KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2013 enshrinees: Capt. Robert D. Gibb, Fighter Pilot and World War II Ace (1922-1953): Gibb was born in Detroit and grew up in Lansing. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in January 1942, and was commissioned and awarded his wings […]
Museums
Air Zoo to offer Open Cockpits in February
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — ‘Look but don’t touch’ is usually the mantra of museums, but not at the Air Zoo. During the whole month of February, visitors will be able to experience aircraft from a different point of view—the cockpit. Visitors will have the chance to climb into the cockpits of three planes — the Texan, […]
Air Zoo president to retire
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO, will retire after 35 years of service to the museum. The Air Zoo Board of Directors has named Troy A. Thrash as the museum’s new president and CEO, effective at the end of January. Ellis began his career with the Air Zoo in 1977. He […]
Oakland Aviation Museum welcomes Thorp T-3B home
Oakland Aviation Museum recently took delivery of a Thorp/Paulic T3B-1 aircraft. This one-of-a-kind plane was donated by the Hiller Aviation Museum of San Carlos, Calif. The T-3B was designed by John Thorp, an instructor at the Boeing School of Aeronautics at Oakland Airport, and built by Rudy and Louis Paulic in 1933. The T-3 is […]
Museum slates Open Cockpit Day
The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Conn. will hold its next Open Cockpit Day on Sunday, Jan. 20. On that day, visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to 10 vintage aircraft, a full-motion flight simulator and two static flight simulators. Among the aircraft to be open is a […]
Holiday vacation fun at New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum will hold family fun activities Dec. 26-30. Daily activities include demonstrations about the science of flight, and the Museum’s Flight Sim Spot will be open each of these days between 12pm and 4pm. Flight Sim Spot allows visitors to use state-of-the-art simulators to virtually fly any aircraft using real cockpit […]
Air Zoo blasts off with holiday rocket clinics
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Air Zoo is offering Holiday Rocket Clinics filled with hands-on science experiences for kids on Dec. 27, Dec. 28, Jan. 3 and Jan. 4. During each clinic, participants will build and launch their own model rockets, while learning about the history of rockets and space exploration. Participants will also tour the […]
Air Zoo names Volunteer of the Year
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Air Zoo recently honored volunteer Richard “Rick” Cahow with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. Cahow, 64, of Portage, began volunteering at the Air Zoo in 1979, helping in a variety of areas. “Rick is an invaluable asset to the Air Zoo,” said Tamra Stafford, volunteer and community resources manager. […]
Air Zoo adds Mini-Max to its collection
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Air Zoo is now home to a new plane — an 1100 R Mini-Max. The 1100 R Mini-Max is an ultra light aircraft kit that was primarily used for recreational flying. The wooden, mid-wing, open cockpit aircraft features a single engine and one seat. Dale Schieber, of Galesburg, originally purchased the […]