Planning a family vacation this summer but don’t know what to do? Museums are always a great choice. Although there are aviation museums all over the country- and the world- here are the top 5 best aviation museums in the US.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
If you plan on visiting our nation’s capital this summer, there are plenty of museums you should visit. But top of your list should be the National Air and Space Museum. While there you can learn about the history of both aviation and spaceflight.
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, although located in Virginia, is a part of the National Air and Space Museum. Because the museum in Washington DC was packed to the brim, additional air and spacecraft can be seen there, including the space shuttle Discovery.
Highlights: The Spirit of St. Louis and the original 1903 Wright Flyer
Pima Air and Space Museum
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Pima Air and Space Museum sits on 80 acres of desert land. Although there are six hangars full of an incredible collection of airplanes, Pima’s big claim to fame is the “aircraft boneyard”. The dry desert air helps to preserve the thousands of aircraft that are housed there.
Highlights: President Johnson’s Airforce 1 and tours of the “aircraft boneyard” nearby
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Housed on the present-day Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the largest museum of the USAF. There are over 360 aircraft exhibits chronicling the history of the third largest miliary branch.
Highlights: The restoration hangar where additional aircraft may be visible
USS Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
This historic aircraft carrier is moored in the heart of Manhattan. Although it was decommissioned in 1974, the USS Intrepid still carries aircraft- and even spacecraft. Both the deck and interior of the aircraft carrier house a myriad of exhibits- including interactive displays.
Highlights: Concorde G-BOAD and Space Shuttle Enterprise
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Headed to Florida for your family vacation this summer? Check out the Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center. You’ll be able to learn about space exploration, experience a shuttle launch simulator, and visit the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Because it is also apart of an active space station, you could even meet an astronaut or witness a real rocket launch!
Highlights: Space Shuttle Atlantis
If you’re interested in continuing the legacy of air and space travel, NCI can help you get your career off the ground! Contact us today to learn more about what it takes to become an aviation maintenance technician.
