Aviation Museums
If you're an aviation enthusiast these museums are worth checking out! With museums in every state, there is bound to be one near you!
Aviation museums offer a unique and fascinating insight into the incredible technological progress achieved in aviation since its origins. Although they often contain rare and preserved aircraft, they also aim to provide education, creating interactive displays with multimedia presentations. Aviation museums can be incredibly varied, offering many different experiences. Visitors might be able to see a historical aircraft suspended from the ceiling, explore significant artifacts related to iconic figures in aviation history. Further still, there are air shows and other special events to behold. Aviation museums make for an ideal day out for both aviation enthusiasts and those wishing merely for an entertaining, educational experience.
Helicopter Museums
Helicopter museums are an exciting learning experience for those passionate about aviation. These institutions have a variety of aircrafts from different eras, allowing visitors to walk through history and get insights into the development of helicopters throughout time. At these museums, one can find both working and non-working aircrafts; some may even be used for giving rides! In addition, many of these museums feature interactive exhibits that allow visitors to gain hands-on knowledge on how aerial apparatus is operated and maintained. A visit to a helicopter museum promises to be an informative and thrilling journey into the world of aviation history.
There are a few airplane museums solely dedicated to helicopters such as the ones below.
| Helicopter Museum | Location |
|---|---|
| American Helicopter Museums | PA |
| National Helicopter Museum | CT |
| Vietnam Helicopters Museum | CA |
Naval Aviator Museums
US Naval Aviation has a long and proud history. It began in 1910, when the first aircraft was purchased by the US Navy and has since grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world. Naval aviators take part in both offensive and defensive operations, providing air support for ground troops, delivering cargo and personnel around the world, conducting search-and-rescue operations, conducting surveillance missions, providing medical evacuation assistance and performing other vital tasks. Today's naval aviators are some of the most skilled pilots in the world due to their rigorous training regime which involves advanced cockpit techniques, navigation instrument knowledge and weapon systems proficiency. This training enables them to carry out their duties efficiently, often under extreme circumstance. There are a few museums dedicated solely to Naval Aviation. For the purposes of this directory, aircraft carrier museums have been included in this list.
Historic Wendover Airfield in Utah is a former military airfield which began construction in 1940 during World War II. The airfield was used to train bomber crews, consisting of a total of five runways, numerous hangars and support facilities such as an armament and aviation fuel storage area. In addition to the three 8000-foot long runways, there were also two 2,500-foot steel matting runways.
Within the confines of the base were over 300 buildings serving various purposes to support the 17,000 plus military personnel. These facilities included a medical station, chapel, fire station and training classrooms for technical courses offered to airmen. In 1945 the airfield was used by the Manhattan Project for assembly and testing of atomic bombs before being loaded onto aircraft for delivery elsewhere.
After WWII ended in 1945, Wendover ceased operations as an active military base and eventually became home to many of the former servicemen who had trained at Wendover during the war years. Today, it serves as a public airport with an active control tower located near downtown Wendover and is owned by Tooele County. The museum features exhibits on different aspects of Wendover's history from aerial gunnery instruction to B-29 flight training. Other exhibits include wartime artifacts like uniforms and documents related to WWII personnel stationed there. Historic Wendover Airfield is a unique example of American military history that still stands today as a reminder of our nation’s past struggles and accomplishments.
Be sure to check out the airfields website to learn about their all access tours!
Looking for an exciting way to dive into the world of aviation? Look no further than the Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. As one of the largest aviation museums in the United States, our visitors experience an unforgettable journey through aviation history. Learn about the development of flight over the years and all its contributions to society. See dozens of rare aircrafts up close and explore a variety of interactive exhibits. The museum also features a theater that shows captivating documentaries about flight and its impact on society. With something for everyone, it's no wonder why this is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aircrafts or aviation history!
