Battle of Fort Sanders

Airworthy "Warbirds" are the foundation of this 50,000 sq ft facility. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is located on the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) in Sevierville. This unique location helps to bring aviation history to life as vintage aircraft are sometimes seen performing unscheduled flight demonstrations. While at the museum, spend time browsing the Exhibit Gallery. Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate the professionally designed displays. The Exhibit Gallery contains artifacts tracing aviation and military history, uniforms, aircraft models and hundreds of aviation memorabilia. Explore the touching Faith and Courage exhibit, paying tribute to U.S. Military Chaplains from World War II through the present. An exceptional 52-foot "Wave Wall" traces significant milestones in the history of aviation from before the Wright Brothers, including timelines of Military Aviation and Tennessee’s remarkable contributions to aviation. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is Tennessee’s official repository and archive of aviation history. As you enter the Aircraft Hangar, the bright well-lit interior creates an impressive atmosphere. The 35,000 sq ft hangar features aircraft engines and cockpits, military vehicles, and magnificently restored vintage “Warbirds.” Among the number of aircraft within the museums’ hangar, the two Republic P-47 Thunderbolts will almost certainly leave a sense of admiration, as there are less than a dozen of these World War II fighters remaining in the world, and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation has two airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts in their collection. Another outstanding aircraft is the airworthy Douglas A-1H Skyraider, complete with battle scars received from its service during Vietnam. The museums’ collection of trainers, fighters, helicopters, jets and amphibious aircraft will definitely satisfy the interest of “Warbird” fans. - FLYING SPIRIT GIFT GALLERY ... A visit isn’t complete without taking home a souvenir. The Flying Spirit Gift Gallery has a huge selection of aviation books, adult and children's flight jackets, collectible die-cast models, caps, posters, model kits, aviation art, a large assortment of pins and patches, aviation t-shirts of all sizes, and a unique variety of original vintage aircraft parts. It would be hard to find a more remarkable selection of aviation gifts in the Southeast. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just have a passing interest in flight, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation is a must-see while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains. Travel off the beaten path and explore the fascinating realm of flight at this hidden treasure. (This description was provided courtesy of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation)

Set beside an active airport - we are more than just a place to look at planes. We're a place to relive a moment in time that is rapidly passing away. You won't find airplanes under glass. You won't find velvet ropes to keep you away. You won't find guards and ticket sellers and concessionaires. You'll only find airplanes and people who love them. Many are pilots: Some even own and fly some of the airplanes that are on display. If you're lucky enough to visit on a day when someone is going up, you might just be able to see a flying piece of aviation history. We're home to a unique collection of airplanes celebrating the Golden Age of Aviation, the decades surrounding the Second World War, when flying commanded the world's attention and an airplane was in everybody's future. A place for flying folks to share memories of a disappearing era. And a place to show the young ones a proper airplane, with taut fabric over wooden spars, a single propeller at the nose, and a little wheel under the tail. We are also a place where you can see the actual restoration of such aircraft, as it is happening and talk to the people doing the work. People who will take the time to answer you questions and explain the work they are doing . The Western North Carolina Air Museum is a center of living history in the popular Hendersonville - Flat Rock region of the state. Don't miss this unique opportunity to remember flying the way it used to be. Bring your kids, your camera, and your leather jacket. You can view the airplanes in an hour or so, or spend the afternoon hanger-flying with our friendly, informative staff. We can't guarantee fine weather, but our hangar doors are open rain and shine. And we can't guarantee that we'll be flying on the day you visit, but we do promise to propel your imagination back to the golden age of general aviation. Come for the airplanes. Stay for the memories. There's plenty of both right here at the Western North Carolina Air Museum. (Description sourced from the Western North Carolina Air Museum's website)