Indy Transponder: The Museum of Flight: The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress--A Story of Design Longevity

Greetings!,

Boeing B-52 bombers have served the U.S. Air Force so long that today's new crew members were probably born long after their plane rolled off of the assembly line. The big Stratofortresses first flew in 1952. A panel of three B-52 pioneers will be at The Museum of Flight to share their early experiences of this enduring airplane on Saturday, Feb. 21. Speakers include former Chief of B-52 Flight Test, Dick Taylor; B-52 engineering test pilot Brien Wygle; and Air Force test pilot Brig. Gen. Guy Townsend (USAF Ret.). Townsend was a pilot on the aircraft's first flight. The Boeing Company Historian Michael Lombardi will moderate the panel. The presentation will be illustrated with many photographs. The program is at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater.

Coming up at The Museum of Flight: Spirit of Flight juried photography exhibition opening on Friday, Feb. 27 and the "Turbulence Before Takeoff" Lecture and Book Signing with author Flint Whitlock on Saturday, Feb. 28. Don't forget that Hops and Props tickets are currently on sale in the Museum Store and online at www.museumofflightstore.org. Tickets are going fast so be sure to purchase your tickets soon!

Dream, Discover, Soar!

Sincerely,

The Museum of Flight

February 2009

FEBRUARY 2009

BANK OF AMERICA WEEKEND FAMILY WORKSHOP: GALILEO TIMES 2!
Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 21, 22, 28 and March 1 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Celebrate the birthday and astronomical accomplishments of one of the world's greatest scientists-the 17th century Italian genius Galileo Galilei-by constructing a paper model of Galileo's telescope.

b-52 A B-52 COMMEMORATIVE PANEL

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater

The Boeing XB-52 was first flown on April 15, 1952. It became operational with the US Air Force in 1954. The big bombers are still on active duty. On Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at The Museum of Flight, former B-52 test pilot Brien Wygle, engineer Dick Taylor and Air Force test pilot Gen. Guy Townsend (USAF Ret.) will share their early experiences of one of the most successful airplanes in history. The Boeing Company Historian Michael Lombardi will moderate the panel. The presentation will be illustrated with many rare photographs.

SPIRIT OF FLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Opens Friday, Feb. 27, Great Gallery

The Museum of Flight invites you to see a special juried exhibition of 29 photographs beginning Feb. 27.

"TURBULENCE BEFORE TAKEOFF": LECTURE AND BOOK SIGNING WITH FLINT WHITLOCK

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater

As incredible as it may seem today, until the mid-1960s major U.S. airlines refused to hire African-American pilots. It took Marlon DeWitt Green to challenge -and ultimately change--the entrenched system of segregation in the airline industry. Turbulence Before Takeoff is the story of Green's long and courageous struggle, set within the larger context of the battle for civil rights and equality in the 20th century. It is an inspirational story of perseverance that won't soon be forgotten. Author Flint Whitlock will present Green's story and will sign copies of the book afterward.

March 2009

March 2009

WELLS FARGO FREE FIRST THURSDAY

Thursday, March 5, 5 - 9 p.m.
Once a month, the Museum stays open late-for free! Enjoy the Museum's Great Gallery, Personal Courage Wing, Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit, flight simulators and more from 5 - 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night.

PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MAJ. NICOLE MALACHOWSKI
Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Maj. Nicole Malachowski was the first female pilot on any United States jet demonstration team. She flew with the United States Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team as the #3/Right Wing. While on the team, she performed in 140 air shows across the United States and in seven foreign countries. Malachowski received her commission from the United States Air Force Academy in May 1996. She is currently serving as a White House Fellow, Class of 2008-2009, on the Presidential Transition Support Team.

BANK OF AMERICA WEEKEND FAMILY WORKSHOP: AIRCRAFT COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT: THE NASA 737

Saturdays and Sundays, March 7, 8, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
The Museum's Boeing 737-130 has a long history as a flight test aircraft with both the Boeing Company and NASA. Visitors will hear about some of the aerial research it performed, and then construct their own NASA 737 glider model!

WOMEN FLY! PROGRAM: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE-PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE

Friday, March 13, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Women Fly! provides opportunities for young women (13 - 19) to explore a variety of aviation and aerospace careers first hand from women in all aspects of these careers. The cost is $5 (payable on day of the event.) This event features interactive workshops, a mentoring lunch and a panel discussion. For more information call (206) 768.7141 or visit www.museumofflight.org/womenfly.

WOMEN FLY! PANEL: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE- PIONEERING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE

Saturday, March 14, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater

Women have been pushing the envelope throughout the history of aviation and space exploration. This year's Women Fly! panel will feature women who have played a role in expanding the boundaries. Participants will include Women Air Force Service Pilot Dawn Seymour, and Kimberly Scott, who flies for both Alaska Airlines and the USAF. The panel may also include someone who was part of the all-women team that "drove" NASA's Spirit rover on Mars.

BANK OF AMERICA WEEKEND FAMILY WORKSHOP: WOMEN FLY!
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Join the Museum as we celebrate Women's History Month. Visitors can design a collage honoring the courage, dedication and service of women in aviation and aerospace.

TIP-TO-TAIL TOUR: 1903 WRIGHT FLYER

Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Wright Flyer presentation will be by Docent Jerry Swearingen, whose Great Uncle, Charles Furnas, was the first airplane passenger in 1908.

SOARING EXPO

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Side Gallery

In an annual rite of spring, the member clubs of the Seattle Glider Council once again present a glimpse into the fascinating world of silent flight at Soaring Expo 2008. See an amazing display of sleek, graceful, full-size sailplanes in the Side Gallery throughout the weekend, and take advantage of the opportunity to talk with members of area soaring clubs who will be on hand to answer all your questions about the challenges and rewards, the romance and the practicalities of soaring in the Pacific Northwest. The Expo will include presentations and films in the William M. AllenTheater, including "Silent Wings - The American Glider Pilots of WWII," narrated by Hal Holbrook.

INTERNATIONAL MINIATURE AEROBATIC CLUB EXHIBITION

Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Miniature is a bit of a misnomer; these radio-controlled models are almost half as big as the full-sized airplanes they represent! Members of the International Miniature Aerobatic Club will be on hand to brag about their planes, and explain their exciting sport.

BOEING 777 FIRST FLIGHT CREW CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Crew members aboard the Boeing 777 first flight will present their recollections of the airliner's historic development program and subsequent configurations of the plane. After 14 years of service the "Triple Seven" has unmatched service reliability and has made record-setting flights.