WELCOME
After 65 years of institutional growth, the Planes of Fame Air Museum has emerged as one of the most active and influential historic flight organizations in America. We believe inspiring interest in aerospace is best accomplished through active aviation experiences. The sights and sounds, smell and feel of a warbird aircraft coming to life can be the ignition point to spark a lifelong interest in aviation and history.
Our vision is to build a world-renowned interactive center for aviation heritage and education, featuring exhibits, educational programs, flight demonstrations, and entertainments which attracts and serves residents and visitors alike.
MISSION:
To preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans.
To learn more about Planes of Fame Air Museum, please visit www.planesoffame.org
ABOUT THE EXPANSION
The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in Chino, CA and Valle, AZ. Originally founded in 1957 with just 10 aircraft, Planes of Fame has grown to a collection of over 160 aircraft, more than 35 of which are in flyable condition. Our world renowned flight operations are viewed by millions of spectators every year.
Adjacent development and air traffic have negatively impacted flight operations conducted at our current headquarters. Southern California is home to some of the most crowded and restrictive airspace in the country. Growth in the Inland Empire has led to dense housing tracts and industrial/commercial complexes being built where there were once open fields. These two factors have made operating vintage aircraft increasingly difficult at our current location.
COMING TO CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST
We plan to develop a new museum campus on 23 acres of raw land offered to the museum by Santa Maria Airport. With an 8004 ft primary runway, 5189 ft secondary runway, established CAT I aerobatic box, control tower, and several other attractive amenities, the Santa Maria Airport is an ideal location for a Planes of Fame facility.
The city of Santa Maria is located on the famed Highway 101 at the mid-point of California’s Central Coast and is the largest city in Santa Barbara County. The region enjoys open, unrestrictive air space, temperate weather year round, and hosts millions of tourists annually. The city is surrounded by agriculture, open spaces, and its development plans are compatible with long term flight operations.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Together, We Can Keep Them Flying!
We invite you to help make this new center for aviation heritage and education a reality. Your investment in Planes of Fame Air Museum through this fundraising campaign will ensure active aviation experiences will continue to inspire interest in history and flight. Your support allows future generations to better appreciate the stories of our heroes, their struggle and sacrifice. You will enable expanded learning opportunities and encourage young people to pursue careers in the aerospace industry. Your financial gift, pledge, gift of investments/real estate, or planned gift will make a huge impact now and for decades to come.
