Palm Springs Air Museum

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! This week Fred gives a shout-out to one of the loudest passenger airplanes ever produced, the Boeing 727. This narrow-body plane was America's first three jet airliner and was one of the longest in production. Enjoy the video, and as always, thanks for watching! To purchase the United States Flag Hat or F-14 Tomcat t-shirt please visit bit.ly/PSAMWebStore

Every meaningful journey begins with a first step. The PSAM broke ground today on the F-117/Houston Pavilion. We expect the Hangar to be substantially complete by October 1st of this year. Thank you to the Houston Family Foundation and all of our sponsors for getting us to this vital stage.

We want to say a huge thank you to Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino. They supported us again this year with the Corsair and Bearcat for our Gold Star family flights this past Memorial Day weekend. Please show Steve Hinton and the POF folks your appreciation whenever you can. Thank you again!

The sun has set on the Flower Drop Memorial Day 2021 weekend. We want to thank everyone that came out to support our Gold Star families and attend the Tuskegee Airmen Statue Dedication. To all of the organizations, sponsors, docents, volunteers, ground crews, pilots, the Tower, and the City of Palm Springs we express our sincere appreciation in supporting us in stepping up to our first major function at the facility in 15 months.

Thanks a ton to all our local gold star families who came out today at the Palm Springs Air Museum for Memorial Day.

Join us Saturday, February 20 at 1pm for the program "Okinawa: Crucible of the Pacific" presented by Dr. Edward Gordon. Of all the Pacific battles of World War II, Okinawa stands out as the most severe trial of the U.S. armed forces their crucible. The Japanese launched a typhoon of steel against the U.S. invasion which was the last and largest amphibious assault in the Pacific. American forces faced a Japanese army defense force of 130,000 men and an unprecedented 3,000 ...kamikaze sorties targeting the U.S. invasion fleet. In a last desperate throw of the dice, the Japanese navy dispatched the world’s largest battleship Yamato for another type of kamikaze assault on Okinawa. Historian Ed Gordon will discuss many facets of his wide-ranging battle Operation Iceberg that extended from March 14 to June 22, 1944. This open-air program is included with paid admission and will also be live-streamed at 1pm on our YouTube channel youtube.com/palmspringsairmuseum/live. Masks are required for entry to the Museum and social distancing regulations will be followed.

Today we honor and remember all those who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. February 19 marks the beginning of the battle, a major military campaign between U.S. Marines and the Imperial Army of Japan. The American invasion, designated Operation Detachment, had the purpose of capturing the island with its two airfields. The strategic objectives were to provide an emergency landing strip for battle-damaged B-29s unable to make it back to US air and to provide air fields for fighter escorts, long-range P-51s, to provide fighter coverage to the bombers. The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted five weeks and is considered some of the bloodiest fighting in the war of the Pacific. The video shows footage of B-24 bombers over the island.

Our newest Boeing t-shirt celebrates the heritage of one of the toughest 20th-century planes. Just like the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress, this quality t-shirt made of 100% cotton is legendary and ready for take-off! Purchase at https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/pro/flying-fortress-shirt/

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, Fred walks us through the history of the Huey helicopter, famous for its use during the Vietnam War. This multi-purpose helicopter was a big step into the air mobile concept and was used primarily to transport troops, for medical evacuations, cargo transport, and aerial attack. Enjoy the video, and as always, thanks for watching! Purchase the Huey T-shirt here http://bit.ly/HueyTshirt

There are still some tickets left for the final three F-117 Experience dates; March 12, March 26, and April 2! Come see this incredible aircraft up close with a personal guide from Skunkworks or an F-117 pilot. This aircraft is currently not on public display. Get tickets at bit.ly/PSAM-F117Experience Enjoy this video of the arrival and retirement ceremony for the F-117A Stealth Fighter #833 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Historic P-51D Man O War has its gear reinstalled at the PSAM. Look for test flights in mid-March as she joins our fleet of veteran tribute aircraft. Check the web site for updates!

