USAF museum, how much time to spend..?

[T J Johansen]

If my plan to visit OH in May works out I see that I will probably be passing through Dayton on my way west. Although static museums are not normally my favourites this one has a number of aircraft I'd really like to see. Thing is, my time will be limited so how much can one get through in, say one day? Would it be worth stopping by or should one wait until one has a couple of days available?

T J

[mustangdriver]

I think that it would be worth it for you to stop in for a full day. While you won't see everything, you will see where things are so that when you come back, you will be more aware of things. I say when you come back because without a doubt after being there for a day, you will be coming back. It will change your mind on static museums. Let me know when you are going down. Weekday or weekend?

[Pathfinder]

To use a purely American word--the USAFM NMUSAF is Ginormous---Gigantic and Enormous!!

I lived over the hill from it from 1972 to 2010 and was a regular visitor all those years and never saw it all!

If you have a particular interest area plan to spend a whole day doing just that....You could probably speed-walk the whole place in one day--if you DON'T stop to read anything!

[Clifford Bossie]

If my plan to visit OH in May works out I see that I will probably be passing through Dayton on my way west. Although static museums are not normally my favourites this one has a number of aircraft I'd really like to see. Thing is, my time will be limited so how much can one get through in, say one day? Would it be worth stopping by or should one wait until one has a couple of days available?

T J

How much time? A LOT!

Chris gives you some good advice: at least visit, you will come back.

I try and visit often and will still spend an entire day. Two if the schedule allows. I have looked at, gawked at and photographed most of the aircraft on display and yet there are always more to see. I am trying to see more of the displays and items on display each visit, but it is just sensory overload! There is always something changing and something added. The Korean War displays were revamped last year and the SEA ones are going through that now (anyone know if the M706 Commando armored car is back on display?) The NMUSAF is more than a static museum. It is history and the same can be said of the National Museum of Naval Aviation. It is also a resource I use for research. The only beef I have with the museum is the generic markings on the B-36. It should carry 95th Bomb Wing markings!

Also try and visit the Grissom museum. Though smaller it is well worth the time and effort.

[Django]

Limited time or not, how often does one from Norway get a chance to be even close to the NMUSAF? Even if it's only for a few hours. Your best bet would be to pick an era and start there. For me, it would be the WWII area. Anything else I could get to would be gravy.

[Second Air Force]

I'd have to agree with Django. Select the particular era or equipment and concentrate there, but do a "quick" walk-through of the entire place just to get an idea of it.

We spent three full days there on our honeymoon in the early eighties when there were only two hangars and numerous oudoor aircraft. We've been back three times since and I still don't feel I've gotten the entire experience. And I've only been on a very short tour of the restoration area........

Enjoy your trip to the States!

[Mudge]

OK...All the troops are right. That being said....THREE DAYS MINIMUM,
If you can get there on a Friday, take the restoration hangar tour. Then Saturday and Sunday in the main museum.
In the main museum, you WILL get lost. You'll be saying to yourself, "Gee, have I been in this section before. I don't remember."

Hope you can make the three days. You'll never regret it.

Mudge the guiding light

[Misterg97]

Keep in mind the Friday Restoration tour is by advanced registration ... This time of year there may be openings for walk-ins but during May, that may not be possible.

If you have any specific questions, PM me and I'll do the best I can in answering them.

Hopefully you'll make it to the Museum as I know you won't be sorry.

[Steve Nelson]

If you want to see the Presidential and Flight Test collections in the Annex hangars, get there early and sign up immediately for the tour. They fill up fast, especially on weekends. U.S. citizens need a picture ID for both the Annex and Restoration Center tours..I'm not sure what the requirements are for foreign visitors. Best to send an e-mail or call the museum and get the specifics. The only problem is, between the security briefing and bus ride to and from the Annex hangars, you'll lose about two hours of your day (and they only let you spend about an hour in the hangars.) It's still worth it though, and for now it's the only way to see the XB-70, X-15 and other one-of-a-kind aircraft. Hopefully in another year or two they'll have the new building finished, and all the aircraft will finally be consolidated in the main museum complex.

Another tip: bring a tripod, a massive flash or a camera that does well in dark conditions, as the museum lighting is not very photography friendly. If you're shooting digital, make sure you've got plenty of memory card space, and several sets of fully charged batteries..you WILL use them! I've been to the museum dozens of times over the years, and usually manage at least one visit per year..and I can still easily shoot several hundred photos each time.

SN

[maradamx3]

Definitely go! I've been twice, both were one day trips. The first visit was, as said before, sensory overload. I took the Presidential tour - loved the Test Flight hangar (only get about 45 minutes between both the Presidential aircraft and experimental though). I was able to see every aircraft including the ones outside, but didn't get to read too much. Second trip I again took the Presidential tour but spent more time in the pre WWI, WWI, and WWII hangars, then ran to the Cold War hangar just to see the B36, B2, B1, etc. Doesn't matter where you spend your time, just go spend some time - very well worth it. And I agree with others that said you WILL be back!
Tommy

[B 25 C]

My son and I are planning on going this spring for about 3 days. I can hardly wait!!!!

[Misterg97]

B 25 C

I sent you a PM ..

[Warbirdnerd]

Don't forget to save some time to check out all the offerings in their extensive gift shop.

[tom d. friedman]

i spent 5 hours, i believe 2001. my then 21 year old nephew that i stayed with bailed after 3 hours, hung over. i still believe i covered all thoroughly.

[mustangdriver]

Zachary, Ed Roo, and myslef went there at the start of this year and spend 5 hours in the WWII Hangar alone. And this is coming from someone that used to volunteer in that building one weekend a month.