Pacific Ghosts: 12 Aviation travel adventure destinations

Flight Journal, Apr 2003 by Taylan, Justin

11

Seattle's Museum of Flight

The museum has 54 of the world's most awe-inspiring airplanes that are authentic and in mint condition. In the steel-and-glass Great Gallery, history is alive with dozens of full-size aircraft suspended six stories above the floor, as though flying in formation. You can sit in the cockpit of an SR71 Blackbird or F/A-18 Hornet, or board America's first presidential jet, Air Force One. Visitors can step back 85 years into the historic Red Bam-birthplace of The Boeing Co. From hands-on kids' workshops to fly-ins and interaction with those who made aviation history, the Museum of Flight has something for everyone. For more information, contact Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA 98108; (206) 764-5700; www.museum offlight.org.

12

San Diego Aerospace Museum

The San Diego Aerospace Museum in historic Balboa Park brings to life aviation's rich heritage through its dazzling collection of more than 65 American and foreign aircraft and spacecraft. Its national landmark Ford Pavilion from the 1936 Pan American Exposition offers a unique circular arrangement of displays where visitors can follow the path of aviation history from its beginning to present day. The restoration shops in the lower level offer a behind-the-scenes view of museum life. For information, contact San Diego Aerospace Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101; (619) 234-8291; www.aerospacemuseum.org.