A new exhibit, “How Things Fly… Experience the Adventure,” opened Feb. 4 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
The exhibit is divided into four zones: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Meteorology and Air Traffic Control — each giving an insight into the wonder of flight.
Aerodynamics: Have you ever wondered how a bird flies in the sky? Or what it was like during the Wright brothers’ very first powered flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903? This fun zone is filled with simulators that answer those questions and more. Experience a flight with today’s modern squirrel suit jumpers as they soar around a mountain. Learn how to fly a helicopter and experience a real wind tunnel with your own set of wings.
Propulsion: See real, historic and modern day engines in operation. Also enjoy a series of non-operating engines such as the mammoth 28 cylinder Pratt and Whitney 4360. Enter a special listening dome that plays the actual sounds of several engines as they fly overhead.
Meteorology: Explore the effects of weather on aircraft and flight planning. View a weather balloon with “radiosonde,” a functioning weather station, videos of weather patterns and phenomena that affect the safety of flight, live NEXRAD radar, and create your own lighting storm in a Van de Graf machine!
Air Traffic Control: Enter the world of air traffic control and witness the importance it plays in aviation safety. View live radar and air traffic control communications at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport and even our own Lindbergh Field. Try to control the aircraft on your own at the training station.
Admission to “How Things Fly” includes entrance to the general Museum galleries.
“The history and future of aviation and flight has mirror-imaged the greatest innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Jim Kidrick, president and CEO of the museum. “This very special exhibition engages the guest in fun, exciting ways to pique their interest, challenge their skills and test their knowledge. It inspires all ages to learn more about the sciences and engineering existing today and how they might actively participate in the solutions required in the future to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of innovation.”
For more information: 619-234-8291 or SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
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