Tue, Dec 09, 2008
Move Was Nearly 10 Years In The Making
Colorado's Spirit of Flight Center has made a move to a new
facility at the Erie Municipal Airport (EIK) in Erie, northwest of
the Denver metropolitan area. The move gives the collection three
times more square footage than the previous facility provided and
now allows for aircraft to fly in to tour the mostly WWII
items.
"We have been patiently waiting for nearly 10 years to move the
Spirit of Flight Center, but the timing and location just never
worked out," said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight
Center. "This move must be meant to be since we were able to pull
off a purchase in the economic environment we are in" added
Page.
The Spirit of Flight Center had hundreds of visitors in the
first few days just by word of mouth that it had settled in at the
new location. If the initial reviews and comments are any
indication, the new facility will be a destination for aviation
history enthusiasts for years to come.
Erie Airport Advisory Board president Bruce Morehead said "I
can't believe how much better the new Spirit of Flight facility is
over the old one. There is a ton more room, not just for people,
but to expand the collection. I can't wait to see what this place
looks like when I come in again, which will be often."
The non-profit Spirit of Flight Center facility features over
1000 aviation artifacts from the past, present and future of flight
including a Messerschmitt Bf-109, P-51 Mustang and a rare PT-19
which was operated by the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Displays in the
museum include tributes to US veterans, Women Air Force Service
Pilots, a full size Amelia Earhart bronze statue, and many restored
aircraft engines. The new facility is ideal for special event
rental and features a spectacular garden which includes a rock wall
water feature.
The Spirit of Flight Center is currently seeking tax deductible
donations and corporate sponsors for the new facility. An official
grand opening for the new center is planned in early 2009.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]