LOCAL AVIATION MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Palm Springs Air Museum (Palm Springs)

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum dedicated to educating the public about the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life. The Museum preserves, exhibits, and flies aircraft from World War Two, Korea, and the Vietnam Wars. Most of the aircraft are in flyable condition. Many of our docents are veterans and are willing to share their experiences and sacrifices for the education of future generations. In addition to flyable and static aircraft, the Museum uses permanent and temporary exhibits, related artifacts, artwork, and library sources to perpetuate American History. Children 5 and under and all active military with ID (and their immediate families) receive free admission. Non Profit Tax ID # 33-0615350

http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/

Planes of Fame Air Museum (Chino)

The Planes of Fame Air Museum is an independently operated, non-profit 501(c)(3) aviation museum. It is the Mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans.  The Museum is dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and exhibition of historical aircraft, and to the men and women, both famous and unknown, who devoted their lives to flight.

http://planesoffame.org/

Marine Corps Aviation Museum / Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation (MCAS Miramar - San Diego)

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a one of a kind Marine Aviation museum developed by a dedicated museum staff and many volunteers strongly supported by the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation. This command museum is located at MCAS Miramar, and is funded entirely by our generous donors. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps aviators and their ground support personnel.

http://flyingleathernecks.org/

San Diego Air & Space Museum (San Diego)

Aviation history is truly a remarkable story, and it all unfolds at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Your journey through the history of flight begins as you stand beneath a model of the Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon of 1783 - the first manned vehicle in recorded history to break the bonds of gravity and lift humans above the Earth.

Rare specimens of aircraft suggest the excitement of air combat in the World War I Gallery. Marvel at the entertaining and dangerous antics of the barnstormers of the 1920s in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery. Mint condition aircraft in a mint condition museum - a Spitfire Mk. XVI, a Navy F6F Hellcat and an A-4 Skyhawk jet - these beautifully restored airplanes help you appreciate the increasingly complex technology represented in the classic military aircraft of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The Museum's display of space age technology, like the desire to journey to the stars, may never be finished, for it represents an adventure which the human race has truly just begun.

http://sandiegoairandspace.org/

March Field Air Museum (Moreno Valley)

Welcome to the March Field Air Museum. With over 70 aircraft and more than 30,000 individual artifacts, our museum strives to promote an understanding of humanity's reach for the skies and of March Field's pivotal role in the development of flight. For nearly 100 years, March Field has been home to aviation pioneers, some famous and some anonymous. They have left a treasure trove of precious artifacts from aircraft to flight gear, from simulators to uniforms, from photos to personal letters.

http://www.marchfield.org/

Yanks Air Museum (Chino)

https://yanksair.com/

Air Force Flight Test Museum (Lancaster/Palmdale)

The Air Force Flight Test Museum (AFFTM) is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  for people who already have base access. The museum’s phone number is 661-277-8050. For those who do not have base access there is a General Public Tour offered twice a month. The tours are free, but reservations are required. For more information on the General Public Tours you can visit: http://www.edwards.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=812. You may also call any of the following numbers: 661-277-3517/4803/8707/3510/3511 Monday through Friday from 8 to 5.

http://afftcmuseum.org/

Blackbird Airpark (Palmdale)

Blackbird Airpark, an annex of the Air Force Flight Test (AFFT) Museum at Edwards AFB, was officially dedicated on September 27, 1991. It is the world’s only display of a Lockheed SR-71A together with its predecessor A-12, along with the once ultra-secret D-21 drone and the only remaining U-2 “D” model in the world.

The Airpark was established to preserve the proud heritage of the Blackbird family of military aircraft. Through the restoration, preservation, and display of these unique aircraft, it provides the visiting public from all over the world with an interesting and educational experience.

http://afftcmuseum.org/visit/blackbird-airpark/

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 (Palmdale)

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 is a family friendly, uniquely Palmdale destination centered around displays of aircraft that portray our rich aerospace heritage and present the historical significance of United States Air Force Plant 42 in a way that generates pride among our residents and prestige among our peers.

