Visiting the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia

Museum of Aviation

There are many wonderful air museums located across the United States. From the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. to the Museum of Flight in Seattle, to the New England Air Museum located here in southern New England, there are many opportunities for the aviation enthusiast to get up close and personal with their favorite aircraft. For those of you who find yourself in central Georgia, there just happens to be one of the premier aviation museums in the country, the Museum of Aviation, which is located adjacent to the Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia.

The Museum of Aviation is the second-largest air museum in the United States and it is spread out over four large buildings and 51 acres of land. With over 90 different aircraft on display, the museum has something for everyone. We have had the opportunity to visit the museum on three occasions, and we still find ourselves drawn back to see the incredible display of aircraft that span the history of aviation from past to present. From the flying machines of World War II to the fastest and most technological aircraft of today there is so much to see here that it could very well take you a couple of days to see it all.

The very first thing you will notice when visiting the Museum of Aviation is the massive B-1 Bomber that graces the entrance to the museum. The sweep-wing B-1 entered service in 1986 and is still used today, having flown missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. Initially designed to replace the aging B-52 bomber, the B-1 is capable of flying at supersonic speeds up to mach 1.25.

In addition to the four buildings that house aircraft there are numerous static aircraft located outside throughout the grounds of the museum. Each building has staff on hand to answer any questions you may have and you are free to explore the museum at your our pace. You really will be impressed with the excellent condition of all of the displays and the different aircraft from every era of American aviation history.

The museum is free to visitors and is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and most federal holidays. For the small fee of $5 you can take a guided tour, which last approximately 90 minutes and takes you through one or more of the museum buildings.

• Museum of Aviation Warner Robins Georgia
  Home of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, GA

The Tuskegee Airmen: A Proud Heritage

This group of African-American aviators fought during the Second World War. They are renowned as the first African-American military pilots in the armed forces of the United States. Although still subject to segregation and discrimination at the time, these dedicated airmen flew in both fighter and bomber squadrons across North Africa and Europe.

The Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame

Check out this exhibit that highlights the over 90 men and women who have made the state of Georgia a world leader in Aviation. Located on the second floor of the Century of Flight building, the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame was first established back in1989 and continues to honor the aviation achievements of individuals from across the state.

World War II

See a restored P-51 Mustang, the workhorse of the WWII air effort in this exhibit dedicated to the millions who participated in the war to end all wars. A special display highlights “Rosie the Riveter” and the contributions of so many women back here in the states that helped our assembly lines produce the planes that turned the tide in the war effort.

The Robert L. Scott Story

It wasn't until our third visit to the Museum of Aviation that I stumbled onto the Robert Scott Story. And what a story it is. If you want to learn about a true American hero then make it a point to visit this exhibit. Scott flew with the famous Flying Tigers fighter group that operated in Burma and China during World War II. He flew a total of 388 combat missions and became one of the first flying aces of the war by shooting down thirteen Japanese airplanes. His autobiography, God is My Co-Pilot, chronicles his experiences during the war and was eventually made into a movie. Scott lived out his retirement right here in Warner Robins, Georgia, until his death in 2006 at the age of 97. Do not miss this exhibit.

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World War II Normandy Air Invasion Exhibit

Learn about the story of the 507^th Parachute Infantry Regiment and their D-Day air drop behind the German lines. This regiment hails from nearby Fort Benning, Georgia and there is an actual C-47 Skytrain that flew the paratroopers on display above this exhibit. Lost in the land and naval invasion of Normandy is the amazing story of the heroic glider and airborne units that ushered troops behind enemy lines. You can find this 6,000 square foot exhibit in the Scott World War II Exhibit Hangar.

Thunderbird Exhibit

The F-16A Fighting Falcon is one of the most amazing aircraft to ever grace our skies. First introduced back in 1978, the plane and its future variants have been in active use by the United States Air Force for over 35 years. The airplane on display here at the museum was moved here in 2008 and is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.

Used by the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, millions of folks around the country have seen the Thunderbirds perform their magic at air shows. Capable of flying at 1,345 mph it's no wonder that many of our allies around the world are flying the F-16 today. The airplane on display here at the museum was actually used by the Thunderbirds starting in 1982.

With so many aircraft on display here it’s hard to list them all but this collection is certainly one of the most extensive and comprehensive that I have ever seen. A few of the notables that deserve mentioning are included here.

Bombers:

• B-25 J Mitchell
• B-29 Superfortress
• B-1B Lancer
• B-52 Stratofortress

Fighters:

• P-51 Mustang
• P-40 Warhawk
• F-100 Super Sabre
• F-4 Phantom
• F-15A Eagle
• F-16A Fighting Falcon

Cargo:

• Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter
• Douglas C-124 Globemaster
• Lockheed C-130 Hercules
• Lockheed C-141 Starlifter

SPY:

• SR-71 Blackbird
• U-2 Dragon Lady

Attack:

• A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog)
• A-26C Invader
• A-37A Dragonfly

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Between the aircraft displays and the many exhibits there really is something for everyone here at the Museum of Aviation. They do a wonderful job of not only displaying the airplanes but also explaining their significance and role in the history of this country.

The museum is also host to a number of events throughout the year that involve the local community. From the annual Museum of Aviation Marathon to the Georgia Invitational Golf Tournament and numerous other educational and recreational exhibits, shows, and contests, they really do it all here.

If you are here visiting an airman stationed at the Robins Air Force Base or just find yourself in central Georgia, plan on spending some time at this wonderful museum that is a treasure trove of aviation history.

© 2013 Bill De Giulio