USA air museums to visit

[GlobalNav]

Originally Posted by desertjockey

Ladies and Gents, thank you for all your replies. The thought, depth and effort put in to answer my query was humbling.
The Boss has semi approved the concept (well she didn't say no, so I am taking that as a win), I will update the story as required. Looking at Mid 24 to tie in with Oshkosh.
My heartfelt thanks again.

If you get to Seattle, for the Museum of Flight and perhaps the Paine Field venues in Everett, I’d be glad to share a few pints and talk about what you’ve seen.

[Copter Appreciator00]

The American Helicopter Museum in Brandywine Airport, in Chester, Pennsylvania, here's the website, copy n paste it (or just google the name) helicopter museum pa - Search (bing.com)

There's a V-22 on site, and also some 50s-early 60s era Piasecki-type copters. I went in 2018 or 2019 and a team was there offering AH-1F and UH-1D rides. Awesome stuff!

[Piper_Driver]

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and have a few hours to spare check out the Western Museum of Flight in Torrance. It has a small, but unique collection of aircraft including: YF17 (precursor to the F/A-18), YF23, and an original Northrop flying wing among other interesting stuff. It is also inexpensive and uncrowded.

Wikipedia page

[India Four Two]

Another vote for the WMF at Torrance. I went there specially to see their YO-3 Quiet Star. You may have to ask to see it.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YO-3_Quiet_Star

You could combine your visit to the museum with a tour of the Robinson factory.

[visibility3miles]

Yes, the National Air and Space Museum in downtown DC is still undergoing renovations, but many sections have reopened.

https://airandspace.si.edu

The downtown museum requires timed tickets (free) and they have IMAX movies (not free.)

[MechEngr]

As mentioned before, I just found out the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum now requires buying tickets for reserved time slot access up to a month ahead of time.

[bafanguy]

An aviation museum that may be tough to visit:

https://airwaysmag.com/national-airline-history-museum/

[LTAfan]

If you’re visiting the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, I encourage a brief detour to the oft-overlooked College Park Air Museum just NE of the city. Based at the oldest continuously operated airport in the US, it has a delightful little museum staffed by some very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers and a small collection of interesting aircraft and artifacts. I volunteered there while in graduate school (studying the history of aviation, naturally) and always looked forward to spending my Saturdays chatting with visitors, perusing their library, and visiting their restoration shop.

[visibility3miles]

No, you don’t have to pay for tickets to see the National Air and Space Museum in downtown DC.

https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/mus...sked-questions

Parking nearby is problematic, but it is within walking distance of the Metro, which isn’t free either.

However, you do have to pay to park at Udvar-Hazy, although the museum itself is free. I’m told this arose because people realized that if they could park there for free, they could then take a taxi to the nearby Dulles Airport, go on vacation, and not have to pay for airport parking. The airport did not appreciate this trick.

[visibility3miles]

Don’t forget the Museum of Natural History in DC if you want a break from airplanes…

https://naturalhistory.si.edu

The American Indian Museum in DC probably has the most interesting and varied food in their cafeteria.

https://americanindian.si.edu

It is close to the Air & Space Museum, but it is not cheap for what you get. Then again all of the museum cafeterias are expensive for the food served.

[visibility3miles]

Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California

https://pacificairshowusa.com

September 29- October 1, 2023.

https://www.airshowcenter.com/airshows

I just visited the Lyons Air Museum adjacent to the John Wayne Airport in Southern California. Full of WWII era aircraft, motorcycles, jeeps, and a few vintage cars, including one Hitler paraded in while inspiring the masses. I showed up around 10 AM on a week day and got an individual tour led by a retired air force man serving as a docent.
Two DC-3’s, one for commercial passengers, the other with large side doors for rapid deployment of paratroopers.

https://lyonairmuseum.org

[Fargo Boyle]

The Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola will reopen to the public this month
Naval Aviation Museum Reopens to Public on May 17th (warbirdsnews.com)

But note this proviso..
'Foreign Nationals are authorized access but must be escorted by a U.S. citizen. The U.S. citizen will have a background check conducted upon arrival.'

[Barksdale Boy]

Some years ago, I spent a very pleasant couple of hours at the Pearson Air Museum in Vancouver Wa.