Indy Transponder: The Museum of Flight: "Earth vs. Space" Chess Match, Memorial Day program, B-17 fly in and more!

Greetings!,

There are many exciting things happening at The Museum of Flight this week! On Thursday, May 21, from 7 - 9 p.m. join the Museum for a program with Astronaut Greg Chamitoff, who played chess aboard the International Space Station against elementary school students from Bellevue, Wash. Chamitoff will discuss his time on the space station and field questions from the audience about space and chess. This special evening program will be held in the Side Gallery.

The EAA "Aluminum Overcast" is at the Museum, with tours and flights available from Wednesday, May 20 - Monday, May 25. For information on tour and flight reservations please call the EAA at 1-800-359-6217 or visit www.b17.org.

The Cascade Warbirds fly into the Museum Parking Lot on Saturday, May 23. From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beautifully restored vintage military aircraft representing several nations' armed forces from World War II through the Vietnam conflict.

On Sunday a 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater, the Museum will hold a panel discussion in recognition of Memorial Day, with a special panel of WWII Tuskegee Airmen veterans who will talk about their unique experiences. The panel will be moderated by Bill Holloman, a local Tuskegee Airman and former fighter pilot.

The Museum will host its annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26. The program begins at Noon in the Side Gallery with a performance by the Boeing Employees Concert Band. Museum President and CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar will preside over the ceremony. Our special guests will be several Tuskegee Airmen. Memorial Day Weekend programs are generously supported by the City of Tukwila. Veterans and Active Duty Military receive free admission and identification.

Finally, Amazing Skies Theater presents a second performance of "CanadiYanks" on Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. Music for the show is performed by the Alpha Singers, a local choral group who have performed in the Northwest for over 20 years.

Dream, Discover, Soar!

Sincerely,

The Museum of Flight

May 2009

May 2009

Astronaut Greg Chamitoff: "Earth vs. Space Chess Match"

Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m., Side Gallery

Join the Museum for an evening program with Astronaut Greg Chamitoff, who played chess aboard the International Space Station against elementary school students from Bellevue, Wash. Chamitoff will discuss his time on the space station and field questions from the audience about space and chess. Program is free with Museum admission or membership.

Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop: Call It Destiny-A Science Lab in Space
Saturdays and Sundays, May 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
What would it be like to do science experiments in space? Visitors will learn about the Destiny module-the United States' orbiting laboratory that is a major component of the International Space Station-and then construct their own Destiny module!

Amazing Skies Theater Presents "CanadiYanks"
Saturday, May 23, 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater
"CanadiYanks" is based upon the true story of Canadian Major Harold E. Hartney, transferred to the American army in 1917 to prepare Yank airmen for service on the Front. It also spins the bittersweet yarn of a young American couple, Malcolm Gunn and Marge Van Sciver, who must confront the worst possible tragedy of war. This, too, is based on a true story.

Music for the show will be sung by the Alpha Singers, a local choral group who have been performing in the Northwest for over 20 years.

EAA logo The Aluminum Overcast: The EAA B-17 Bomber
Wednesday, May 20 - Monday, May 25 on the Museum Ramp
The Seattle-born B-17 played an important role in World War II and aviation history. For several days in May, the Museum will be proud host of the Experimental Aircraft Association's popular B-17, Aluminum Overcast. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1945, Aluminum Overcast was too late to see action in World War II. Sold for $750 as military surplus, the airplane served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control. Now, Aluminum Overcast carries the wartime colors of the 398th Bomb Group, serving as a living tribute to World War II aviation.

For flight reservations or more information please call the EAA at 1-800-359-6217, or visit www.b17.org.

cascade_warbirds Cascade Warbirds Fly-In
Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Museum Parking Lot
Join the Museum for the annual Cascade Warbirds Fly-in. Visitors will enjoy the chance to view a wide variety of beautifully restored vintage military aircraft representing several nations' armed forces from World War II through the Vietnam conflict. Operating under the motto "keep 'em flying," the Cascade Warbirds work to preserve history by maintaining important aircraft. A mixture of planes such as a North American T-28 Trojan, DeHavilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, and a Douglas AD-4 Skyraider will participate in the fly-in. In addition, the pilot-owners of these planes will be on-hand to answer questions and share their enthusiasm for these vintage warbirds.

The Cascade Warbirds is an affiliate squadron of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Warbirds of America organization.

flag Memorial Day Panel
Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater
A special panel of World War II Tuskegee Airman veterans will be at the Museum to talk about their unique experiences. The panel will be moderated by Bill Holloman, a local Tuskegee Airman and former fighter pilot.

flag Memorial Day Program

Monday, May 26, Noon in the Side Gallery

Continuing a tradition first established in 1999, the Museum is pleased to be able to honor those who have given their lives in the service of their country through the Memorial Day Weekend. The Boeing Employees Concert Band will set the stage by performing patriotic music. Museum President and CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar will preside over the ceremony. Our special guests will be several Tuskegee Airmen. Memorial Day Weekend programs are generously supported by the City of Tukwila. Veterans and Active Duty Military receive free admission with identification.

Puget Sound Antique Aircraft Club Fly-In

Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Parking Lot

Once again, the Museum invites you to look to the skies when up to 25 vintage planes of the Puget Sound Antique Aircraft Club fly in to the Museum. See airplanes such as the Stinson 108, the Interstate Cadet, the Bellanca and many more up close. You can also meet and chat with the pilots of these beautifully restored airplanes. The pilots will be on hand all day, but come early to see the eye-catching fly in.

