WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN. – The New England Air Museum will hold three events on Sunday, Oct. 11, including the Fall Open Cockpit Day.
Visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to 12 aircraft, including the Vietnam era “Huey” helicopter; the North American F-100 Super Sabre jet fighter; the Coast Guard HH-52 rescue helicopter; Lockheed F-104C Starfighter and many more.
The second event will be the fourth Annual Great New England RC Swap Meet. This event is co-sponsored by the Wintonbury Flying Club and is included with museum admission. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn all aspects of RC aviation from remote control airplane enthusiasts. All types of RC aircraft, parts and accessories will be available for purchase. RC simulators will be available for visitors to try.
Museum educators will provide hands-on activities for younger visitors and the Museum’s Flight Sim Spot full-flight simulator experience will be available throughout most of the day.
The Open Cockpit program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for ages 12 and up, $11.50 for seniors 65 and up and $7 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free.
The New England Air Museum is located adjacent to Bradley International Airport.
The “open cockpit days” at various museums are a great thing. I have often thought that those with the room to do so should also run a few of the aircraft, primarily I am thinking of the radial engine craft. I made my living at one time mainlining radials and have found the awe of airshow spectators hearing a radial start for the first time quite startling. I will always love the sound but to see someone that has never heard one experience the lopping rumble of a big radial is truly amazing. The aircraft and even engine does not need to be “airworthy” to run and the audio/visual spectacle of a round engine coming to life will put the “static” museum in a whole different light.