What You'll See and Do
Historic Aircraft
The Virginia Aviation Museum has some of the finest and rarest Golden Years
of Aviation aircraft in the world. In fact, the Vultee V1-AD is the only
one of its type in existence. Although these planes no longer fly, most
have been expertly restored to the splendor of their glory days.
The museum offers an unparalleled way to see the evolution of flight from
primitive biplanes with temperamental engines to a supersonic spy plane.
New to the museum's collection is a Vietnam War-era "medevac"
UH-IV Huey helicopter. Get a "pilot's eye view" of the aircraft
from the Neilson J. November Observation Deck.
Virginia SOLs: Science – K.4, 1.1; History and Social Science –
K.2, 1.6, VS.1, VS.9, USII.5
New! Hands-on Exhibits
Explore the Forces of Flight, lift, thrust, weight and drag. Study Bernoulli's
Principle. Take the controls of the Wind Trainer and climb inside a Piper
Cub!
Virginia Science SOLs: 1.2, 2.1, 4.2, PS 6, PS.10, PH.4, PH.5, PH.7
New! Scavenger Hunt
This self-guided exploration of the museum’s amazing collection is a perfect way for students grade 5 and older to search for the answers to questions about engines, airplanes and the people who flew them.
World War II Aviation Diorama
Fourteen displays illustrate the importance of American aviation, the technological
challenges provided by the Axis, the contribution of the Tuskegee Airmen,
the Woman's Airforce Service Pilots, and other critical chapters in the
battle of the skies.
Virginia History and Social Science SOLs: 6.5, 6.6, 6.8, 6.9, 6.11, 9.10,
11.11
Power Plant Exhibit
See a variety of engines that illustrate different approaches to the problem
of keeping aircraft flying. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of rotary
engines versus radial engines, water-cooled engines versus air-cooled engines,
and jet engines versus reciprocating engines.
Virginia Science SOL: PS.10
J.D. Benn Theater
Experience the glory of flight through special video presentations. The
Benn Theater comfortably seats 65.
Choose from:
C’mon Geese is the amazing true story about how one man realized his
childhood dream of flying with geese in an ultralight aircraft he designed
and built. Get a bird's eye view of a flock of Canada geese as they soar
over woods and fields. This 15-minute film is appropriate for preschool-aged
children.
Aeronautical Oddities
Historic newsreels showcase the successes and failures of early aviation oddities, including a windmill plane, flying barrel, spindle plane, potato bug, tailless airplane, aerobike, sky-car, rocket glider and more. This 15-minute film is appropriate for children in grades K–5.
Taking Flight
Stories of Early Virginia Aviation 1864–1940 traces the history of aviation in the commonwealth from the Civil War to 1941. This 53-minute film is appropriate for grades 5 and up.
Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame
Honoring the men and women who brought Virginia aviation to the forefront
of aeronautics.
Virginia History and Social Science SOL: VS.9
Visiting Aircraft
Because the museum is located at Richmond International Airport, we occasionally exhibit historically or scientifically significant aircraft from other locations.
Demonstrations
Please request a demonstration when you make your group reservation!
Forces of Flight
Learn how an airplane generates lift. Explore the forces that affect how
an airplane flies. Investigate Newton's laws and Bernoulli's principle.
Virginia Science SOLs: 5.4, PS.10
Wind Tunnel
The best way to see the effects of wind on airfoils and other shapes is
in a wind tunnel.
Virginia Science SOL: PS.10
