Virginia Aviation Museum (closed)

The Virginia Aviation Museum features the spectacular SR-71 Blackbird; 38 historic, vintage aircraft; reproductions of the Wright brothers’ kite, gliders and famous 1903 Flyer; early flight memorabilia; a World War II diorama that includes the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots; and the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. 

Knowledgeable and friendly volunteers share the history of the planes including the luxurious 1938 Vultee V1-A Special once owned by William Randolph Hearst.  Find out about Virginia’s legendary Admiral Richard E. Byrd as you examine Stars and Stripes, the first American research plane to fly over Antarctica.  See a rare World War I SPAD VII in mint condition, as well as the plane Charles Lindbergh really wanted to fly across the Atlantic!  Walk around a Navy A-4C Skyhawk or Virginia Army National Guard UH-1V Huey. 

Investigate the forces of flight and find out how jet and piston engines generate power. Watch a wind tunnel in operations. Take the controls of a real J-3 Cub.  Enjoy aviation films and lectures in the Benn Theater and view aviation art from the USAF Art Association.