Warbird Information Exchange

Now boarding: Direct flights to one of the most storied periods in America's military history.

The first departure is Friday, when the new Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport formally opens its doors to the public, giving locals an up-close-and-personal glimpse of vintage bombers.
Created by homebuilding magnate William Lyon – a combat veteran who flew missions over Korea – the 30,000-square-foot, hangar-enclosed gallery has a roughly $10 million value and stems from a "lifelong passion" for aviation, said Mark Foster, museum president.

The planes began as a private collection, but Lyon "wanted to share them with the public" and "somehow present the stories of the greatest generation," Foster said.

Of five aircraft on display, the crown jewel might be a B-17 "Flying Fortress" that carried future president and then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Several classic automobiles are also housed, including a six-wheeled, Mercedes-Benz touring wagon – outfitted with bullet-resistant glass – that Adolf Hitler used when greeting crowds.

On a more whimsical note, there's a throwback movie theater and a Helms bakery truck, both features Foster said will transport visitors back to "that home-front period" of the '40s and '50s.

Of five aircraft on display, the crown jewel might be a B-17 "Flying Fortress" that carried future president and then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Couldn't find anything on the site to say if this is a flying museum or if the aircraft are now hangar art? Anyone know?

True, they didn't come out an say as much, other than remarking all of the aircraft and vehicles
are operational.