5th of September, 2026
Join us for another exciting day at the Planes of Fame Air Museum this Saturday, September 5, 2026, where aviation history comes alive through flight, storytelling, and hands-on education.
This month's Flying Event features one of the superstars of the Second World War – the North American P-51D “Mustang.” This hot rod of warbirds served in all theaters of World War II and then into the Korean War. It was fast, could maneuver with the best of them, and had the range to escort America’s heavy bombers deep into enemy territory.
Speaking of heavy bombers – we’re thrilled to once again welcome the Commemorative Air Force, Arizona Wing as they bring their fantastically-restored Boeing B-17G “Flying Fortress” back to Planes of Fame this week to offer rides and walk-thru tours. Plus on Saturday, we’ll be conducting our joint “engine start” with the Mustang and the B-17.
Museum doors open at 9:00 a.m.
Regular Museum admission applies (Museum Members always receive free admission.)
Join us in the Maloney Hangar beginning at 10:30 a.m. for four engaging Hangar Talk presentations that will educate, inform, and inspire. This month we look back at one of the little-known monster bombers of the Cold War – the Convair B-36, start a three-part series on Aircraft Survivability, learn about the men who defused the bombs of WWII in England, and remember the cataclysmic tragedy of September 11, 2001 – twenty-five years ago this month.
Since the early parts of the twentieth century, aviation has been an instrumental part of war. Almost from the get-go, it was recognized that combat aircraft and crews would be vulnerable and susceptible to damage – either from ground fire or aerial combat. This months, we’re pleased to have David Palmer, a recently retired aerospace engineer with Boeing and an expert in aircraft survivability, present this multi-part series. In Part One, David will help us understand what is meant by aircraft survivability as well as its challenges as we look at the early days of aerial combat of World War I and World War II.
It remains the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft ever made, featuring a massive 230-foot wingspan. Powered by six radial engines and four additional jet engines, the Convair B-36 “Peacemaker” earned the famous nickname "six turning and four burning." The Museum’s Eric Smith will tell us the unique history of this game-changing aircraft, from its design to its service record. Along the way, Eric will take us inside this amazing aircraft that helped serve as a powerful deterrent against nuclear war in the early days of the Cold War.
During World War II, the men of the British bomb disposal units—largely volunteers from the Royal Engineers—faced a terrifying daily battle against thousands of unexploded German bombs that threatened cities, factories, and transport routes. Working in grim conditions, these “sappers” often had to dig deep shafts by hand to reach buried, ticking devices fitted with complex delay or anti-tamper fuses. The casualty rate was devastating, with hundreds of personnel losing their lives in a relentless war of nerves and extraordinary self-sacrifice. We’re thrilled to have guest speaker John Klein, an amateur historian who has focused his research on several key aspects of World War II – one of them the British Bomb Disposal teams. John is bringing an assortment of historical artifacts to help us gain new appreciation for the courage and dedication of these brave men.
Next week marks the 25th anniversary of the darkest day in aviation history — and one of the most tragic in American history — the attacks on America by terrorists using commercial airliners. While the world watched the tragedy unfold, a quiet battle for survival was being fought inside the towers of the World Trade Center. In this presentation, the Museum’s Brian Finnegan will tell the remarkable, parallel story of the man who saw the danger coming, acted, and changed the fate of thousands.
This month, we’re flying a “fan-favorite” – the North American P-51D “Mustang”. This is the fighter that helped changed the course of World War II. Powered by a Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the definitive D model introduced a distinctive bubble canopy for a 360-degree view and carried six wing-mounted .50-caliber machine guns. Its long range allowed it to escort Allied bombers all the way to Berlin and back, helping secure air superiority in Europe.
At 12:15pm, the Museum’s Jim Llano will provide a brief presentation outdoor on our hot ramp about the Mustang and its role in the Second World War and the Korean War. Then pilot Garren Swager will fire up the powerful Merlin engine inside the Mustang right in front of the crowd.
We’re also thrilled to be visited by the Commemorative Air Force – Arizona Wing and their Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey.”
Immediately following the Mustang’s engine start, the B-17 will fire up her four radial engines directly in front of the crowd. If these sights and sounds don’t transport you back to the dramatic days of World War II, nothing else can!
After both aircraft taxi away, Jim will conduct our Member’s Only Raffle drawing for a flight for one lucky Museum member in one of our World War II training aircraft.
The B-17 will take off to give her lucky riders a fantastic thrill of a lifetime. Garren and the Mustang will take off and then perform over the Museum for twenty minutes. Upon his return, guests can participate in a Q & A with Garren and Jim.
Arriving on Thursday, September 3, the CAF – Arizona Wing will be offering morning rides in their fabulously restored Flying Fortress nicknamed “Sentimental Journey.” With up to eight seats per flight, it’s a twenty-minute experience you will not forget. But seats and flights are selling out fast so act now as the aircraft will only be at the Museum until Sunday, September 6, 2026. Click the image above to find your flight!
The Commemorative Air Force (Arizona Wing) is returning with their Boeing B-17G “Flying Fortress” “Sentimental Journey” and once again they will be offering rides in this historic warbird. Rides are scheduled from Thursday, September 3, 2026 until Sunday, September 6, 2026. Tickets are available for the currently scheduled 13 flights during these days (they will add more as needed). They offer two seating opportunities with each flight: $475 USD per waist compartment seat (6 available) and $850 USD per Bombardier/Navigator seat (2 available). BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TICKETS NOW BY CLICKING HERE! These ticketed rides go fast so sign up now by going to the Commemorative Air Force website and purchase your ticket for a ride of a lifetime!
There's something for everyone at Planes of Fame Air Museum, so plan to spend the day exploring one of the world's premier collections of historic aircraft.
Throughout the day you'll enjoy:
After the Hangar Talks and Flying Event, continue exploring the Museum's remarkable collection at your own pace. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to see an old favorite, there is always something new to discover.
The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy a full day of aviation history, education, and family-friendly fun.
Whether you're a lifelong aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique Saturday experience, Hangar Talk offers an unforgettable morning of living history, rare aircraft, and fascinating stories that celebrate the people who changed our world through aviation.
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