Calling all aviation aficionados! For those who love everything about aircraft, there’s nothing better than visiting a world-class museum that showcases military and commercial aviation. Consider this gem in the Arizona desert the ultimate bucket- list destination for those who love all types of flying machines.

The Pima Air & Space Museum, located in Tucson, Arizona, is one of the world’s largest nongovernment-funded aerospace museums in the world. Opened in 1976, the museum displays 125,000 artifacts plus nearly 400 aircraft spread out across 80 acres in the Sonoran Desert.

PHOTO: © KARIN PEZO

The collection spans the entire era of flight, from vintage aircraft like a Wright Flyer to a more contemporary Boeing 787 Dreamliner, along with the world’s smallest biplane, presidential planes, MiGs, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and an F-14 Tomcat. Many planes sit outside on display, but six indoor hangars also showcase some of the more historic aircraft. In fact, three of the hangars are dedicated exclusively to World War II, while one hangar serves as a restoration facility.

As the static displays and museum grounds are expansive, consider taking a guided 45-minute Public Tram Tour, offered daily but subject to change or cancellation. With more than 150 different aircraft to see, the 1.5-mile circuit tour narrated by experienced, friendly guides offers highlights of the collection and information about different planes’ significance.

When I visited the museum, I chose to stroll the grounds on my own, and I spent a full three hours touring the impressive, sprawling collection of military and commercial aircraft, many legends within their time. From the historic Air Force One (part of the presidential fleet for presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson) to the U.S. Navy’s four-engine turboprop Lockheed P-3 Orion and even the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, I found it enthralling to be in the presence of these mighty flyers. It proved nothing short of mesmerizing.

PHOTO: © KARIN PEZO

However, one plane in particular was missing for me: the Convair VC-131H, the military version of the Convair CV-580. After serving as Air Force One for presidents Johnson and Nixon, the Air Force eventually ceded the plane to the Navy for VIP transport. It was in this role that I became one of the first female flight engineers to fly this twin-engine turboprop. But seeing the vast array of aircraft from all the services more than compensated for my minor letdown. With so much to see and photograph, I eventually came back to visit a few more times. Once is not enough for such a world-class aviation museum.

Admission to the Pima Air & Space Museum includes access to both the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame and the 390th Memorial Museum on the grounds. The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, located in the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery, is a permanent shrine to Arizonans who played a role in or made a significant contribution to aviation and aerospace history. Noteworthy honorees include former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, astronaut Frank Borman and Doolittle Raider David “Davey” Jones.

The 390th Memorial Museum tells the story of the 390th Bomb Group that flew the famous B-17 Flying Fortresses over Europe in World War II. You’ll be awed at the sight of the last B-17 flown by any branch of the U.S. military — the only fully restored, combat- ready B-17 on display in America. Compelling exhibits also provide insight into the 390th’s important role in the Allied victory in Europe and the POW experience of 731 men in the 390th Bomb Group who were captured and interned during the war.

Unfortunately, due to security concerns, the U.S. Air Force permanently suspended all tours to the nearby Boneyard located on 2,600 acres at Davis-Montham Air Force Base. The largest aviation graveyard in the world, deep in the desolate high desert, houses more than 4,400 aircraft that call this a final resting place. The U.S. military stores its surplus aircraft here — some cannibalized for parts, others restored to join the active flying fleet. Then there are the unlucky ones eventually slated for destruction.

PHOTO: © KARIN PEZO

Even without seeing the Boneyard, the Pima Air & Space Museum provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the aircraft graveyard and experience viewing rare aircraft outdoors in a desert climate while immersing yourself in aviation history. It’s certainly a must-visit not only for aviation enthusiasts, but also for families traveling with kids.

INFO TO GO
Driving time to Pima Air & Space Museum is about five minutes from Tucson International Airport and about two hours from Phoenix International Airport. Private pilots may consider flying into Ryan Field.

Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated during your excursion. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a wide- brimmed hat and sunscreen, as the desert sun can be intense and shady spots are sparse.