Open Cockpit Day & Presentations on the Search for Amelia Earhart

Visitors will be permitted to
climb into the cockpits of up to twelve vintage airplanes including two
supersonic jet fighters, the Vietnam era Huey helicopter, the WWII P-47
Thunderbolt, the Vintage DC-3 airliner, and more. 

Also, as part of the day’s
activities, renowned aviation archaeologist Ric Gillespie will make two
presentations titled “THE SEARCH FOR AMELIA EARHART.” Amelia Earhart went
missing over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while attempting a round-the-world
flight in her Lockheed 10-A Electra aircraft.  Since 1988 Gillespie has been attempting to
solve the mystery of her disappearance. 
After 25 years and 10 research expeditions, he has concluded that
Earhart probably went down over Gardner Island (now Nikumaroro), an uninhabited
atoll 350 miles away from her intended destination of Howland Island.  In his talk, Gillespie will point out
features on the Air Museum’s Lockheed Electra 10-A aircraft which has proved to
be extremely valuable to him in his research. The presentations will be at
11:30AM & 1:30PM.

Gillespie has been featured
in numerous television documentaries including 2012 and 2013 specials on the
Discovery Channel.

There also will be hands on activities for the
enjoyment of the younger visitors during the event.  For the convenience of all, a food vendor
will be on site serving sandwiches, snacks and hot & cold drinks. The event
will be held inside the Museum’s three large, heated display hangars.