Rains cut short Open Cockpit

Dozens of people came early Saturday to enjoy the museum and Open Cockpit day.  When the deluge came, volunteers managed to close all the planes in time.  A few brave souls walked up and down the static line under umbrellas to make the most of a soggy afternoon.

War in the electronic age

Group Captain Adrian Frost answers questions after his presentation.

Group Captain Adrian Frost was the guest at the museum's monthly Monday Speaker Series. He talked about how changes in technology have affected air warfare over the last quarter century, when "smart" bombs and laser-guided missiles have altered tactics. He provided video examples from the Gulf wars and Afghanistan to show how precision munitions have improved accuracy.  But, he emphasized that it is still the people on the front line who are the most important component of any strategy.  Captain Frost currently is the United Kingdom's liaison to U.S.  cyberspace operations.

Out in the neighborhood

The Oriole Bird was among the many visitors interested in flight who stopped by the museum's booth at the Crossroads Village Spring Festival on Saturday. Bernie Trent (left) and Joe Teal seemed to be enjoying their time manning the booth.

Sorry you missed us

Family members stand in line to enter TA-4J cockpit. Nearly 200 people took advantage of the perfect April weather to examine several aircraft at the Strawberry Point static line. Six airplanes were open and the newly arrived T-34C trainer was one of the most popular features. Two people at a time could enjoy the T-34C. The next Open Cockpit is scheduled for May 12 when the museum may be able to open even more aircraft.

Scouts earn their wings

Scouts and adults listen to talk on  historic "Spirit of Maryland."

More than 100 Scouts, accompanied by parents and Scout leaders, attended the second annual Aviation Day at the museum held by the Chesapeake District.  Scouts learned about rockets, principles of flight, navigation and building a community in space. The weather prevented a visit to the Strawberry Point static line, but they were kept busy with a variety of hands-on activities. They also had a chance to hold classes in the museum C Basement center where they also had a chance to see restoration projects and several historic craft, including Steven Oxman's balloon that crossed the Alps and Bill Morris' "Spirit of Maryland," which traveled to Europe and the Arctic several times.

Snow days pile up

The new structure at Strawberry Point survived the challenging weather.

Twin Beech and Martin 4-O-4 are visible behind snow piles.

B-57s were stationed in Alaska, but never looked like this.

The recent snows closed the museum for a few days, but the spring weather forecast should take care of that. The airplanes at Strawberry Point were snow-covered, but seemed to have weathered the storm. Anyone who wants to be escorted to the planes may have to look from afar or scale the snow piles.
Please call ahead to make sure the museum  is open. 410-682-6122

Museum's F9F on the move

The museum's F9F shows years of neglect.

Volunteers have moved the museum's Grumman F9F Cougar from a storage yard on Eastern Avenue to Strawberry Point.  Eventually, the jet engine will be removed and restored for display.  Plans call for the fighter either to be restored. or converted into a Navy jet simulator. As always, people are invited to volunteer their services to accomplish the Cougar's final mission.