Air Zoo hosts SR-71 Blackbird Spy-Posium

The Air Zoo is thrilled to host the 2024 SR-71 Spy-posium, a weekend event dedicated to the SR-71 Blackbird and the people who took it from a top-secret Skunk Works project and made it the world’s most iconic aircraft. This extended weekend, Friday, August 9 through Monday, August 12, guests of the Air Zoo are invited will have the opportunity to explore this engineering marvel through an extraordinary gathering of Blackbird pilots, Reconnaissance Systems Officers (RSOs), support crew, and intel officers who will share their remarkable stories and insights about the legendary SR-71 Blackbird.

“The Air Zoo is thrilled to be the host of such an engaging, inspiring, and unique experience” said Troy Thrash, President & CEO of the Air Zoo. “What an amazing place for guests of all ages to come together to be inspired, and celebrate innovation and history, with the people who made this extraordinary program legendary. This is an event not to be missed.” The SR-71 Spy-posium promises a unique and immersive experience, offering attendees of all ages the chance to:

• Hear First-Hand Accounts: Listen to captivating stories from dozens of Blackbird pilots, support crew, and intel officers, including notable names such as Ed Yeilding, Buz Carpenter, Jerry Glasser, Steve Justice, Al Joersz, and more. Discover the challenges and triumphs of operating the fastest crewed aircraft in history.

• Exclusive Tours and Open Cockpits: Participate in guided tours of the SR-71B Blackbird, led by the very individuals who know it best. Gain an insider’s perspective on the aircraft’s design, capabilities, and missions.

• Panel Discussions: Attend engaging panel discussions where Blackbird crew members will delve into the history, technology, and legacy of the SR-71. Learn about the aircraft’s critical role through decades of service shrouded in secrecy.

• Meet and Greet: Take advantage of opportunities to meet the Blackbird pilots and crew up close. Collect autographs, take photos, and engage in one-on-one conversations with these aviation legends.

• Family Activities: Enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including a paper airplane competition against Blackbird pilots (Friday only), hands-on exhibits, top-secret activity books, and so much more!

All these activities are included with general admission and free to Air Zoo Members, thanks to the generous support of Parker Aerospace, Jamie Pleune and David Morgan, KalBlue Group, Discover Kalamazoo, and One Well Brewing. General admission rates, including discount and accessibility programs can be found at airzoo.org/plan-your-visit. For a full schedule of events and activities go to airzoo.org/spyposium. Event Details:

• Dates: August 9-12, 2024

• Location: Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

• Admission prices & online ticketing: at airzoo.org
• Daily schedule: Full schedule of activities

Special Event The Blackbird Affair: On Saturday, August 10th, from 6-10pm, the Air Zoo will host the Blackbird Affair. This exclusive evening offers an exciting opportunity for guests to mingle with Blackbird crew members in a more intimate setting. Tickets for the Blackbird Affair are available for $100/person. Attendees will have an opportunity to win a seat in one the the SR-71B cockpits. Raffle entries are $20 each.   Skip the lines this weekend and buy your admission passes or tickets to the Blackbird Affair in advance at airzoo.org/spyposium. The 2024 SR-71 Spy-posium is sponsored by Jamie Pleune & David Morgan, Parker Aerospace, KalBlue Group, Discover Kalamazoo, and One Well Brewing. About the Air Zoo  Located at 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002, the Air Zoo (airzoo.org) is a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum with over 100 rare air and space craft, inspiring interactive exhibits, a nationally-recognized restoration center, indoor amusement park rides, full-motion flight simulators, hands-on science-based education programs, and more.  For tickets and info, visit airzoo.org.