Currently on display are an A-26 Invader, L-5 “Betsy” Stinson, SNJ “Sassy,” 1/2 scale Corsair, FM2 Wildcat and the rare P-82 Twin Mustang. General information, hangar rental and/or group tours are available. Call the museum (619) 448-4505.

AIR VICTORY MUSEUM, 68 Stacy Haines Rd., Medford, NJ 08055. Displays include WWII Link trainer, WWII memorabilia, engine displays, models, static display of F-14, F-86, F-104, F-4, A-7, A-4, RH-53 and an E-2B, gift shop and a reference library. Weekdays Call (609) 267-4488 for information. Saturday hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $3 per person, 3 years old and under free. Web site http://www.airvictorymuseum.org

AIRBORNE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, Southern Comfort Aerodrome (35W) near Parkton, NC. Fly-in and visit airborne displays, uniforms, artifacts, vehicles, C-47, L-19, PT-17, T-6. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, 12 to 5 p.m. Phone (910) 858-2206.

AIRPOWER MUSEUM, Blakesburg, Iowa and the Website of the Antique Airplane Association. The APM has over 20,000 square feet of display and storage space plus tons of many spare engine and aircraft parts, both on display and being made available to AAA members to assist in their restoration. The Airpower Museum features a large collection of aircraft, many of which are flown regularly. The APM has two missions that must be protected and nurtured: The Museum exists to preserve and educate. The APM, and Antique Airfield, is the site for a fly-in that means so much to antique airplane owners because it is a place where the “grass roots” of antique flying can still be experienced. For more info visit, www.antiqueairfield.com/apm/.

AMERICAN AIRPOWER HERITAGE MUSEUM - Located at the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters in Midland, Texas, the American Airpower Heritage Museum is internationally recognized for its collection of authentic World War II artifacts and memorabilia. The museum is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and holidays. For more information call (432) 563-1000.

AMERICAN AIRPOWER MUSEUM, Focus on America’s WWII heritage fighters and bombers, all of which are operational and participate in flight operations. See period vehicles, tour a restored control tower and visit our museum store. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, Republic Airport, 1300 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY, adjacent to runway 6/24. $9, $6 seniors and veterans, $4 children 5-13. For information call (631) 293-6398.

AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, 1220 American Blvd., Brandywine Airport, W. Chester, PA 19380. (610) 436-9600, FAX (610) 436-8642. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues. Our mission is to preserve for public enjoyment and education the origins and developmental history of helicopters in the U.S. Visitors will enjoy a growing collection of vintage rotorcraft, artifacts, photographs, interactive exhibits and ongoing educational programs and activities.

AVIATION HALL OF FAME OF NEW JERSEY, Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, NJ 07608. (201) 288-6344. Commemorates N.J. aviation history in a small facility. Photos, artifacts, aircraft components on display. Climb to the top of an old air traffic control tower and view airport activity. Daily hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 donation.

CAROLINAS AVIATION MUSEUM: 4108 Airport Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208. (704)-359-8442. Our purpose is to preserve the past, present and future aviation history of North and South Carolina. Commercial, civilian and military aviation artifacts are on exhibit. Aircraft on display include; an A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, UH1H Huey helicopter, Midget Mustang, T-28 Trojan, F-84G, Piedmont Airlines DC-3, OV-1, 1902 Wright Glider replica, P-80, OV-10, CH-34, F101-B, F-102, AH-1J Sea Cobra, Sikorsky HO3S, Kaman HOK Helicopter and an experimental Skycat. The museum is open from 10:00 to 5:00. Monday- Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00 on Sunday. Admission: $3.00/adults, $2.00/senior citizens, $1.00/students, children under 6 years are free.

