Plus "Hangar Talk" & Flying Demo of the North American P-51D "Mustang"

There are fun adventures in store for everyone at Planes of Fame on Saturday, July 6, 2024

Here’s a great way to cap off the long 4th of July weekend with a visit to Planes of Fame on Saturday, July 6th.  

In addition to another great “Hangar Talk” and our “Flying Demo” of one of our “fan favorites” – the North American P-51D “Mustang,” we’ve also got a fun-filled Junior Aviator’s Day!

Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am and regular adult admission is in place. All kids 11 years and younger are admitted FREE all day!

It’s Junior Aviator’s Day and what better way to get things going than a fantastic presentation on the fundamentals of flying, giving us a glimpse into the wonders and joy of flight.

“Hangar Talk” will begin at 10:30am in the Maloney Hangar.  It’s Junior Aviator’s Day and what better way to get things going than with three fantastic presentations.  

The ABC’s of Aviation

We start off with a glimpse into the wonders and joy of flight.  We’ll take a quick look at some of the world’s experts in the subject of flight – the birds, and show how their abilities inspired early aviation pioneers.  We’ll touch on the science of flight and talk briefly about the key parts of an airplane.  We’ll discuss how a pilot controls an aircraft, the role that weather and navigation plays, and we’ll wrap up with a quick look at the many career opportunities in the aviation field.  We’re sure everyone, even the most seasoned of aviators among us, will find this presentation to be lots of fun.

For the Fun of It – A Visit with Amelia Earhart

Speaking of fun, the Museum has been busy working with renowned Dr. Emmett Brown from Hill Valley to pull off this moving presentation by transporting noted aviatrix Amelia Earhart from the 1930s to join us on Saturday to discuss her life and experiences in flying.  Actually, we’re joined by aviatrix Sydney Blake, a proud member of the 99s – the all women’ flying club that Amelia Earhart helped start as she brings Amelia Earhart back to life for this presentation.  Sydney is the official “Amelia” of Earhart’s hometown of Atchison, Kansas and in this fun and inspirational presentation, she continues to spread Earhart’s love of aviation to inspire all of us.

TED Talk – A Little Girl’s Dream

The Museum’s Ted Mount will tell us an inspirational story about Katrina Marie Mumaw, who grew up in nearby Antelope Valley.  As he relates her journey into the world of aviation, Ted will show how early encouragement can help youngsters find their true path and choose a career to fulfill their dreams.  This is a story to inspire our younger visitors and also to remind parents and grandparents that it is never too early to help children discover their hidden talents and interests.

• A “Riveting” Experience – see how airplanes are put together by learning what a “rivet” is and how they work. Kids (of all ages) will get a chance to rivet two pieces of metal together to make their own keepsake to take home.
• Build a World War II Fighter Plane in our Junior Modeler Workshops – open to kids 8 thru 17 – These one-hour workshops will introduce kids to the fun experience of scale model aircraft building.  A nominal fee covers materials.  Kids will build their own aircraft model and after the class, they’ll be challenged to take it home, paint it and place decals and send us a photo of the finished model for placement in our honored “Junior Modeler’s Hall of Fame" album.  Workshops will be offered at 10:00am, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Space is limited so sign up as soon as you arrive.
• Stomp Rocket Launches – Get ready for the countdown to launch as you stomp on a plastic soda bottle to send your “rocket” high into the air. Learn about propulsion and the power of air while you see your rocket fly!
• H2O Bottle Airplane – for our younger visitors, we’ve got a fun “arts and crafts” project that teaches the fundamentals of what an airplane is all about. During this short activity, our youngest visitors will take a common plastic water bottle and “convert it” into an airplane. In the process, they’ll learn the parts of a plane and a few other fun bits of aviation knowledge.
• Off to the Races – Pick your plane and send it zooming down the course in this fun and exciting air race game!  
• Bubble-Mania! – Kids of all ages are going to love this – a chance to play with bubbles! Did you know that soap bubbles are actually physical examples of the complex mathematical problem of minimal surface? They are, but all we know is that they’re also fun to play with. Make large ones or small ones and watch them float and fly!
• LBJ’s Lodestar – Our team of restoration experts has recently completed the static restoration of the Lockheed L-18 “Lodestar” once owned by Senator (and later President) Lyndon Baines Johnson as his private aircraft. Step inside this personal transport aircraft and go back in time.
• Photo Op in an F-86 Cockpit – We’ve got our F-86 Cockpit open for kids of all ages to climb inside and see just the pilot is surrounded by their instruments and controls. Put on a helmet and take a photo for a lasting memory.
• Plus More – We’re working on more ideas that should prove fun for all.

At 12:15, David Willis of the Museum will present our Flying Demonstration with a short presentation about one of the most amazing fighter aircraft of World War II.  

David will tell us all about the P-51D – the most popular of all Mustang variants – to set the stage for the Flying Demo that follows.  

Then, pilot Chris Fahey will fire up the “Mustang’s” powerful Merlin engine to give everyone a thrill.  The aircraft will then taxi away.

David will then hold our “Member’s Only” raffle contest for a memorable flight in one of our WWII training aircraft.

After take-off, Chris will perform a thrilling demonstration of the Mustang over the Museum for twenty minutes.  Upon his return, guests will be able to talk with Chris and ask questions of what it’s like to fly this treasure from the past.

Unfortunately, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), originally scheduled to help us with this event, has withdrawn because they could not secure enough aircraft to provide "Introductory Flights." Therefore, we will not be offering any Introductory Flights to young visitors during the Junior Aviator's Event.

From Pulled Pork sandwiches to outstanding Mexican fare to a great selection of “beat the heat” ice cream treats – there’s something for everyone.

Your admission gets you access to all seven of our hangars and the over 100 aircraft and historical memorabilia on display.  Our Museum Guides are on hand to tell you the stories of these aircraft and the personalities and events that surround them.

All in all, Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Planes of Fame Air Museum is a great way to spend the day!