Learn about the pilots, planes and the people who helped get them into the skies at the National Museum of World War II Aviation. Spread across three hangars on a 20-acre (8-hectare) site are dozens of former combat planes. They help to tell the story of the role of aviation in the global conflict.
The museum is on airport controlled property and so the hangar tours are led by docents. Listen to stories about the bravery and determination of World War II pilots and their support personal. Discover how technological advances helped to overcome the enemy.
Look over the refurbished planes including a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and a Grumman TBF Avenger, another bomber. See the unrestored fuselage of a Republic P-47D Thunderbolt that was recovered from the ground in Papua New Guinea. Read the displays of contemporaneous magazine articles and newspaper clippings that cover the build up to war and eventual victory. Watch vintage planes being restored at the WestPac Restorations facility.
Study the nose art on some of the planes. As a morale booster, crews and artists painted patriotic images, insignia and comic strip characters on the noses of their aircraft. Observe exhibits of aviation memorabilia such as manuals, medals, personal letters, flying goggles and flags. The tour also examines the contributions of women and families to the war effort.
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There are three tours per day and each one lasts for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The price of admission is cheaper if paid in advance through the museum's website.
The museum is by Colorado Springs Airport, 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the city. Free car parking is available on site. If the tour has whet your appetite for aviation history, head over to the nearby Peterson Air and Space Museum after your visit.