The Palm Springs Air Museum will close our Museum exhibits/Hangars on Monday December 7th. Our retail/gift store in the front of the facility will continue to operate, In addition, our flight operations, and electronic programming outreach will also continue. We have been notified by the County of Riverside that this shut down will last three weeks at minimum. We will keep you all informed with regular updates as the situation develops. The date of the shutdown is ironic for ...our Institution. On this date the United States was thrust into World War II. Now, as in that time long ago, we are at War. In this case, with a deadly unseen enemy COVID. We did not seek this circumstance but we have to understand the reality of it. There is never an argument over the choice between peace and war that is thrust upon us. There is a risk in any course we follow, but every lesson in history tells us that the greater risk lies in surrendering to circumstance. There is no accommodation possible in giving up to the scourge of this disease - we have no choice but to fight it and above all else remember that we will be victorious. This battle, that has gone on for months, has weakened us spiritually, morally, and economically. But like previous generations we will adapt and in the end overcome this adversity as we did all those years ago and in the history of our nation. In the words of Ronald Reagan Should Moses have told the children of Israel to live in slavery under the pharaohs? Should Christ have refused the cross? Should the patriots at Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard round the world? The martyrs of history were not fools, and our honored dead who gave their lives to stop the advance of the Axis powers did not die in vain. We all have to have the courage to say to this latest threat, there is no price we will not pay. There is a point beyond which COVID must not advance. Winston Churchill said that the destiny of man is not measured by material computation. When great forces are on the move in the world, we learn we are spirits not animals. And he said, There is something going on in time and space, and beyond time and space, which, whether we like it or not, spells duty. So we all have to recognize, like the generations that have gone before us, our rendezvous with destiny - with duty. The Palm Springs Air Museum will continue to celebrate what makes us great and we will emerge from this crisis stronger. We wish you the best of Holidays and God Bless each of you and your families as we work to a brighter year ahead. Fred W. Bell Vice Chairman Palm Springs Air Museum

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! The J-3 Cub was introduced in 1938 and had a simple, lightweight design which gives it good low-speed handling properties and short-field performance. This aircraft was used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) to assist with military preparedness. Enjoy the video and thanks for watching! To purchase the kids Magic T-Shirt, please visit https://bit.ly/PSAMMagicTShirt

God speed general. First star to the right and straight on till morning...

F-117 Experience Speaker Lineup Announced! The F-117 Experience is a series of 6 limited open air viewings for the public to see this incredible aircraft up close (socially distanced) with an experienced interpreter as a guide for the evening. Each experience lasts 90 minutes and will feature an expert speaker, a different Limited Edition T-Shirt for each event, and a chance to look inside the cockpit for each session. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities! Each e...vent is limited to only 117 attendees. SPEAKER LINEUP BY DATE: Friday, October 30th - ALMOST SOLD OUT Steve Justice, Former Director of Advanced Systems Development at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Division Friday, November 27th Sherm Mullin, Lockheed Skunk Works Head, Advanced Tactical Fighter Program Saturday, November 28th James JB Brown, former Chief of Flight Operations, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Division Saturday, December 26th Neil Kacena, Vice President, Advanced Development Programs, Lockheed Martin Saturday, January 2nd To Be Announced Saturday, February 6th Bob Loschke, F-117 Flight Control Systems Research, Flight Control System Analysis, Development, and Testing 36 years with Lockheed Martin in-flight systems development Click here https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/f-117-experience-speakers/ to read more about this incredible speaker lineup and to reserve your tickets!

Today we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and remember the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice on this tragic day in the history of our nation. To support the Palm Springs Air Museum and our mission to preserve history, please visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/donate/

Looking for something to do this weekend? The Palm Springs Air Museum is open to the public! We are following COVID safety protocols with social distancing and masks. All our hangar doors are open and the weather is looking great. Come visit!

Our gifting guide continues! Treat a special someone to an F-117 Experience Only three remaining dates for this unique experience. Choose between December 26, January 2 or February 6 for a 90-minute experience with an expert interpreter, cockpit experience and photo ops. Each experience costs $45 and includes a limited-edition t-shirt for each event. Only 117 tickets are available for each event and the remaining dates are over half sold out already! Get your tickets at https://bit.ly/F-117Experience

Join us this Saturday at 1pm for the open-air program Pearl Harbor The American Aircraft at the time Of the Attack. This kicks off our 25th Anniversary series and can be experienced in-person or, as an early Christmas gift to you, FREE on YouTube Livestream. This will be the ONLY free program on live stream, look for video subscription options starting January. Experience the Palm Springs Air Museum 25th Anniversary series from the comfort of your own home! Saturday’s program is included with regular paid admission, or tune in on December 5 at 1pm to youtube.com/c/palmspringsairmuseum/livestream.

A great deal of work goes into preserving our Military Aviation Heritage. Man-O-War getting heavy maintenance so she can be enjoyed by future generations...

