The North Carolina Aviation Museum is well into its second decade as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history, as well as honoring the heritage of  the wonderfully wide, wide world of flight AND BEYOND!!

The museum is also involved with on-site restoration and the promotion of aviation awareness through a variety of tours and events designed for those from 7 to 97.

Supported by nearly a 99-percent volunteer force over the years, the North Carolina Aviation Museum features a unique Piper Cub (the "Flitfire" pictured above) flown in by Orville Wright in 1943, as well as many other historical, experimental and even unmanned aircraft.

We also have a pair of other classic Piper J-3 "Cubs," including one flown by International Council of Airshows Hall of Fame Member Charlie Kulp (aka "Silas the Flying Farmer") for more than 30 years at airshows nationwide. Charlie was inducted into the ICA Hall of Fame on Dec. 9, 2009.

In addition, we feature two hangars full of military vehicles, weapons, equipment and uniforms, with more being displayed nearly every month! Artifacts available for viewing include items from World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars - even the Cold War.

Other major exhibits include three tons of Mk-14 Torpedo Display, honoring the 3,505  American souls (aboard 52 subs), lost on duty during WWII; a Memorial Submarine Display (honoring the four naval vehicles named after North Carolina down through history), both courtesy of the North Carolina Sub Vets, and a ready-for-action Army convoy. REMEMBER, museum aircraft and displays change on a regular basis, so be sure and stop in TODAY to see what is currently on exhibit!!

"So, any tips on new arrivals coming in 2010?!," you ask. We are contacted many times each year about potential new aircraft/vehicles coming to the museum. Currently (as of 2/1/10) our "List of Hopefuls" includes, but is not limited to the following: Navy N3N, Pilatus P-3 (Red/White/Blue paint scheme), Oldfield Super Baby Lakes, Parker "Teenie Two," "Willys" Jeep (near-mint), Wright Flyer Model (full-sized) and a Bell UH-1 "Huey" Helicopter. Unfortunately, in many instances before the exhibit can be placed in the NCAM it is sold, or perhaps the owner moves out of state/has new commitments arise. Limited space, poor timing/weather, too costly and transportation problems could also prevent us from obtaining a new exhibit. So, KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR US!!!

Upon your arrival to the NCAM, you will pass through the front gate into our fully fenced-in parking area adjacent to the airport. You can't miss the huge USAF insignia carved into the landscaping out front. Beautifully renewed in late 2008 by Southwest Randolph High School Senior Steve Younts. (Thanks Steve, from the NCAM Family. JOB VERY WELL DONE INDEED!)

Coming up our "Friends of the Museum Walkway," you will notice inscriptions on many of the bricks. These are memorials, donated by family members or loved ones, in honor of those who have served us all. Just ask a staff member for details.

Inside the front door, you'll find yourself in the middle of the"Bob Moon Museum Store," home to one of the largest collections of aircraft models in the southeast. There are dozens of other models (from 10 centimeters to 10 feet in wingspan) located throughout the NCAM as well!!

After picking out a few items to buy on the way out, you'll enter "Hangar 1" and come face-to-face with the "Flitfire" flown in by Orville! Normally, we also have at least a dozen other aircraft on display. Lining the walls is a huge collection of authentic military uniforms, equipment, weapons, as well as a myriad of memorabilia dating back as far as the late 1800s. We also have a 1/5-scale of the 1903 Wright Flyer, expertly built and generously donated to the museum by area resident Mark Glazer.

But, that's not all - check out our "Curator's Corner," a section which allows patrons to browse (but please don't touch) many of the museum's newest arrivals. Most are fresh out of the box and on initial display until a permanent home is created for them. A big thanks here goes to Asheboro High School Senior Devon Goy for his outstanding efforts assisting with the set up of this and several other displays throughout the facility.

You can also lose yourself in the dozens of period newspapers on display, sit down and relax to a good book or check out a featured video in one of our research/viewing areas.

Next up is "Hangar 2," where your journey through our aviation archives continues. There you will find everything from a C-45 to a Swiss P-3 to a "Bird Dog." We even have a couple of Link Trainers!! Don't know what they are? Come by and find out!! We'll be glad to tell you about them or anything else you see on exhibit - and don't forget MORE MODELS and beautiful artwork in Hangar 2 as well!!

When you're done circle around and head back out the way you came in. Don't forget to stop back at the"Bob Moon Museum Store" and purchase those items you picked out on the way in!!!

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