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Santa Monica’s Museum of Flying is Back

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Key Takeaways:

  • The Santa Monica Airport's Museum of Flying has reopened after a decade-long hiatus, featuring about two-dozen airplanes and replicas, interactive displays, and a 30-seat theater.
  • Exhibits include permanent attractions like the James Bond BD-5 micro jet and movie replicas, alongside historical displays on the Santa Monica Airport and Douglas Aircraft Company, with plans for a rotating aircraft display to encourage return visits.
  • The museum offers engaging experiences for all ages, from a K-3 flight simulator and interactive displays for children to opportunities for adults to climb into various aircraft cockpits providing runway views.
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After a decade-long hiatus, Santa Monica Airport’s Museum of Flying, which was originally founded in 1974, opened its doors last weekend. Located on the south side of the runway adjacent to a large DC-3 monument maintained by the City of Santa Monica, the exhibit area houses a theater, several interactive displays and about two-dozen airplanes and replicas.

“There will be a rotating display of aircraft,” said Museum of Flying Managing Director Daniel Ryan. “The only ones that will be permanently stored at the museum are the ones that are hanging right now.” One of those airplanes, displayed right above the entrance door to the museum, is the BD-5 micro jet from the James Bond movie “Octopussy.”

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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