Staff Reports

CHINO-The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a treat for young and old alike.  Its collection of planes is sure to thrill aircraft aficionados and anyone interested in military history.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum was founded in 1957 by Edward Maloney.  It is the oldest independently operated aviation museum in the United States. Located at the historic Cal Aero Field in Chino, the museum is open to the public.

It is the mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans. The Museum sponsors regular events in the form of inspirational experiences, educational presentations, flight demonstrations, and air shows in fulfillment of this mission.

A special event, to be held on Saturday July 22, 2017, will focus on the role of aviation in the Great War – World War I. Entitled, “WWI and Early Aircraft,” the event is being presented by Planes of Fame Air Museum Docents.

One hundred years ago, the United States entered the great conflict now known as the First World War. After years of isolationism, America’s fighting forces were unprepared for the carnage that was to come. However, with their indomitable spirit, the Americans quickly adapted, overcame, and ultimately helped secure victory.
This special program will explore the events of the Great War leading up to America’s involvement and discuss American participation – from the early volunteers serving in the French Lafayette Escadrille and Lafayette Flying Corps to American Signal Corps and U.S. Naval Aviation squadrons. We’ll look at their training, their aircraft, the technologies and tactics employed, and America’s first aviation heroes who emerged from the world’s first air war. A special encore screening of the Planes of Fame Air Museum film, “Intrepid Birdmen” will be presented.
EVENT SPEAKERS: Members of the Docent team will present an overview of the Great War, provide insight into the role of aviation and the types of aircraft deployed and developed, look at the training of new aviators and discuss the many tactics and aces that resulted.
SPECIAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT! – William Wellman and “Wings”
This year also marks a milestone in cinematic history – the 90th anniversary of the Paramount Pictures smash hit film, “Wings.” Recognized still as one of the most honest and exciting portrayals of air combat and the men who flew during WWI, “Wings” was the first film to be honored with the Academy Award® for Best Picture at the 1927 Oscar® ceremony.
Joining the presentation will be William Wellman, Jr., son of the film’s director, William A. Wellman. An established actor, author, and speaker, Bill will discuss the aviation career of his father during World War I, as well as his father’s outstanding career as a Hollywood motion picture screenwriter and director.
Bill’s presentation will center around the production of “Wings,” a massive undertaking even by today’s standards. The film employed 3,500 actors, 65 pilots and 165 aircraft. It featured leading actors of the time – Charles “Buddy”  Rogers, William Arlen, and Clara Bow and introduced a young Gary Cooper in a role that launched his career. The film took a year to complete, but when it was released it turned out to be one of the most financially successful silent pictures ever.
Immediately following the presentations, the masterfully restored film, “Wings” will be shown in the Museum Theater. Come experience the film in its full glory in our intimate 45-seat air conditioned setting. Note: Seating is limited to the first 45 people. A nominal donation of $5.00 is asked to help defray the costs of license fees for the film. Popcorn and soda will be provided.
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 2017, 10am–12 noon. Museum doors open at 9:00am.
WHERE: Planes of Fame Air Museum, 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, CA 91710-9085
WHY: It is now 100 years since the Great War and it is rapidly fading from the public memory. It is the Mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans. The Museum sponsors regular events in the form of inspirational experiences, educational presentations, flight demonstrations, and airshows in fulfillment of this mission.

The museum collection spans the history of manned flight from the Wright Flyer of 1903 (replica) to the space age Apollo Capsule. Over 150 aircraft and displays are available for you to peruse.  Many of the aircraft are flyable, including the P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-40 Warhawk, B-25 Mitchell, P-38 Lightning, F-86 Sabre & Russian Mig 15.  Several of the aircraft displayed are rare and some are the sole remaining flying examples of their type.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum also hosts Living History Flying Days, which are held on the first Saturday of each month.  These events are great for families to attend.  A different featured airplane will fly for each event. Upcoming Living History Days will feature the Douglas SBD Dauntless on June 4, the North American P-51 Mustang on July 2, and the Vought F4U-1A Corsair on August 6.

The Planes of Fame Air Show, which has been held at the Cal Aero Field for 18 years, and was chosen “Best Air Show of 2015” by Aviation Magazine, will be held April 29th through May 1st at Chino Airport. It’s Fun for the whole family.

Enjoy the day watching aviation history take to the skies over Chino. See famous planes

and demonstration teams take to the air such as the U.S Air Force F-16 Viper, Sean D Tucker and Team Oracle Aerobatics, Jelly Belly Aerobatics plus many other extreme aerial demonstrations. Over 50 historic aircraft will be performing for your enjoyment including B-25s, P-47s, and P-51 Mustangs!

There will be static displays of historic aircraft, military vehicles, a Kids Zone and a vendor marketplace where you will find plenty of food and beverages for sale.

Experience the Afterburner Twilight Show Friday Noon-8 p.m. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. Parking is Free. Tickets are $25, and kids 11 and under are Free.

For information and tickets, go to planesoffame.org.

The Planes of Fame Museum is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that has grown for the past 57 years through donations. You can find the museum at 7000 Merrill Avenue, #17, in Chino.  For more info please call 909-597-3722 or visit: planesoffame.org.