Get ready for Open Cockpit

Eva and Aaron check out the display of the Ninety-Nines in July under the watchful eye of their father Adrien.

The weather looks good for Saturday's Open Cockpit event, so mark your calendars. This will be the last chance this season to sit in the museum's aircraft, so come on out, because there may be a few surprises. Several Rosie the Riveters will also be on hand to relate their stories about working during World War II.

Over 200 people took advantage of the July Open Cockpit day to visit the Museum and sit in our planes. People had a chance to get an up-close look at several jet fighters and other aircraft.
In the Museum, people met several Rosie the Riveters and Ninety-Nines (the international organization of women pilots), the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, and author Vince Gisriel Jr., who signed his book "Hearts Away, Bombs Away."

Oldest member reaches 100

One star shows off another. Harvey was wearing his summer hat to the event.

Harvey Hodgin, one of the early supporters of the museum, has hit a new milestone: 100 years. Several friends from Middle River and the museum showed up to wish him well. Debi Wynn arranged the party at Harvey's residence and baked an assortment of cupcakes to mark the occasion.

Old friends from the neighborhood reminisce about old times.

Harvey was well known for showing up at the museum with a package of cookies for the volunteers.  Al LaPorte decided to return the favor.

Well-wishers from the museum (from left), Debi Wynn, Carol Clarke, Al LaPorte and Jane Michael surround Harvey.

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.