COLLEGE PARK AIRPORT MUSEUM, 6709 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, Md., 20740, (301) 864-6029. Oldest continually operating airport in the world. The museum documents the site where Wilbur Wright taught the first military aviator to fly in 1909 as well as many other significant firsts in aviation history that happened at College Park Airport. Tours by request. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day except major holidays. www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

CRADLE OF AVIATION MUSEUM, Garden City, NY. In addition to its extensive collection of air and spacecraft, there will be an Aerospace Honor Roll listing those who contributed to Long Island’s aviation history and an IMAX® Dome Theater. E-mail address is cradleofaviation@hotmail.com; visit our web site at www.cradleofaviation.org or call (516) 572-0411.

DART AIRPORT AVIATION MUSEUM, Route 430, Mayville, NY 14757. (716) 753-2160. During fall/winter/spring, open by appointment only. Summer, open weekends. Antique planes, engines, propellers, and aviation memorabilia. Admission free.

EAA AIRVENTURE MUSEUM, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54901 Located at the intersection of Highways 41 and 44. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (920) 426-4800. Features nearly 100 airplanes on display from Homebuilts, vintage aircraft, Warbirds, record-setters and more. Eagle Hangar salutes men, women and aircraft of World War II era. Hangar X offers hands-on displays for young people. Pioneer Airport, with more than 30 vintage and light aircraft, open weekends May-October; daily Memorial Day-Labor day. Rates: $8 adults, $7.50 age 62 and older, $6.50 ages 8-17, under 8 FREE. Rental for business and social functions available. Web site: www.eaa.org.

EMPIRE STATE AEROSCIENCES MUSEUM, Schenectady County Airport, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville, NY 12302. (518) 377-2191. E-mail: esam@esam.org; Web-site: esam.org. Located on the Schenectady County Airport and the General Electric Test Flight Center. The Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of flight. Galleries include an Amelia Earhart exhibit, a 32-foot scale model of the Japanese aircraft carrier “Akagi,” a restored 1896 Chanute Hang Glider, a replica of a 1910 Curtiss Pusher, a Hot Air Balloon exhibit, an Aviation Hall of Fame and interactive displays. Displayed outside are: A-4F Skyhawk, F-4D Phantom II, F-101F Voodoo, F105G Thunderchief, A10 Thunderbolt Warthog, F-84F Thunderstreak, a T-2C Buckeye, A-6E Intruder, A-7E Corsair, F-14 Tomcat, MK-I Gnat, MiG-17 and MiG 21 and a UH1-M Huey helicopter. Hours: Wed & Sun, 12-4, Thur, Fri, Sat, 10-4. Admission: $5 adults, $2 age 12-16, free under age 12 when accompanied by an adult. Tours by appointment. Research Library hours: Tue, 9-12; Sat, 9-12 or by appointment.
FANTASY OF FLIGHT, Polk City, FL. Here you will experience the fun and adventure of flight at the World’s Greatest Aviation Attraction. Our stunning art deco facility is home to over 40 rare and vintage aircraft. We offer a variety of guided tours including visits to our working restoration and maintenance areas. You can climb inside the cockpit of a Corsair fighter for a battle over the Pacific and then take a spin on our state-of-the-art hang glide simulator in our Fun with Flight area. The fleet of vintage aircraft displayed at Fantasy of Flight features aircraft whose accomplishments have earned the admiration of knowledgeable aviators and inspired the imagination of those who have always dreamed of soaring above the clouds. The vintage aircraft, painstakingly acquired by lifelong aviation enthusiast and founder of Fantasy of Flight, Kermit Weeks, represents all eras of aviation from early flight to the 1950s. For more info visit www.fantasyofflight.com or call (863)984-3500

FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM AT Sun ‘n Fun, southwest quadrant of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, FL 33811 (approximately 1.5 miles east of County Line Rd., exit 25 from 1-4). Phone (863) 644-0741. Antiques, classics, homebuilts, warbirds, experimentals, engine displays, artifacts, gift shop and much more. Admission: adult $8, Seniors 55 and above $6; Students 8-12 $4, children 7 and under free, members free. Foundation memberships available. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. The website is www.sun-n-fun.org.