Visitors to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark may view a collection of aircraft flown, tested, designed, produced or modified at United States Air Force Plant 42. The airpark includes 21 retired military aircraft on static display, plus a 1/8 scale model of the B-2 Spirit, an AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile, a B-52, a C-46, and various aircraft components. When fully developed, the airpark will showcase over 40 retired military and civilian aircraft.

http://www.cityofpalmdale.org/Airpark

Western Museum of Flight – Aviation Museum (Torrance)

The Western Museum of Flight is a non-profit, educational institution dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history and artifacts of Southern California's aviation heritage. The Air Museum's educational programs give children an opportunity to see and touch the airplanes that made aviation history. The Air Museum offers an inside look at completed and in-progress aircraft restoration projects. The Western Museum of Flight's collection includes numerous Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet aircraft engines, aircraft components, aircraft ejection seats, World War II instruments, aircrew accessories, and an extensive model aircraft collection.

http://www.wmof.com/

California Science Center (Los Angeles)

On October 30, 2012, Space Shuttle Endeavour opened to the public in the Science Center’s newly built Samuel Oschin Pavilion. In the Pavilion, guests are able to see Endeavour up close and discover some of the science behind this amazing space vehicle. The Samuel Oschin Pavilion also features SPACEHAB, a workshop for astronauts while in space, and a space shuttle main engine (SSME) which helped push the shuttle into orbit. Before entering the Pavilion, guests will be able to enjoy an introductory experience, Endeavour: The California Story, which celebrates Endeavour’s many scientific achievements and its strong connection to California where all the orbiters were built. The California Story includes the Rocketdyne Operations Support Center (ROSC), which monitored the first 81/2 minutes of every shuttle launch, Endeavour’s space potty and galley, and the tires from STS-134, Endeavour’s final mission. In addition to the orbiter, our unique collection of Air and Space Exhibits explores the design of aircraft, spacecraft, and space probes for specific tasks by applying the principles of air, space, and flight.

http://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/air-aircraft

USS Midway Museum (San Diego)

Experience Life at Sea Without Leaving Port!

Imagine experiencing life at sea aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom and peace. The USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Guests can spend the day exploring more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 29 restored aircraft. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by Midway sailors, brings the carrier's history to life. Those who dare can "take to the sky" aboard one of two flight simulators.

http://www.midway.org/

Museum of Flying (Santa Monica)

Museum of Flying is pleased to announce its new home at the Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, California, that features a display and exhibit area of nearly 22,000 square feet.

The new Museum provides displays and interpretive exhibits on the history of flight and the development and growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Southern California. Based on our heritage, the Museum will place heavy emphasis on the Douglas Aircraft Company and the history of the Santa Monica Airport.

http://www.museumofflying.com/page/page/8731793.htm

Flight Path Learning Center & Museum (Los Angeles)

Unique among the fine aviation museums in Southern California is the Flight Path Learning Center, the only aviation museum and research center situated at a major airport and the only facility with a primary emphasis on contributions of civil aviation to the history and development of Southern California.

The Flight Path exhibits gallery, filled with memories of aviation’s golden years, is adjacent to the LAX airfield, where today’s aircraft and travelers arrive and depart the world’s busiest origin and destination airport. No other museum offers such a perspective on contemporary aircraft and aviation.

http://www.flightpath.us/

Aviator Flight Training (Fullerton)

Aviator Flight Training's staff of professional pilots and Certified Flight Instructors are eager to meet your needs for a variety of flight experiences! These experiences can be anything from that fun flight around Southern California, to checking an item off your bucket list. We also specialize in pilot checkouts in your classic, antique or warbird trainer, and earning your wings as a Private, Instrument or Commercial Rated Pilot! At Aviator Flight Training we can customize a program for your specific flying or training needs.

http://www.aviatorflighttraining.com/

Lyon Air Museum (Santa Ana)

Founded by Major General William Lyon, Lyon Air Museum is located on the west side of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Lyon Air Museum is collocated with Martin Aviation, an award winning jet, turbo-prop and piston-powered aircraft repair facility established in 1923 by famed aviation pioneer Eddie Martin.

The Lyon Air Museum exhibit is comprised of authentic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia, with emphasis on the defining event of the 20th century – World War II. Through captivating and thought provoking exhibits based in historical scholarship, visitors gain a better understanding of the important role the United States plays in shaping world history.

http://lyonairmuseum.org/

Volunteer Application

http://lyonairmuseum.org/volunteer-application

SKYDIVE PERRIS (Perris)

Welcome to Skydive Perris, California's only Skydiving Resort Center. Home of the largest fleet of skydiving aircraft on the west coast and our awesome on-site indoor skydiving facility.

