"Recently, I visited the Planes of Fame Air Museum and found it most interesting... it is the way all museums should be patterned after. Someone is doing an excellent job."

Sam F., Sherman Oaks, CA
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A very important part of the Museum’s mission is to provide an educational benefit for our visitors.

The extensive collection has made History easy to teach!

The completion of the Aviation Discovery Center (ADC) in 2009 added an interactive experience in Math and Physics, teaching both in an aviation context.

The purpose of the Aviation Discovery Center (ADC) is to establish a first class aviation education center with programs to serve the Southern California community.  The goals are to create a fun environment guests want to visit repeatedly, create displays that encourage learning about aviation history, science and mathematics, show the development of aviation through design factors, materials used to construct aircraft, pilot’s accomplishments via links to the past, and aviation careers.  

These curricular goals serve further goals of the ADC in supporting community needs:  improved science and math scores, retention of students in school, engaging students in activities to keep them out of trouble, and seasonal programs like summer camps.

Current exhibits in the ADC show the arc of aviation history, demonstrate aircraft, engines, airfoil wind tunnel tests, and aviation careers using touchscreen interactive technology.

Select engine types on the screen in the “Sound Barrier” room and hear the real and loud sounds they produce.

In addition, the ADC has a real wind tunnel that interactively demonstrates airflow dynamics on wings. 

There is a compressed-air rocket simulator that allows visitors to launch a rocket and make various calculations regarding its ascent.  

Desktop computer flight simulators allow visitors to learn about and to enjoy flying the Museum’s aircraft with the assistance of a Museum docent. 

On a more sophisticated level, the ADC has two cockpit simulators, like those used in flight schools, which support more serious flight simulation instruction and educational programs.  The cockpit simulators are networked with a tower control station so visitors can see the cockpit simulator aircraft in real time on the air traffic controller screen.  

Also, various educational display cabinets throughout the ADC exhibit themes like airline career, airline mechanic, and military test pilot.

A formal education program is under development for 5th grade level. 

Curriculum tests are being run monthly. 



The Museum also needs volunteers to assist with all aspects of the Aviation Discovery Center and Education Program. 

 

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