FLOYD BENNETT FIELD, BROOKLYN, NY. Former Naval Air Station until 1972 now officially known for its Air Museum in Hangar B. The Historical Aviation Restoration Projects, also known as HARP, has in the past 10 years obtained the following aircraft: Catalina PBY5A – under restoration; Grumman Goose, P2V, PT26 Cornell, C-47 Gooney Bird, Grumman Albatross, Coast Guard HH3, Stearman, Beechcraft B18, Skyhawk – all in various stages of restoration. Free admission, Mon.-Thurs., & Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call National Park Service for more information ((718) 338-3799.

GLEN L. MARTIN MARYLAND AVIATION MUSEUM, Martin State Airport, P.O. Box 5024, Middle River, Md. 21220. Hours of operation Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am - 3pm, Aircraft include B-57, F-100, A-7, RF-84F, T-33, F-4 and F-101, Martin 404. (410) 682-6122. web - www.marylandaviationmuseum.org.

GOLDEN AGE AIR MUSEUM, Bethel, PA was established in 1997, its mission is to entertain visitors and educate them about the early days of aviation, through its special events and daily operations. The museum offers the chance to explore the past, come and learn how the early aviators flew, what they flew and learn the lost art of early aircraft construction. Museum displays include full size operational aircraft and automobiles, as well as displays of artifacts from the Golden Age. Craftsmen are continually working on restoring new additions for the collection, this work is done in view of visitors. Talk with the restoration volunteers and learn techniques and practices of early aircraft builders. For more info visit www.goldenageair.org/museuminfo.htm or call 717-933-9566

INTREPID SEA-AIR-SPACE MUSEUM, Pier 86, West 46th St. and 12th Ave., N.Y.C., N.Y. 10036. (212) 245-0072. www.intrepidmuseum.org. The 900 foot long aircraft carrier-Intrepid is the centerpiece of the world’s largest museum of naval aeronautic history. Enjoy the 20 minute film “Intrepid Wings” which is included with your admission or take time to climb through the hatches of the USSS Growler guided missile submarine. Museum Hours: April 1–Sept. 30 Monday–Friday 10-5; Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10-6; Oct. 1–March 31 Tuesday–Sunday 10-5; Admission: $14.50 adults; $10.50 seniors/vets; College students $10.50; $9.50 children 6-17; children (2-5) $2.50. Free admission to children under 7 and uniformed members of military.

KALAMAZOO AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM, 3103 East Milham Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002-1700. (616) 382-6555. The only museum in
world with all four “Cats,” Wildcat, Hellcat, Tigercat, and Bearcat, flying together. Numerous other WWII aircraft. Open year round; hours Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Orsino FL, NASA’s launch headquarters celebrates the past, present and future of mankind’s accomplishments, Kennedy Space Center is America’s busiest launch and landing facility. There are three orbiters in the NASA Space Shuttle fleet; Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour.  Within every building there is a story to tell about the days of early space exploration. The Mercury Program saw the selection of America’s first Astronauts, as well as the first manned spacecraft to orbit Earth. During Project Gemini, Astronauts walked and worked in space. And the legendary Apollo Program eventually put 12 Americans on the moon. Currently, Space Shuttles are transporting pieces of the International Space Station to be assembled 200 miles above earth. Vistors can delve into the lives of our great explorers, Astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon. And Jim Lovell, the legendary captain of Astronaut Apollo 13. For more info call (321)449-4444 or visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com

MAPS AIR MUSEUM, 5359 Massillon Road, North Canton, Ohio 44720 (330) 896-6332. Located on west side of the Akron-Canton Airport off Route 241. Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aircraft currently on display or under restoration include B-26 Marauder, SBD Dauntless, Bell P-39, Curtiss P-40, MiG-17, T-28, AH-l Cobra, OH-58 Kiowa, C-47 Skytrain and SNB-5. There is also a A-24, Sea Fury, and T-28 in storage for future restoration projects. Suggested donation for admission is: $4 adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children under 12. For more information check out the Museum’s web page at: http://www.angelfire.com/oh/mapsairmuseum.

MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM, 11 Museum Drive, Reading PA19605. (610)372-7333. Features aircraft restored to flying condition by volunteer labor, as well as related artifacts and exhibits. Featured aircraft include B-25 “Briefing Time” Lockheed P2V “Neptune” patrol bomber, Martin 4-0-4 and Vickers Viscount airliners. Current restoration projects include one of four remaining P-61 “Black Widow” night fighter aircraft. Open 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., except major holidays. Admission adults, $6, children 6-12, $2, Under 6 free. Rides are available in the Museum’s WWII trainers, AT-6/SNJ “Texan” and the N3N-3 “Yellow Peril” open cockpit biplane. Museum office, 610-372-7333 or web www.maam.org

MILLVILLE ARMY AIR FIELD MUSEUM, “AMERICA’S FIRST DEFENSE AIRPORT”, 1 Leddon Street, Municipal Airport, Millville, NJ 08332. (across from Big Sky Aviation) The museum is located in the original WWII ‘Base Headquarters building’ and contains an assortment of P-47 “Thunderbolt” aviation artifacts and a multitude of WWII memorabilia. Dedicated to the memory of 14 Thunderbolt fighter pilots who died while training and the 10,000 other servicemen and women who served at Millville Air Field from 1941 to 1945. The museum is open weekdays from 10 to 2 , weekends from 10 to 4 or by appointment. A call in advance is recommended. For more info call (856) 327-2347, fax (856) 327-5737, E-mail maafinuseum@juno.com

MUSEUM OF AVIATION, located adjacent to Robins AFB, Georgia. Collection consists of over 85 aircraft. These aircraft range from a replica 1896 Octave Chanute glider to the SR-71. Other aircraft include P-40, P-47, P-51, B-25, A-26, B-29, Korean War, Vietnam and modern military aircraft. The museum is home to Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to museum is free. For info call (912) 926-4242 or (912) 926-6870.

NAS WILLOW GROVE, PA AIR PARK: Open year round. Collection includes several very rare 1950’s vintage jets and helicopters. Recent restorations include the Convair YF2Y “Sea Dart”, Sikorsky UH-34 “Sea Bat, Douglas A4M “Sky Hawk”, and a magnificent Rescue yellow Piasecki HUP-2 “Retriever”. Aircraft may be seen from a public parking area along U.S. Route 611 in Horsham Township, PA. Guided tours conducted via Navy bus departing from the main gate, Saturdays at 10 a.m. Contact the DVHAA office at (215) 443-6039, or write the DVHAA, NAS Willow Grove, PA, 19090. Fax: (215) 675-4005. Visit our website at: www.dvhaa.org.

NATIONAL HELICOPTER MUSEUM, In the Stratford Railroad Station, Eastbound off Main St., Stratford, Conn. The National Helicopter Museum features a photographic history of rotary wing development. It includes a WWII exhibit and an extensive video tape collection as well as a fully restored Sikorsky S-76 cockpit. Since 1983, the museum has been collecting and displaying the history and development of the helicopter from the time of Leonardo Da Vinci’s sketch to the present. In addition, the museum displays numerous limited edition models and full size engine mock ups. Hours: Wed. through Sun. from 1-4 p.m. through the middle of October.

NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM, Pensacola, Florida. Enjoy the hands-on history of Naval Aviation and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation.  Feel the thrill in our Flight Simulators or visit the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and catch all the drama and power of our amazing IMAX® films.  Then refresh with a tasty lunch or dessert in the authentic Cubi Bar & Café. Take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from the Flight Deck Store. Spend a cool day inside the Museum with countless things to touch and see, more to experience and enjoy! For more info visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

NATIONAL SOARING MUSEUM, RD #3, Harris Hill, Elmira, NY 14903. (607) 734-3128. Classic & contemporary sailplanes exhibit (largest in world). Films and exhibits on the history of soaring. Cockpit glider simulator for visitors. Hours daily 10 to 5 Adm. $2 adults; $1.50 seniors; children under 12 free with an adult.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-7102. Telephone (937) 255-3286. Hours: seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The USAF Museum is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. Exhibits include more than 300 aircraft. In the Annex, approximately 25 aircraft, including the museum’s collection of presidential aircraft are exhibited in two hangars on the historic Wright Field Flight Line. Access to the Annex is available by shuttle bus. There is also a research facility located on site, as well as an IMAX theatre. Our web site is located at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum.

NATIONAL WARPLANE MUSEUM, Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, Horseheads, NY, Route 17, exit 51. Dedicated to the preservation of military aviation history. Collection includes 25 aircraft, including a flying B-17 Flying Fortress, PBY Catalina, TBM Avenger, R4D, F-4 Phantom, Stearman PT-17, F-14 Tomcat. New facility has display hangar, maintenance hangar, exhibit halls, multi purpose room/theater, gift shop, snack bar. Members free. Group rates available. (607) 739-8200; www.warplane.org.

NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM, Cape May Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242. (609) 886-8787. Web site: www.usnasw.org. The Museum is dedicated to the 41 Naval Airmen who perished while training at the site during World War II. Located in one of the few remaining large all-wooden hangars in the United States. The Museum has an aircraft collection featuring: a TBM Avenger, a MiG-15, two T-33s, an A-4 Skyhawk, a T-28C Trojan, two Stearman, an HH-52A Seaguard, an AH-1 Cobra, an OH-6 Cayuse, a UH-1 Huey, a Bell 47 and many others. Additional attractions include three flight simulators, antique engines, educational exhibits and other memorabilia. Handicapped accessible. Free Parking. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children under 12; Free for children under 3.

NEW ENGLAND AIR MUSEUM: Bradley. Int’l Airport; Windsor Locks, CT 06096. (860) 623-3305 Web site: www.neam.org. One of the nation’s major aviation museums with 80,000sq. ft. of indoor exhibit space. More than 80 military and civilian aircraft on permanent display including many that are rare or unique such as the Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat, the Sikorsky S-39, the original Laird Solution racer, the 1870 Brooks balloon basket, the nation’s oldest surviving aircraft, numerous helicopters and modern jet fighters, and an impressive collection of WWII aircraft. There are more than 50 engines on display including one of the first P&W Wasp engines to be built, a number of pre-1920 engines, and the J58 engine built to power the SR-71 Blackbird. We have a restored B-29 Superfortress in its own 58th Bomb Wing Memorial Hangar. Open 10-5 year round. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $4.50 children 6-11.

NIAGARA AEROSPACE MUSEUM, Niagara Falls, NY 14303; 716 278-0060; web site: www.niagaramuseum.org. Hours: Tues. through Sat. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Group tours welcome by pre-arrangement. Basic admission: $7.Featuring: 1947 Bell Model 47B-3 Helicopter (Serial Number 67); 1943 Bell P-39Q Airacobra (On loan from NASM); 1965 Bell X-22A VSTOL (On loan from NMNA); 1936 Taylorcraft J-2; 1936 Cunningham Hall GA-36; 1929 Curtiss Robin; 1955 Lockheed F-94A Starfire; 1929 Pietenpol AirCamper; 1960 Schweizer SGS 1-23 Glider; Model aircraft collection (numbering over 1400); WWII Link Trainer; Bell rocket engines including a Gemini Agena and Lunar Ascent Module LEM engine; Jet aircraft engines including the GE-I-16A Americas first jet engine; NASA Apollo Mission ECOM Control Station; Aircraft Instruments and Avionics and more.

