The Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, will celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with a special aviation event on Saturday, July 4, featuring a rare flying parade of North American AT-6 Texan trainers and the museum’s popular Hangar Talk program. Museum doors will open at 9:00 a.m., with the Hangar Talk beginning at 10:30 a.m. The presentations, which run until noon, will feature a series of short discussions exploring aviation history, notable personalities, and other engaging topics. The museum plans to announce the specific speaker lineup approximately one to two weeks before the event.
At 12:15 p.m., visitors will gather outdoors for the day’s highlight—a flying parade of an anticipated seven North American AT-6 Texans. The event will begin with a brief presentation on the legendary advanced trainer before spectators witness the aircraft start their engines and taxi directly in front of the crowd. Following the demonstration flight, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with one of the pilots. Known as the advanced trainer that prepared thousands of Allied pilots during World War II, the AT-6 Texan became one of the most recognizable military trainers ever built. More than 15,000 examples were produced, serving with dozens of air forces around the world and remaining in military service for decades after the war. Today, the Texan remains a favorite on the airshow circuit thanks to its distinctive radial engine sound, graceful handling, and historical significance.
In addition to the flying activities, guests can explore the museum’s extensive collection of historic aircraft, meet museum guides and historical re-enactors, enjoy food trucks, and browse the gift shop. The museum will remain open until 4:00 p.m., with regular admission applying, while museum members receive free admission. During the event, the museum will also hold its members-only raffle for a flight aboard one of its historic aircraft. Founded in 1957, the Planes of Fame Air Museum is home to one of the world’s premier collections of flying historic aircraft and continues to preserve aviation history by regularly operating many of its aircraft in flight demonstrations throughout the year. The July 4 celebration offers visitors a fitting way to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial while experiencing one of the most iconic military trainers ever built. For more information about the Planes of Fame Air Museum, visit planesoffame.org
