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:
At the Hiller Aviation Museum, VP Operations William Turner's personal favorite aircraft is Lincoln Beachey's 1913 *Little Looper*, renowned as the first airplane to perform a loop in the United States.
The museum's most popular exhibit for visitors, particularly children, is the interactive cockpit section of a 1971 Boeing 747, allowing them to sit in the flight deck.
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.
