| The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" was founded by Mr. Edward Maloney, who recognized the importance of preserving WWII aircraft at a time when most of these planes were being cut up into scrap metal. Although the United States alone produced over 300,000 military aircraft during WWII, most of these were destroyed at the end of the war and many types disappeared entirely. Even fewer of Germany's and Japan's aircraft were saved. In his attempts to save endangered aircraft types from the scrap heap, Mr. Maloney pleaded, bartered, and even purchased the discards by the pound.A number of the aircraft on display at The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" are sole surviving examples of their type and still exist only because of Mr. Maloney's personal determination to save at least one example of as many different aircraft as possible.The museum collection spans the history of manned flight from the Chanute Hang Glider of 1896 to the space age. Of particular pride to the museum is its collection of Japanese aircraft, which is currently the largest of its type in the world. This collection includes the world's only totally authentic flying Japanese Mitsubishi "Zero" fighter, which is complete with its original engine.The Air Museum is a "living history" museum, where the aircraft are not only preserved, but are kept flying. Through the generosity of the many people who donate funds or aircraft parts to the museum and the dozens of volunteers who donate their time to restore and maintain the aircraft, many of these rare warbirds are in flying condition. To share their collection with the public, the warbirds are flown regularly, participating in air shows, military base open houses, and are often used in the making of television programs and motion picture presentations.Parts for the aircraft have been collected from all over the world, with reclamation efforts ongoing. The The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" compound even houses a full-time warbird restoration facility called "Fighter Rebuilders". This facility allots the museum the opportunity to have several ongoing restoration projects simultaneously.Of the museum's approximate 150 aircraft, 30 are flyable. On a typical Saturday, you may see two P51 Mustangs fly by escorting a B-25 Mitchell bomber, or a Grumman Hellcat with a Chance-Vought Corsair making a formation overhead approach to the airport. |
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| | | Facilities: Restrooms and a gift shop are provided at The Air Museum "Planes of Fame". Best Time To Visit: The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fees: An admission fee is charged. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Unknown Directions: To reach Air Museum "Planes of Fame" from Grand Canyon: Start out going south on Entrance Rd/AZ-64 S/US-180 toward AZ-64 N/US-180, continue to follow AZ-64. Turn left onto Buck Ridge Dr. Turn left onto West Mustang Blvd. To reach Air Museum "Planes of Fame" from Williams: Start out going Northwest on S 4TH St. toward I-40 BL E/W US-66/Bill Williams Ave. Turn right onto I-40 BL East/west US-66/Bill Williams AVE. Continue to follow I-40 BL east. turn left onto Buck Ridge Dr.. Turn Left onto West Mustang Blvd. Take I-40 to 64 and travel north. Planes of Fame will be about 30 miles north of Williams. Turn left into the Planes of Fame parking lot.Map: Click here for a map to The Air Museum Planes of Fame Reservations: Reservations are not necessary to visit The Air Museum "Planes of Fame" | | |
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| | | | | Address | | The Air Museum - Planes of Fame Headquarters | | 755 Mustang Way | | Valle-Williams, Arizona 86046 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 635-1000 | |
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