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Getaway Guide: Area Aviation Museums

The Broadcast Pioneers organization of Philadelphia often reminds members that, "History is only what gets saved." If that's the case, there's a treasure trove of "saved" aviation history - significant planes, memorabilia, artifacts - even a historic hangar. It's all within 100 miles of home or a comfortable day trip away. Here's where to find the lore of civil and military flight.– Jay Lloyd

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(credit: Jay Lloyd)

Bombers and fighters from a bygone era will soon crowd the sky over nearby Reading. Flying "Forts", Liberators , Mustangs and other classic World War II warbirds begin arriving June 6th, the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The Reading Airport and it's Mid-Atlantic Air Museum will be converted into a period military base, complete with planes, pilots, briefing tents, re-enactors and combat field equipment. The display set to music of the 40's and canteen grub will last for 3 days and is one of the region's major attractions. But for the aviation enthusiast, the museum itself is worth a visit anytime. Restored airliners bearing the colors of fabled, but long disbanded airlines fill the tarmac. Military transports are parked alongside an early Coast Guard rescue chopper and a rare auto-giro. The museum is open daily from 9:30 to 4pm and the regular adult admission checks in at $8. Navigate to discounts and key information here. Adult tickets for the World War II weekend are $25 at the gate. Find event and advance ticket information here.

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(credit: Jay Lloyd)

The onset of World War II created an urgent need for military pilots. The New Jersey shore was the perfect spot to train the Navy's best to handle the precision flying maneuvers, needed to jockey a torpedo bomber, nose diving straight at a target one moment and reaching for the sky in the next. That training base and it's 1940's hangar has been faithfully restored. You'll find refurbished aircraft that span the years of military flight from 1930's trainers to jets that patrolled the skies over Afghanistan. There's even an early Blue Angels bird. A World War II mood is created with poster art and a soda fountain that was a fixture at military canteens. Kids can climb to an old control tower and experience the fantasy of flight while sitting in the cockpit of a historic fighter. And stop by the Coast Guard exhibit tracing the history of the nation's oldest seagoing service and it's unique role on 9/11. It's a great summer stop at the Cape May Airport when your beach weather takes a turn for the worse. Admission for adults is $10, children: $8. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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(credit: Jay Lloyd)

The "Flying Fortress" was the workhorse among waves of allied bombers that reduced the Nazi war machine to rubble. A faithfully restored B-17 is the centerpiece of an amazing collection of historic aircraft that traces Army Air Force and Air Force history from its earliest days. Overhead, giant C5A Galaxies lift from the runways at Dover Air Force base in nearby Delaware. The growling engines mingled with the music of a bygone mission fill the hangar that houses trainers and fighters, choppers and transports. Outside, the dawn of in-flight fueling that gave fighting planes a longer range is on display as early tankers are parked alongside classic cargo aircraft, bombers and historic jets. Admission and parking are free and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Delaware Valley was and still is a pioneer in vertical flight. That's a fancy way of saying helicopters and things get go straight up, like the unique Osprey that takes off like a chopper and then flies like a plane. And so, just outside West Chester there's an entire museum devoted to the development and history of helicopters. On special days, visitors can even sign up for flights over the Chester County countryside. On the ground you'll see displays of classic military choppers built by Sikorski and Boeing alongside civilian models that were designed for heavy lifting, everyday transportation, police work and oil rig shuttles. And yes, there is an Osprey to marvel at. The museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and adult admission is $10 with discounts for seniors and children.

Enjoy!

 

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