Open Cockpit Day

What started out as a damp day turned sunny as over 200 visitors came out to tour the museum and get a chance to see the Strawberry Point flight line up close.  People were to experience what it was like to fly first class as they say in the 1950s airliner, the Martin 4-O-4.  They marveled at the roomier seats passengers enjoyed then.
Also open were the Martin B-57 Canberra and the TA-4J Skyhawk.  People squeezed into the tight quarters of the bomber and were able to fantasize they were fighter pilots in the film "Top Gun." It was hard to say who had more fun -- the kids or adults.
The kids also got to try their hands at building rockets and seeing if their creations could hit a target. They all came away with smiles, thanks to the hard work of education coordinator Debi Wynn.
Of course, the day would not have been such a success without the support of the museum's volunteers.
The next Open Cockpit Day will be August 18, with added festivities to mark National Aviation Day and the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Glenn L. Martin's first airplane company.
See you then!

Mary Cleave talks about her time at NASA

Mary Cleave is joined after her talk by Don Thomas (left) and Tom Jones.

Retired Shuttle astronaut and NASA administrator Mary Cleave talked about her time in space and on the ground to a large audience at Monday's Speaker Series. She entertained everyone with her stories about the astronaut selection process, her time in orbit and some of the important work she has done since.  In the audience were retired astronauts Don Thomas and Tom Jones.

Museum shows holiday spirit

Museum plane takes a spin around Wilson Point.

The Museum took a very visible place in the annual Wilson Point Fourth of July Parade with a float carrying a plane from its collection. The large model was a hit with parade-watchers and afterward children got a chance to sit in the cockpit when it was taken off the truck bed.  A big hand should go to the Museum's Aircraft Committee, headed by Jeff Michael, for making the holiday a high-flying success.

Where the action is

F-18 pilot salutes the crowd as he leaves for the show over Fort McHenry

Volunteers waiting to serve the crowd.

The weather was perfect as thousands attended the Star-Spangled Open House at Martin State Airport over the weekend. The crowds got a close look at several Navy planes and enjoyed the festivities.  People also had a chance to tour the museum and kids had a fun time with special activities, including rocket building.  The museum will be open regular hours,  11 AM to 3 PM Wednesday through Saturday. The flight line at Strawberry Point again is accessible to the public.

People saw a variety of aircraft, static and flying.

Getting ready for the big show

Blue Angel jets are lined up ready for the next show.

The ramp at Martin State Airport is getting crowded as more aircraft arrive the day before the weekend Open House.  Already crowds are gathering to watch the planes as they fly in and take position.  The Blue Angels will be making another practice run over Fort McHenry this afternoon and are sure to get the attention of people all over the metropolitan Baltimore area.  The show runs from 10 AM to 5 PM both Saturday and Sunday.  There will be vendors selling everything from ice cream to aircraft models.  And don't forget the museum is open extended hours both days.  Come early, because parking in designated spots is limited.

Blue Angels arrive

The Blue Angels flew into Martin State Airport Wednesday in preparation for their appearance as part of the Star-Spangled Sailabration show over Fort McHenry this weekend.
They will be using Martin State as home base as they practice Thursday and Friday and for the air show Saturday and Sunday.

The museum will be open extended hours -- 9 AM to 5 PM -- for the airport Open House Saturday and Sunday. Bring the family to see several military aircraft and to talk to the pilots and crews, including the Blue Angels. There will be food and vendors.

Treat Dad on Sunday, it's his day.  And, best of all, it's FREE.

Come early on the weekend, because parking is limited.  Look for the special event parking on Eastern Boulevard.  There will be free shuttles to the show.

Roy Shine laid to rest

Sailors salute the passing coffin of Roy Shine.

Roy Shine, longtime aviation supporter and a driving force behind the museum, was laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie Thursday. A Navy veteran, Roy began working at the Martin Company in the late 1930s and retired as a machinist with Martin-Marietta.

"The museum would not have happened without Roy," said Stan Piet, museum archivist and another early backer of the museum.  Roy also was responsible for having the "Tadpole Clipper," a 3/8-scale prototype of a PBM, restored.  It now hangs in the main hall of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Roy was honored by Governor Schaefer as 1991 Volunteer of the Year for his work.

Roy was thrilled that the museum is contnuing his work on a replica of a Martin MS-1 submarine seaplane. On his last visit to the museum, he eagerly answered questions about the plane and gave some tips on how things  could be put together.