Summer of Flight – Salute to the Trainers

Featurinig our SNJ-2 and PT-17

Flight Training during WWII: With a pressing need for pilots in every theater of the war, pilot training programs were condensed during the war. A training program that initially lasted for 36 weeks eventually took just 27. The program was divided into three phases, each nine weeks in length. Primary instruction included 65 hours of flight time during which a pilot would solo the first time, flying without an instructor. This was then followed by 75 hours of flying as part of the Basic Training Program where pilots learned how to use radios and how to fly in formation, as well as flying on instruments. After graduating from Basic Training, a further 75 hours of flying was conducted in the Advanced phase. In Advanced, training pilots were divided for single-engine or multi-engine service. Those who were destined to fly fighter aircraft would advance to the AT-6, with more horsepower than the BT-series aircraft and retractable landing gear. Those who were destined for large bomber or transport aircraft would fly aircraft such as the AT-9, AT-10, or AT-17 where they learned how to manage a second engine.

Stearman Biplane Rides Resize

Snj2 Takeoff Resize

Saturdays at 1pm from May to September, the Military Aviation Museum will be showcasing historical aircraft and commemorating important wartime events through narrated flying demonstrations.

Experience the rumble from the engine up close as you hear from the pilots about what it is like to fly these incredible aircraft, learn about the battles they participated in, and about the men and women who built, flew and maintained them during the war!

Summer of Flight is included in your general museum admission and free for museum members. Each event starts at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Flights, Aircraft and Topics subject to change. Due to inclement weather, dates may be rescheduled to a later date or canceled. All flights are weather and maintenance permitting.