NORTH ATLANTIC AVIATION MUSEUM, P.O. Box 234, Gander, NF A1V 1W8. Tel. (709) 256-2923, FAX (709) 256-4477. At the Crossroads of the World, the museum features many unique displays of vintage aircraft outdoors with a photographic display of Gander aviation history, civilian as well as military, inside. Special display of Newfoundland Airmen’s Memorial dedicated to 185 Newfoundlanders who lost their lives in WWII.

NORTH CAROLINA AVIATION MUSEUM, Asheboro, NC. The museum houses vintage, antique and historic aircraft and hundreds of smaller artifacts. Here you can see a collection of  authentically restored, airworthy aircraft dating from before World War II through the Vietnam era. The museum is a great place to learn, reminisce and stand in awe of magnificent machinery. Our aircraft and artifacts are housed in two hangars. Museum patrons are not permitted to board aircraft. The NC Aviation Museum also houses a large collection of authentic military uniforms, medals, memorabilia and historic artifacts. Take a trip back in time while reading the newspaper headlines from the 1940s. Visit our museum store and gaze up at the south’s largest collection of model airplanes. For more info call (336) 625-0170 or visit www.ncairmuseum.org/

OLD RHINEBECK AERODROME, Cole Palen’s Original Museum In The Sky, Rhinebeck, New York. 845-752-3200. Four museum buildings housing 40 aircraft from the pioneer, WWI, and Lindbergh eras, vintage aviation engines, automobiles - and motorcycles, are open May 15th -October 3lst. Weekend Airshows commence June and continue through October. Featured aircraft include a 1909 Bleriot, 1910 Hanriot, 1911 Curtiss Pusher, 1914 AVRO 504K, 1915 Nieuport 11, 1917 Fokker Triplane, 1918 Sopwith Camel, 1918 Fokker DVII, 1918 Curtiss Jenny, plus barnstorming aircraft. Open cockpit biplane rides are available. Come see Stan Segalla, the Flying Farmer. www.oldrhinebeck.org.

OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM, adjacent to Knox County Regional Airport, Route 73, Owls Head, ME 04854 Tel: (207) 594-4418, Fax: (207) 594-4410, email: info@ohtm.org; web site: www.owlshead.org. Large collection of pioneer-era aircraft, antique automobiles, engines, bicycles and motorcycles. Aircraft include Fokker triplane, Curtiss Pusher, Etrich Taube, Antoinette, J-1 Standard, Nieuport 28 Sopwith Pup, Curtiss Jenny Deperdussin. Special exhibit of museum volunteer-built, full-scale replica of 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer. Open daily all year. Hours: April-October 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; November-March 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission: adults - $7, children under 12 - $5; seniors - $6, families-$18. Event admission is slightly higher ($8, $6, $8, $22 respectively)

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR MUSEUM, P.O. BOX 407, PATUXENT RIVER, MD 20670, (301) 863-7418, FAX (301) 342-7947; e-mail paxmuseum@erols.com. The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, an official Navy Museum, is dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Navy’s aviation research, development, testing and evaluation since 1911 and in particular since WWII. On the museum grounds there are 17 naval aircraft such as the F-18, F-14, Harrier II, Sea Stallion and S-2 Tracker. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking, wheelchair accessible and museum store.

PEDDYCORD FOUNDATION FOR AIRCRAFT CONSERVATION, Asheboro Airport, P.O. Box 1814, Asheboro, NC. 27204. Tel. (336) 625-0170. PFAC members and volunteers are currently working on the restoration of a North American B -25J bomber. The foundation also has a Navy TBM Avenger, like the one flown in World War II by former President George Bush, and a Piper L-4. Orville Wright flew the L-4 aircraft around the country to raise money for a benevolent fund set up for Royal Air Force Families (RAF).

PIMA AIR MUSEUM, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ, (602) 574-0462. More than 130 military and civilian aircraft on display. Hours 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Open every day except Christmas. No admittance after 4 p.m.

