The forward section of the Boeing 747 proves a popular attraction for pilots and enthusiasts alike to the Hiller Aviation Museum. [Credit: Willie Turner/Hiller Aviation Museum]
Key Takeaways:
FLYING magazine explored favorite aircraft of staff and visitors at aviation museums, highlighting picks from the Hiller Aviation Museum.
William Turner, VP Operations at the Hiller Aviation Museum, considers Lincoln Beachey's 1913 *Little Looper*—the first U.S. aircraft to perform a loop—his personal favorite.
The most popular visitor exhibit at the Hiller Aviation Museum is the interactive cockpit of a 1971 Boeing 747-100, which allows visitors, particularly children, to experience the "Queen of the Skies."
We all have our favorite aircraft—even the people who are charged with caring for them at the aviation museums across the country. Since December is the birthday month of powered flight, FLYING magazine reached out to museums across the country to find out what aircraft are the personal favorites of the museum staff as well as the museum visitors.
Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California
Lincoln Beachey was an early pioneering pilot from the local area, with his exploits preserved by the Hiller Aviation Museum. [Credit: WIllie Turner/Hiller Aviation Museum]
Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
