The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Conn., will hold Open Cockpit Day on Sunday, February 16th. On that day visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to twelve vintage airplanes including two supersonic jet fighters, the Vietnam era Huey helicopter, the WWII P-47 Thunderbolt, the Vintage DC-3 airliner, and more. Also, as part of the day’s activities, renowned aviation archaeologist Ric Gillespie will make two presentations titled “THE SEARCH FOR AMELIA EARHART.” Amelia Earhart went missing over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while attempting a round-the-world flight in her Lockheed 10-A Electra aircraft. Since 1988 Gillespie has been attempting to solve the mystery of her disappearance. After 25 years and 10 research expeditions, he has concluded that Earhart probably went down over Gardner Island (now Nikumaroro), an uninhabited atoll 350 miles away from her intended destination of Howland Island. In his talk, Gillespie will point out features on the Air Museum’s Lockheed Electra 10-A aircraft which has proved to be extremely valuable to him in his research. Gillespie has been featured in numerous television documentaries including 2012 and 2013 specials on the Discovery Channel.The presentations will be at 11:30AM & 1:30PM.
There also will be hands on activities for the enjoyment of the younger visitors during the event. A food vendor will be on site serving sandwiches, snacks and hot & cold drinks. The event will be held inside the Museum’s three large, heated display hangars.The Open Cockpit program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the Museum and gift shop staying open until 5:00 PM. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are recommended.
For more information, visit www.neam.org or call (860) 623-3305.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I have Amelia Earhart Books n They Say She Crashed On Howland Islands In The Water And. Servived on an asain Island where they captured her.
“Renowned” ??? How many Historic Aircraft have been recovered by TIGHAR in the past 25 plus years? The correct answer: NONE.
I certainly hope admission is free too see this sideshow . After all, the tin can will be passed around for a ” Dollars for Earhart” search in 2014.
Perhaps you should look into Tighar’s Tax forms, and a certain somebody’s annual salary with respect to this lifelong quest and perpetual income. You’ve been snookered.
Sad that legitimate museum’s get roped into charades such as this.