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The Air Museum

"Planes of Fame"


Planes of Fame Air Museum




At the entrance to the museum, you are greeted by a sign containing the following information:


Welcome to The Air Museum
“PLANES OF FAME”

First founded in Claremont, California, in January 1957, by aviation historian Edward T. Maloney, The Air Museum was the first permanent aviation museum on the west coast of the United States. An independent, non-profit educational corporation, The Air Museum was also the first museum to fly its aircraft, a concept that has since been duplicated by a number of air museums around the world.

From an initial complement of seven aircraft, The Air Museum collection has grown over the years and now numbers over 140 aircraft and major exhibits. The Air Museum’s goal is to collect, preserve, restore, and display as many aviation artifacts as possible for the benefit of the public – a goal that is heavily dependent on a loyal staff of volunteers and tax-deductible contributions.

Headquartered here on the grounds of the historic “Cal-Aero Flight Academy”, The Air Museum’s collection spans the history of manned flight. From a replica of the Chanute Hang Glider of 1896 through space flight, The Air Museum offers the opportunity to experience first hand the spirit of aviation.

The Air Museum also operates a museum at Valle Airport near the Grand Canyon in Arizona, housing more than 20 aircraft, many which are flyable.

The Air Museum “Planes of Fame” is open 9am to 5pm daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.



The following photos provide a small preview of what you can see at the museum.

Spitfire Mk L.F. IXe
Spitfire Mk L.F. IXe
P-51D Mustang
P-51D Mustang
P-51D Mustang
P-51D Mustang

P-40N Warhawk
P-40N Warhawk
P-38J Lightning
P-38J Lightning
P-38J Lightning
P-38J Lightning

P-47G Thunderbolt
P-47G Thunderbolt
P-26A Peashooter
P-26A Peashooter
Grumman J2F-6 Duck
Grumman J2F-6 Duck

A sample of the hundreds of models on display

Models of WW I and II German planes
Models of WW I and II German planes
Models of U.S. jet and prop planes
Models of U.S. jet and prop planes
Models of Mustang versions
Models of Mustang versions




The Air Museum Planes of Fame is located at 7000 Merrill Ave. #17 in the city of Chino. See map.



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