SEE RARE AIRCRAFT!

There are less than a dozen World War II, P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft remaining in the world, and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation houses two of them, both still airworthy!

Airworthy "Warbirds”—vintage military aircraft that fly—are the foundation of the museum’s collection. “We have several airworthy aircraft, which is actually rare to find in an aviation museum,” says Rhonda Melton, operations coordinator for the museum.

Several vintage aircraft, radial and jet engines, plus military vehicles are on display in the hangar. Among the noteworthy airplanes is a Douglas A-1H “Skyraider” that bears battle scars it sustained in Vietnam, a North American T-28B “Trojan,” a Beech SNB, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, and a North American Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco.”

@tyler_james96

@short_party

MEET A WAR VETERAN!

Volunteer docents are on site to answer any questions you may have about items on display or even give guided tours of the collection, and they are all veterans. Their shared insights and memories help bring the exhibits to life.

On select dates, the museum hosts special programs such as lectures about the “Skyraider” hosted veterans who flew the plane, group tours for school field trips, and guest speakers such as members of the Vietnam Veterans Association. Contact the museum for information about upcoming events.

SIT IN A COCKPIT!

To get a pilot’s eye view of aviation, climb into an A-4 Skyhawk cockpit. While sitting behind the controls, snap a souvenir image.

Keep that camera ready, because photo ops abound throughout the museum. “The most common feedback we get from visitors is that the size of these aircraft is so impressive,” says Melton. “You can’t always walk right up to World War II aircraft, but you can here!”

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME!

An exceptional 52-foot “Wave Wall” traces significant milestones in the history of aviation from before the Wright Brothers to present day, including timelines of Military Aviation and Tennessee’s remarkable contributions to aviation. There’s even a full-scale replica of the 1902 Wright Glider on display

In the gallery, exhibits are grouped by time periods, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and so on. Hone in on an era of specific interest, walk through chronologically, or take a trip through history however you prefer.

@heatherdelyte

@flying__cowboy

WATCH TAKE-OFFS AND LANDINGS!

The museum is adjacent to a runway of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT), which is located in Sevierville, making it easy to watch planes arrive and take off if any flights happen to be scheduled during your visit.

Since airworthy aircraft are the foundation of the museum’s collection, exhibits change frequently. Some aircraft stored in the hangar might be up in the air somewhere when you arrive. You never know what you’ll see during a trip to the museum, not to mention what’s taking off and landing outside.