THE HISTORY OF PIPER MUSEUM, Locj haven, PA. Invites you to experience the rich history of the Piper Aircraft Corporation. The Museum is served by a small paid staff and dedicated volunteers, who are well grounded in the history of Piper Aircraft and have an excellent general understanding of American aviation. The Piper Museum can rightly be called a work in progress. Its holdings consist of aircraft and aircraft equipment, plus an ever expanding archives collection of corporate and family records, flight journals and magazines, photographs, and memorabilia, are all available for public display. For more info call 570-748+8283 or visit www.pipermuseum.com

QUONSET AIR MUSEUM, 488 Eccleston Ave., Quonset State Airport, N. Kingstown, RI 02852. (401) 294-9540. Located at the former NAS Quonset Point, in a vintage military hangar adjacent to the approach end of runway 5. See 15 aircraft that include a MiG-17, Grumman F6F Hellcat, Eastern TBM Avenger, Grumman A-6 Intruder, Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, Douglas A-4 Skyhawks and many civilian aircraft and displays. Admission $7 adults, children under 12 $3. Winter Hours: 10 to 3. Summer Hours from May 1st to Sept 30th, open 10am–4pm.

THE SELFRIDGE MILITARY AIR MUSEUM AND AIR PARK, near Mount Clemens Michigan, was formed to preserve the heritage and tradition of the Air National Guard in Michigan and the military units, past and present. The Museum and Air Park is open to the general public from April thru October on weekends,  Memorial Day, and Independence Day. The Museum and Air Park can be opened at other times by appointment for groups and/or individuals by contacting the Director at 586-307-6768. For more info visit www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/

TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF AVIATION,  Sevierville. TN. The museum occupies a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility brings aviation history to life as airworthy vintage aircraft perform impromptu flybys for visitors. The hangar floor alone is 35,000 sq. ft. and the hangar is heated in winter. Browse the museum’s air-conditioned artifacts gallery that traces aviation history from before the Wright Brothers. See the Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Medal of Honor, thousands of historic artifacts and Tennessee’s Aviation Hall of Fame. Historic aircraft on tour frequently visit the museum. For more info visit www.tnairmuseum.org, or call toll free: (866) 286-8738

THE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND MUSEUM, 1301 Heritage Rd, DOVER AFB, DE 19902-5301; 302 677-5938, amcmuseum.org, e-mail museum@dover.af.mil. Collection includes aircraft, memorabilia, and uniforms from WWII to the present as well as an award-winning Berlin Airlift exhibit. Also a excellent collection of photographs and documents about Dover AFB. Museum contains more than two dozen aircraft and helicopters, including a C-54 Skymaster, B-17 Flying Fortress, C-47 Gooney Bird, P-51 Mustang, F-101 Voodoo, and an HH-43 rescue helicopter. Currently in restoration are a KC-97 Stratofreighter, a C-121 Super Constellation, and a C-133 Cargomaster. Open to the public 9-4 daily. Closed federal holidays. Admission is free.

THE 1941 HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT GROUP is dedicated to obtaining, restoring, maintaining, and operating antique aircraft. Displays demonstrate life of days in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The “American At Home” display exhibits artifacts from life during World War II. The “Tuskegee” display exemplifies the racial difficulties that black Air Force personnel encountered during WWII. These planes are housed in the new 150’ x 200’ hangar: C-47s, B-17, C-119, several L-birds, a T-6 and Ercoupes. The museum is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. April through October, but only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. from 4:00 p.m. November through March. Admission if $4 for adults and $1 for children under 12. For info. call the HAG office at (585) 243-2100 or go to www.1941hag.org.

