WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – The New England Air Museum will hold its next Open Cockpit event on Sunday, June 15, Father’s Day. On that day, visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to 12 vintage aircraft, a full-motion flight simulator and two static flight simulators.
The aircraft to be open include the North American F-100 Super Sabre, the WWII P-47 Thunderbolt, the A-10 “Warthog”, the F-104 Starfighter, several helicopters and more.
There will be additional hands-on activities for the enjoyment of the younger visitors during the event. For the convenience of all, a food vendor will be on site all day.
Also, as part of the day’s activities, renowned aviation archaeologist Ric Gillespie will make two presentations titled “THE SEARCH FOR AMELIA EARHART.” Amelia Earhart went missing over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while attempting a round-the-world flight in her Lockheed 10-A Electra aircraft.
Since 1988 Gillespie has been attempting to solve the mystery of her disappearance. After 25 years and 10 research expeditions, he has concluded that Earhart probably went down over Gardner Island (now Nikumaroro), an uninhabited atoll 350 miles away from her intended destination of Howland Island. In his talk, Gillespie will point out features on the Air Museum’s Lockheed Electra 10-A aircraft which has proved to be extremely valuable to him in his research. The presentations will be at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Also available on the day of the event will be the museum’s Flight Sim Spot which provides visitors with a high tech flight experience.
Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $11 for seniors 65 and up and $6.50 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free.
For more information: NEAM.org