http://skydiveperris.com/tunnel.aspx

http://skydiveperris.com/

ORGANIZATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS

EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association

http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa

Eagle Flights

EAA’s Eagle Flights is a way to help prospective pilots get their first taste of personal aviation, free of charge. An Eagle Flight is a hands-on introduction, where you’ll fly with a local EAA member pilot who will give you a thorough introduction to what it’s like to fly your own airplane.

http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/aviation-beginners-and-newcomers/introductory-flights-for-free/eaa-eagle-flights-program

More Information on Eagle Flights

To help clarify the purpose and intent of the Eagle Flights program, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we've received.

http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/aviation-beginners-and-newcomers/introductory-flights-for-free/eaa-eagle-flights-program/learn-more-about-eagle-flights

Flight Training Scholarships

Apply for these scholarships to help offset your flight training expenses and gain your wings!

http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-education-and-resources/eaa-youth-education/eaa-aviation-scholarships/eaa-flight-training-scholarships

EAA Local Chapter

http://www.494.eaachapter.org/about.htm

The Ninety-NInes

The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.

Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly “for the fun of it!”

http://www.ninety-nines.org/

Local Chapters

Long Beachhttp://www.longbeach99s.com/Fullertonhttps://www.facebook.com/Fullerton99s

Scholarship Information

http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/scholarship_summary.htm

http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/scholarship_registry.htm

http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/other_scholarships.htm

The 99s Pilot Careers Resource Center

http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/pilot_careers_resource_center.htm

Women in Aviation

Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women (and men) who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information about WAI, contact us at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645

http://wai.org/

Local Chapters

California's Aerospace Valleys Greater Los Angeles AreaSan Diego
Lancaster, CaliforniaLos Angeles, CaliforniaSan Diego, California
Kacy AndersonFallon WinslowCynthia Burgunder
(269) 804-9047(949) 291-6341(619) 905-9449

kanderson439@gmail.comGreaterLAWAI@gmail.comwaisdcyndi@gmail.com

www.waigreaterla.org www.waisd.org

Scholarship Information

http://wai.org/education/scholarships.cfm

SCAA

SCAA's mission is to advance and promote aviation related business throughout Southern California; to be proactive in addressing concerns impacting the region’s airports, including safety and operations; and promote education on the importance of business aviation to our communities, companies, and the general public.

The Southern California Aviation Association was established in December, 2006, as an outgrowth of the North County Community Airports Association and the San Diego Regional Aviation Association. With a heightened awareness that many issues were evolving in Southern California aviation which needed to be addressed, the organization changed its name to better serve this crucial segment of transportation needs in Southern California, as well as the needs of aviation as an industry reaching critical mass, in a new era of global corporate travel.

SCAA is intended to have a voice at the local, state, and federal level, allowing us to be proactive and effective when issues pertinent to the aviation cluster are presented. A major goal of SCAA is to be more in tune especially with what is going on at the regional levels, and therefore have the opportunity and resources to be proactive in affecting the direction of aviation in Southern California, and to weigh in on general economic issues as appropriate. The resources and industry positions of our membership will allow us to achieve many goals in the future when issues are presented that can adversely, or positively, affect general aviation.

http://scaa.memberlodge.com/

Member Benefits / Levels

http://scaa.memberlodge.com/membership

Career Development

http://scaa.memberlodge.com/career_development

Scholarship Information

http://scaa.memberlodge.com/scholarships_awards

Tuskegee Airmen

In spite of adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans have played a significant role in U.S. military history over the past 300 years. They were denied military leadership roles and skilled training because many believed they lacked qualifications for combat duty. Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all African-American pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941. They became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Tuskegee Airmen” refers to all who were involved in the so-called “Tuskegee Experience,” the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air.

http://tuskegeeairmen.org/

Scholarship Information

http://tuskegeeairmen.org/explore-tai/scholarships/

http://www.taisf.org/

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

With hundreds of thousands of members, AOPA is the largest, most influential general aviation association in the world. AOPA has achieved its prominent position through effective advocacy, safety education and training, enlightened leadership, technical competence, and hard work. Providing member services that range from representation at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, advice, and other assistance, AOPA has built a service organization that far exceeds any other in the aviation community.

http://www.aopa.org/

Membership Information

http://www.aopa.org/Membership/Membership-Benefits

Student/Trial Memberships

http://www.aopa.org/Membership

http://www.aopa.org/Membership/Membership-Options

Scholarship Information

http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Learn-to-Fly/aviation-scholarships

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/ftscholarship.html

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/Pilot-Training-and-Certification/Scholarship

http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/090220scholarship.html?WT.mc_sect=stf