Role of Aviation Museums in Preserving Military History

Photo by Raphael Lopes Pinto Brescia
Aircorps Art Dec 2019


All Aviation Museums are particularly important in preserving the history of military aviation. You can often find many unique items and machines in such museums. They supply an incredibly unique opportunity for everyone to learn and tour such places. Even though the topic itself is not very popular, it doesn’t mean it’s not an interesting area. You can admire the achievements of many incredible pilots and their aircrews throughout history.

What Actually is Aviation?

First of all, aviation contains the entire process of the creation and usage of aircraft. This includes the design stages, the whole development, and production. Furthermore, it is also the operation and maintenance of such aircraft. Some of the most popular aircraft are F-16 Fighting Falcon, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and the Boeing 747.

The topic is not the most popular, but it has its fans and enthusiasts. These days there are many movies and games about aviation itself, especially military aviation. You can see the success of the recent Top Gun: Maverick movie as an example. You can also play Microsoft Flight Simulator for the whole simulation of piloting an aircraft. There are also plenty of online slots themed by military aviation. You can play Top Gun or Wings of Gold by Playtech, Flying Colors by Rival Gaming, and more. Visit Joe Fortune for a wide variety of online casino games.

What is the Exact Role of Aviation Museums?

There are many institutes that help collect, preserve, and later display many aviation artifacts, planes, badges, and items of importance or significance for everyone to see. Because of the hard work that is provided, it creates a tangible link to aviation history itself. You can see actual machines and items from the past and immerse yourself in the certain era the specific exhibit is about.

In addition to just being able to see the exhibits you can learn what impact a specific aircraft had, when it was built, who built it, and all the information you desire. Aviation Museums also play a key role in preserving the memories of aviators and pilots who gave their lives in service to their country.

Chinook Bravo November on display at RAF Museum Midlands
‘© RAF Museum’

What is the Impact of Aviation Museums on Education?

Museums overall are a great tool for teachers in schools and universities to provide tangible history information for their students. Furthermore, specific museums allow one to expand someone’s interests in that area or make someone passionate about that topic. Aviation Museums allow you to truly understand what happened and why it happened.

In addition to aviation, you can also learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It allows for a firsthand experience that is much more interesting and engaging than theory at school or at the university. You are also able to learn about the impact of aviation itself on conflicts throughout history and be able to understand the sacrifices, losses, and victories military aviation allowed due to aircraft and pilots’ dedication.

Is Restoring Aircraft in Aviation Museums Important?

The whole process of restoration of aircraft is not only important, but it also helps preserve history even further. Some machines were either destroyed or partially damaged and needed the restoration process to fill the gaps in history. Even though most of the aircraft aren’t usable these days, especially from the early historical periods like the early 1900, it still represents a milestone in the whole human history.

A notable example of such a thing is the Wright Flyer, which was the first successful powered aircraft. It was built and flown by the Wright brothers in 1903 in North Carolina. The entire flight lasted 12 seconds and it allowed it to cover 120 feet (37 meters). It was a biplane designed by the Wright Brothers with a wingspan of 40 feet (12 meters). This aircraft is preserved in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The Wright Flyer is the symbolic representation of the birth of the entire aviation industry.

Some of the Most Important Aviation Museums in the World

There are plenty of aviation museums in the United States as well as the entire world. Some of the best and worth mentioning are:

  • RAF Museum in London, United Kingdom
  • Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C, United States of America
  • Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, United States of America
  • Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Le Bourget, France
  • Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim in Oberschleissheim, Germany
  • National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Canada
  • National Museum of Flight in East Fortune, UK
  • Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Darwin, Australia

All the museums have a wide variety of aircraft and exhibits in their collections. You can see some of the most important, innovative, and significant machines and artifacts in the history of aircraft, and mankind.

TAM Museum Brazil P 47 Thunderbolt
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 42-26762. This aircraft flew with the Brazilian Air Force’s 1st Fighter Squadron in Italy during WWII. (photo by Raphael Lopes Pinto Brescia)

 

 

Moreno-Aguiari

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.

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About Moreno Aguiari 3381 Articles
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.

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