Welcome to a slightly different Warbird Wednesday where we show you only a piece of the Fairchild C-119 Boxcar and not to mention Fred’s take on a British accent. This is a rare aircraft in that only a few were built before technology changed again and left this particular version obsolete. Watch the video and find out why you can only see the front section of this aircraft when you visit the Palm Springs Air Museum. Enjoy the video, thanks for watching!

Last days to vote! The Palm Springs Air Museum is honored to have been nominated in the following 5 categories in the Desert Sun Best of the Desert 2020 competition! Best Family Amusement Best Event Venue Best Local Tourist Attraction... Best Local Landmark Best Place to Take the Kids Vote here https://desertsun.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Desert-2020/ Thank you, we appreciate your support!

It is always an honor and a pleasure to recognize our local gold star families. They made the sacrifice so we can live in freedom.

From the archives: Interview with Col. Paul Henderson, Korean War F-86 Pilot

Our Museum only exists today because of the vision of Bob Pond and the generosity of thousands of people that love aviation history and support our mission. Delta LAX Flight Operations, along with their TechOps Engineering Department; and ACS's Ground Support Equipment Division recently helped coordinate the donation of one of Delta's tugs to the PSAM. We'd like to thank General Manager Lourens Van Aswegen for his support and LAX Captain Steven B. Johnson for his help as well.... The generations of military aviators we honor that have gone on to that bright star at sunset are smiling down upon you. Go to the link below to make a donation: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/donate/

Well, hello there! Welcome to today's episode of #WarbirdWednesday featuring one of the most iconic American aircraft of the 20th century, the F-86 Sabre Jet by the North American Corporation. Keep an eye for an entire "Fred Fun Section"! Enjoy the video and as always, thanks for watching! F-86 T-shirt can be purchased here http://bit.ly/F-86SabreTShirt

As the F-117 arrives we look back at the multitude of aircraft - flying and static - we have restored. To be part of the F-117 restoration process go to: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/f117-experience/... For exclusive access to the airframe. Each experience lasts 90 minutes and will feature a different Skunk Works Expert or F-117 pilot to interpret the airplane, and will include a different Limited Edition T-Shirt from each experience, and a chance to look inside the cockpit for each session. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities! Each experience will take place in the evening at 5 PM.

We get lots of questions about the removal of the RAM (radar absorbent material) on Stealth #833. Check out the short video on how its done. A huge shout out to the Demil team at Tonopah. You guys rock! Our Country and the aircraft community in general owe you all a huge thank you for the way this airframe was preserved. To check out more secrets for #833 check the link below for exclusive viewing experience dates to see the plane as it moves thorough it's restoration process.... Each experience lasts 90 minutes and will feature a different Skunk Works Expert or F-117 pilot to interpret the airplane, and will include a different Limited Edition T-Shirt from each experience, and a chance to look inside the cockpit for each session. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities! Each experience will take place in the evening at 5 PM. For more details and tickets, please visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/f117-experience/

The Palm Springs Air Museum is excited to announce the launch of the F-117 Experience! To support the intense public interest in the Stealth Fighter #833, there will be six upcoming F-117A Exclusive Visitor Experiences at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Each experience lasts 90 minutes and will feature a different Skunk Works Expert or F-117 pilot to interpret the airplane, and will include a different Limited Edition T-Shirt from each experience, and a chance to look inside ...the cockpit for each session. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities! Each experience will take place in the evening at 5 PM. For more details and tickets, please visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/f117-experience/ The F-117 is not on regular display, these events are the only way to view the aircraft until complete restoration is complete in Spring 2021. Each event is limited to 117 attendees. F-117 EXPERIENCE DATES Friday October 30th; Friday and Saturday November 27th and 28th; Saturday, December 26th; Saturday, January 2nd; and Saturday, February 6th.

This week the first prototype Lear Jet flew -7 October 1963: The first of two Learjet 23 prototypes, N801L, makes its first flight at Wichita, Kansas, with test pilots Henry Grady (Hank) Beaird, Jr., and Robert S. Hagan. A light twin-engine business jet, the Learjet 23 is considered a first because it was designed from the start as a civil aircraft. Check out our Lear 24 the Aircraft owned by Clay Lacy that bears his signature in our Miles Hangar. The PSAM is open 10AM to 5PM daily - kids twelve and under are free.

Well, hello there! Welcome to today's episode of Warbird Wednesday featuring one of the first generation fighters to enter the US Air Force; the F-84F Thunderstreak by Republic Aviation. The original Thunderstreak was a straight-wing aircraft, while the next generation F-84F featured a new design with swept wings. Enjoy the video and as always, thanks for watching! Purchase the USAF hat here https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/product/hat-usaf/