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION’S NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM,Washington DC, maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The Museum has two display facilities. The National Mall building has hundreds of artifacts on display including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and a lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays many more artifacts including the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay and Space Shuttle Enterprise. The new Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays most of the aircraft and spacecraft previously stored at Garber, many never seen before in a museum setting. For more info go to www.nasm.si.edu/ or call 202.633.1000

VALIANT AIR COMMAND WARBIRD MUSEUM, 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, FL 32780 (321) 268-1941; Fax (321) 268-5969. Hours 10-6 7 days/week. Adults: $9.00, Seniors/Active military: $8.00, Children (ages 4-12): $5.00. Collection includes F-4J Phantom, A-6E Intruder, A-7A Corsair, F-101 Voodoo, T-33, MiG-17, F-8 Crusader, F-105 Thunderchief, T-2C Buckeye, L-4, F-86, FM-1 Wildcat, and Me-208, T-6 Texan, C-47 Gooney Bird, S-2F Tracker, UTVA-66. Extensive memorabilia and artifacts of historical significance. Gift shop. Annual warbird airshow in March. www.vacwarbirds.org; e-mail: vacinformation@aol.com.

THE VIRGINIA AVIATION MUSEUM, features the spectacular SR-71 Blackbird the USAF’s high-altitude, (85,000 feet +), high-speed, (Mach 3+) reconnaissance aircraft. None was ever lost to enemy action. The aircraft is particularly significant as an example of American dominance in applied science and this aspect will be fully exhibited when the aircraft is installed in the planned multi-million dollar museum expansion. In additon there are 36 historic, vintage aircraft; reproductions of the Wright brothers’ kite, gliders and famous 1903 Flyer; early flight memorabilia; a World War II diorama that includes the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots; and the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. For more info. go to www.vam.smv.org/

WEEKS AIR MUSEUM: 14710 SW 128 Street, Miami, Florida 33196, Telephone: (305) 233 5197, Fax: (305) 232-4134. Founded in 1980 by Kermit Weeks the museum maintains and displays this important collection of aircraft, engines, and memorabilia. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicap accessible. Admission Fees: Adults $6.95, Seniors (65 and over) $5.95, Children (12 and under) $4.95. Group discounts and yearly memberships are available. The Weeks Museum visit is usually self guided, however a tour guide may be reserved with prior notice. Tour groups are welcome. The museum facility may be rented for banquets and parties.

WINGS OVER MIAMI MUSEUM, Inc. Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, 14710 SW 128 Street, Miami, FL 33196-2002; can be reached at 305-233-5197; www.wingsovermiami.com. The Wings Over Miami Museum displays and flies military and classic aircraft to share the history of flight by providing examples of operating historic aircraft. The museum exists as a tribute to those veterans and aviators who pioneered civilian and military aviation. The Collings Foundation B-17 and B-24 bombers, visiting dignitaries and veterans that include General Frederick “Boots” Blesse, a Koran War Fighter Ace and General Paul Tibbetts, the pilot of the Enola Gay that dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima.

WRIGHT BROTHER’S MUSEUM, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where the Wright brothers’ story is told through exhibits.  On display in the visitor center are: a full-scale reproduction of the 1902 glider, AND of the 1903 flying machine, an engine block from the original 1903 Flyer, a reproduction of the Wright’s first wind tunnel. Additional exhibits, movies and educational programs are available. Climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breath taking view of the area. Atop the Hill, stands the 60ft. Pylon - the site where Wilbur and Orville conducted their glider experiments. Stand on the same spot where the brothers made their first flights. A large granite boulder marks the spot where the first plane left the ground.Visit the park via plane and land at the First Flight Airstrip. Spend a day visiting the place where flight started. For more info go to, www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm

THE YANKEE AIR FORCE MUSEUM, Since 1981 the Yankee Air Museum has acquired and returned to flying status, five World War II aircraft. The Douglas C-47 World War II transport, built in 1945. The “Yankee Doodle Dandy” the world class award-winning flagship. The B-17G “Flying Fortress”, used in the movie “Tora!Tora!Tora!” The “Yankee Lady” and the B-25D “Mitchell”, similar to the type used in Jimmy Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo. The “Yankee Warrior” saw combat in World War II and is one of only two B-25Ds still flying today. These aircraft are flown and displayed at airshows from May through Sept. They are the pride of the Yankee Air Museum. For more info visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org