June 2009

JUNE 2009

30th Anniversary of the Flight of the Gossamer Albatross: A Celebration of Peddle Power

Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 14

On June 12, 1979, cyclist and hang-glider pilot Bryan Allen successfully flew across the English Channel in a pedal-powered ultra light aircraft called Gossamer Albatross. The flight took 2 hours and 49 minutes, and Allen became the first human to transcend a geographical boundary flying under his own power. In celebration of this historic anniversary--and human-power in general--The Museum of Flight will offer special events, movies and tours June 6 - 14. Visitors are encouraged to help celebrate human-powered transportation by bicycling to the Museum! The Cascade Bicycle Club will be at the Museum conducting free bicycle helmet fittings for kids and adults June 6 - 7.

Two award winning movies that tell the story of human-powered flight will be presented in the William M. Allen Theater at 2 p.m. daily June 6 - 14, with 11 a.m. showings June 6, 7, 13 and 14. "The Flight of the Gossamer Condor" is an Academy Award winning short documentary of the first successful human-powered flight. The Emmy winning "Search for Adventure: Gossamer Albatross" is about the flight across the English Channel and narrated by Hal Holbrook.

In addition to the films, each day will include Tip-to-Tail tours of the Museum's Gossamer Albatross II; a 20 minute Amazing Skies Theater presentation "Twist of the Wrist," where Wright Brothers mechanic Charlie Taylor tells the story of the invention of the airplane and how cyclist Wilbur Wright discovered the concept of wing warping.

Tip-to-Tail Tour: The Gossamer Albatross II
Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Thursday, June 11 - Sunday, June 14, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the flight of the Gossamer Albatross, stories of human-powered flight will be presented by the Museum's docents. Subjects vary, please check in at the docent desk for the day's schedule.

Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop: The Hubble Telescope: "Eye in the Sky"
Saturdays and Sundays, June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 27 and 28, 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
The most powerful telescope ever built isn't on Earth, it's in outer space. Learn the history of the Hubble Space Telescope-then make a space collage of distant galaxies!

Fire Department Kid's Day

Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., East Parking Lot

The King County Fire and Life Safety Association is hosting the 12th Annual King County Fire Department Day at the Museum. On this day, kids of all ages can view fire equipment on display and meet the men and women who serve them. Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to climb aboard a fire engine, see how tall an aerial ladder extends, talk with firefighters and department personnel, and learn fire and life safety skills through fun activities. The Safety Zone will teach children safety skills, while providing adults with life-saving information. This exciting summer event is fun and educational!

Wings of Freedom WWII Bomber and Fighter Tour
Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Temporary Aircraft Ramp
Join the Museum as the Collings Foundation's "Wings of Freedom" Tour lands at Boeing Field, providing Museum visitors the unique chance to experience sights and sounds of the American heavy bombers that helped win World War II: the B-17 and the B-24. The Tour group also includes a medium bomber B-25 and a P-51 fighter. The Foundation offers flights and ground tours. For flight reservations and prices, call 800-568-8924 or visit www.collingsfoundation.org.

American Heroes Air Show

Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., East Parking Lot

Come to the Museum on June 20 for a day full of heroes and helicopters. Learn how helicopters play an important role in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, communications, national defense and homeland security. The American Heroes Air Show features static displays, special presentations and entertainment. See helicopters like the Blackhawk flown by the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as those flown by Airlift Northwest, KING 5 TV and many others. The helicopters will arrive between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Come early to see them land!

American Heroes Air Show Helicopter Crew Panel Discussion
Saturday, June 20, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Find out what it is like to fly and work in a helicopter from a panel of crew members from one of more of the visiting helicopters.

Fathers' Day at The Museum of Flight Presented by Bartell Drugs
Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bartell Drugs once again makes the Museum the place to take Dad on his special day by sponsoring free admission for dads all day long! The Museum chips in with a full day of special family activities-after all, dad wants mom and the kids to have fun too! Coupons for dad's free admission will be available at Bartell Drugs in early June.

Tip-to-Tail Tour: Boeing Model 40B
Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Twenty four Model 40As were used to inaugurate the Boeing Air Transport air mail and passenger service between Chicago and San Francisco, July 1, 1927. In 1928, most of the 40As were upgraded to 40Bs. Learn about this historic aircraft during the tip-to-tail tour.

Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop: The Incredible Edible, Candy-Dandy, Wonderful Wible Plane and High Flying Fathers' Day Fun Flyer Fest!
Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you...it actually says EDIBLE! Visitors can make a version of the "sweetest" plane in our collection, the wible plane. While you may have a difficult time flying an edible airplane, Fathers' Day will still soar at the Museum with some old-fashioned paper airplane building fun! Visitors can make the Delta Wing Super Flyer, Amazing Flying Ring and other great flying gliders.

Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Statue Dedication

Friday, June 26, 10 a.m.

On June 26 the Museum will dedicate a statue honoring fallen Columbia space shuttle astronaut Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson. The large, bronze statue will be situated in a newly lanscaped area on the northwest side of the Museum's main campus.

Anderson, a native of Spokane, Wash., graduated from Cheney High School in Cheney, Wash., in 1977. At the University of Washington, he participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and he earned his bachelor of science degree in physics/astronomy in 1981. After graduating from the University of Washington, Anderson was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. He earned his master of science degree in physics from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, in 1990.

Anderson was selected by NASA in December 1994. He completed a year of training and evaluation and was qualified for flight crew assignment as a mission specialist. Anderson was flew on STS-89 Endeavour and STS-107 Columbia, logging over 593 hours in space.

Scheduled Events

MAY 2009

JUNE 2009