Play on a Plane Day this Saturday, June 20!
June 17, 2015
Happy Anniversary to our B-52D this Saturday, June 20
We’ve added something special to Play on a Plane Day when we have the B-52D Stratofortress open for visitors. The B-52D had its 60th anniversary of service to the U.S. Air Force this month.
From 11 am – 1 pm, we will have special guests who know the B-52 from nose to tail sharing information and current parts from this historic aircraft. Plus, there will be activities in the Boeing Learning Center for the kids. Plus, Nu-tek will bring out their B-52 simulator (additional charge). Come out for Play on a Plane Day and help us celebrate the Museum’s 25th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of the B-52D.
One of our biggest days of the year
THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 20 IS YOUR CHANCE TO
PLAY ON A PLANE!
This was so popular last year that we’re making this an annual event. All of the planes on the ramp that can be open will be.
From 10 am to 5 pm, as part of regular Museum admission, you can see what it feels like to sit in the pilot’s seat of the F-84, tour the KC-135, 727 and 737. We’ll have the cockpits open on the Air Force and Navy trainers, and of course, the B-52D.
Our Wing Kidz members will have a “fast pass” for the day–wear your Wing Kidz t-shirt and you get to go to the front of the line at any of the open planes!
This is the only time this year that these planes will be open to the public. Come join us in celebrating the Museum’s 25th anniversary and see these historic aircraft inside and out. It’s just plane fun for kids of all ages. Regular Museum admission applies and of course, it’s free for Kansas Aviation Museum members.
Our thanks to Skyward Credit Union for sponsorship of this event. If you are a Skyward Credit Union member, ask your Skyward branch about Play on a Plane discount tickets.
July Summer Camps Almost Full
Flying Gizmos, Grades 1-3, July 6-10–Understanding how flight works only enhances the wonder. This day camp will give children an opportunity to have fun making a variety of flying “gizmos” while they learn about the science behind each one. They will compete at the end of the week in the Ultimate Gizmo Challenge. Campers will need to bring their lunch with them each day. As the Museum closes at 5 pm, be sure pickup transportation is arranged. Cost: Member: $108; Non-Member $120. Registration deadline is Friday, June 26. Only 6 more spots for this camp.
Flying School, Level 1, Grades 6-12, July 13 – 17–During this camp, the participants will get the opportunity to fly a real airplane! Also on the week’s program, they will see aviation at its finest in the Air Capital of the World and take a flight in the B-52 Flight Simulator. There will be special visits to aviation-related facilities in Kansas, like the National Institute for Aviation Research. A full week at the historic 1935 Wichita Municipal Airport, with plenty of hands-on opportunities and engagement is sure to capture the attention of those who aspire to a career in aviation. Cost: Member, $270; Non-Member, $300, includes the fees for the airplane flight. Registration deadline is Friday, June 26. Only 6 more slots for this camp.
Coming up
SENIOR THURSDAY–JULY 9 THE RESTORATION CENTER
Senior Thursday in July is a special presentation to be held in the Restoration Shop at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Learn more about what our amazing volunteers do to restore the planes you see on display. Currently under restoration is a 1932 Beech Model 17 Staggerwing and a 1920 Watkins Skylark. Terry Dodson, restoration shop manager, and historian Walt House will be your guides for this very special Senior Thursday. Program begins at 10 am. The Restoration Center is in the yellow building as you enter the Museum drive. This program is free and open to the public.
AUGUST 21–KAM JAM ON THE RAMP WITH SPLIT LIP RAYFIELD
Mark your calendars for this outdoor benefit concert with one of Wichita’s favorite bands. Tickets are on sale with WichitaTix or you can purchase them at the Museum. Our thanks to Fidelity Bank, Bauer & Sons Construction and Emprise Bank for helping to sponsor this event.
AUGUST 25–25TH ANNIVERSARY AND BUILDING RE-DEDICATION
All the construction will be complete, so it’s time to celebrate our 25th anniversary as a Museum and recognize the original Wichita Air Terminal building’s 80th anniversary. Watch for more details in the newsletter. Our thanks to UMB Bank and Jodine Elwick for sponsoring this milestone event at the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Did you know that the Kansas Aviation Museum operates almost solely on admissions and donations from the community? When you support the Museum, you’re helping to further the preservation of Wichita’s aviation history and inspire young minds.
Behind the Scenes
The Museum has a new cool
Step into the Museum and as you go up the stairs, there’s no longer a distinct change in temperature. The air conditioning is up and running in most of the building. By this weekend, it should be running throughout all three floors.
It is exciting to have our cooling and heating coming online and being able to have the Museum cool and comfortable for the coming heat of the summer. Come out and enjoy the new cool as you visit the exhibits (have you seen the new Beech exhibit yet?), and the Boeing Learning Center.
From the Director
In my first month as the new Executive Director, it is an amazing experience to embark on a journey of discovery of all the pieces in the Museum’s collection, the depth of the archives, and the dedication of the people involved with the Kansas Aviation Museum. Wichita has so much to be proud of with the innovation and entrepreneurship that fueled the growth of aviation in the city and Kansas. The more I learn, the more excited I am about the future and potential of the Kansas Aviation Museum in not only documenting that history, but providing a meaningful experience to all our visitors. If you have not been to the Museum in a while, come see us and see what’s new.
Daniel Bateman
Executive Director
