Aviation Heritage Park and Museum welcomes the public for a rare up-close look at the park’s aircraft. The cockpits will be open for you to get the pilot’s eye view of the perfectly restored interiors. Each will have a knowledgeable docent on hand to discuss the aircraft and tell the stories of the pilots.

All the park aircraft will have viewing platforms. From these vantage points, park visitors can look inside Marine One, the Panther, Shooting Star, Phantom 550, Aardvark, and the UH1, all owned (and regulated) by governmental agencies.

Inside the museum, you can climb into the seat of the Northrup T-38 Talon. This NASA trainer, honoring local astronaut Terry Wilcutt, was flown by all the astronauts who have ever walked on the moon. Also inside the museum you will be able to test the BRAND NEW Redbird Jay Velocity Simulators, suitable for middle and high school kids.

Are you interested in the artifact restoration process? The Restoration Tent, located behind the museum, is the current location of the F9F Grumman Panther honoring LCDR John Magda. Restoration chair Kris Bucy will answer questions about the acquisition, transport and restoration of park artifacts. +

Open Cockpit is sponsored by PPG Aerospace.