The Planes of Fame Air Museum will welcome visitors of all ages on Saturday, April 4, 2026, for a full day of aviation-themed activities, educational programming, and a rare flight demonstration of two iconic Korean War jet fighters. Branded as this year’s spring edition of Junior Aviators Day, the event—titled “Soar into Spring”—combines family-friendly entertainment with historical interpretation and hands-on learning. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m., with free admission for children aged 11 and under, encouraging families to explore aviation history together in an engaging and accessible setting.
A Day Focused on Youth Engagement
Central to the event is Junior Aviators Day, designed to introduce younger audiences to aviation through interactive experiences. Activities begin at 10:00 a.m. with an Easter egg hunt held in the museum’s Tank Arena, where children can search for hidden eggs filled with small prizes. Throughout the day, the museum will host an “Egg Drop Challenge,” inviting participants to design protective structures for eggs and test their durability in simulated “flight” conditions. The activity blends creativity with basic engineering principles, offering an educational twist on traditional games. Two Junior Modeler Workshops, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., will provide hands-on instruction in building scale model aircraft. Guided by the museum’s Model Room artisans, participants will assemble their own models to take home. Additional attractions across the museum grounds will include arts and crafts stations, games, and inflatable play areas, ensuring a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
Educational Programming: Hangar Talk
At 10:30 a.m., the museum will present its monthly Hangar Talk, offering a diverse program of aviation and military history topics. This session will conclude a four-part series on aircraft carriers while also exploring the fundamentals of jet engine operation. The presentation will further examine the Korean War, including a segment comparing historical realities with popular portrayals in media, notably the television series MASH* and the role of Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals during the conflict.
Featured Flight: Sabre vs. MiG
The highlight of the day will take place at 12:15 p.m., when two of the most famous adversaries of the Korean War—the North American F-86F Sabre and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis—are scheduled to take to the air. This approximately 20-minute demonstration will recreate, in a controlled and interpretive manner, the aerial rivalry that once defined jet combat over the Korean Peninsula. Both aircraft represent significant technological advancements of their era and are rarely seen flying together today.
The museum’s North American F-86F Sabre was manufactured in Inglewood, California, in November 1953 and was likely assigned shortly thereafter to the 3595th Pilot Training Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. At the time, Nellis was the only base training F-86 pilots in combat flight and gunnery during and immediately following the Korean War. In November 1960, the aircraft was transferred along with 27 other Sabres to the Argentine Air Force, where it served as C-127 with Grupo 1 de Caza y Bombardeo for 26 years. Withdrawn from service in August 1986, it was later acquired by the Planes of Fame Air Museum, where it now flies regularly in air shows and heritage demonstrations.
Opposing it in the air will be the museum’s Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis, an early-production example whose components—including its engine—were manufactured in 1951 at State Aircraft Factory No. 1 at Frunze Airfield in Moscow. The aircraft was shipped to the People’s Republic of China for final assembly at Shenyang and entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force as a J-2. During its operational life, the aircraft underwent several modifications and may have seen service during the Korean War. Exported to the United States in the 1980s, it was acquired by the Friedkin family, who later donated it to the museum. Today, it is one of only a handful of MiG-15s worldwide that remain airworthy. The museum’s collection includes three MiG-15s in total—one flying example and two preserved for static display. Prior to the demonstration, museum staff will provide historical context and technical background on both aircraft. Following the flight, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the pilots and discuss the experience of operating these historic jets.
A Full Museum Experience
In addition to scheduled programming, guests will have access to the museum’s extensive collection of more than 100 historic aircraft. Food trucks will be available on-site, and visitors may also dine nearby at Flo’s Airport Café. Museum guides will be on hand throughout the day to provide insights into the collection. The museum will remain open until 4:00 p.m., allowing attendees ample time to explore the exhibits and participate in activities at their own pace.
Celebrating Aviation for All Ages
“Soar into Spring” reflects the Planes of Fame Air Museum’s ongoing commitment to education, preservation, and public engagement. By combining live aircraft operations with interactive learning, the event offers a unique opportunity for families, enthusiasts, and young aspiring aviators to connect with aviation history in a dynamic environment. For those seeking a blend of entertainment and education, April 4 promises a memorable day at one of the nation’s premier aviation museums. For more information about this event, visit www.planesoffame.org.
