Carolinas Aviation Museum - Whole Lotta Pix!

Before leaving Charlotte last week, I stopped in for a visit at the Carolinas Aviation Museum, located on the KCLT airport. It's a nice little museum, with some interesting exhibits, and a friendly group of volunteers.

They have a very clean DC-3 in Piedmont colors. I've seen photos of her in flight from 2010, but I don't know if they still fly her - and I never thought to ask while I was there...

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There's a gaggle of retired military aircraft.

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Yes, that's a familiar looking tail behind the Tomcat...

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The restored Eastern Airlines DC-7 that visited FRG last summer for filming Pan Am is at the museum. A few months ago, they had engine problems during a visit to CLT, and she is parked at the museum until repairs can be made.

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A closer look reveals the "Clipper Atlantis" title she wore for the filming. In the photo above, the remains of the "Pan Am" N-number also can be seen on the aft fuselage.

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They have about 8 aircraft on the ramp outside of the hangar, but visitors are unable to get up close - they have been working on permission to escort guests onto the ramp, but a couple of recent security incidents at the airport has put that plan on hold.

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Their most famous aircraft is N106US, the US Airways Airbus A320 best know for its Hudson River landing. The aircraft was moved to the museum for display, as CLT was its destination that day. A team of volunteers is working to complete the display of the aircraft. In addition to the airframe itself, they have a number of displays and videos telling the story of the flight.

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The museum is housed in a nice hangar, which they moved into two years ago, on a "temporary" basis. They recently received word they will be remaining in that hangar, and will also obtain use of an administration building and part of another hangar adjoining the one they are in. They were originally in an old hangar built in 1937, but the FAA determined it was too close to the runway (sound familiar?) and it is now only used for storage. There is a weather-worn C-47 and the hulk of an F-100 parked on the ramp in front of the old hangar.

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It's a very nice museum, and if you find yourself in CLT with some free time, check it out!

Great shots Moose! I see they've added a few exhibits. :) Last visited there 5 years ago and I concur a great group of people. Sad to see the Black Lions F-14D still sitting outside, but at least their canopy is clear! Wish there was more variety at Charlotte to make better use of the museums viewing deck.

Great stuff Moose

Very nice coverage Moose! thank you...

Really nice shots Moose !

I've been planning to make a weekend trip to CLT to go to the museum and spotters park there. I think you just made up my mind with these photos Moose. I'm looking into flights and ticket prices right away...

Excellent captures of the museum!

Thanks guys!

Steve, I know you are in CT, but I took B6 out of JFK on an E-190. The flight departed Saturday morning at 8am, arrived CLT at 10, so you have most of the day down there, and the spotting park is an afternoon location. Coming back, I had a 7:35pm departure, although it was a week night, so I don't know if it is the same schedule on Sunday, but that gives you two pretty full days down there. It was about $270 round trip, all fees/taxes included.

Fascinating. Love seeing collections like this.

I live in Raleigh, just three hours away, and have never been. I knew the DC-3 was there, but now the enticement is the DC-7. I will be in Europe the next couple of weeks, but as soon as I get back, I am there. Hopefully the DC-7 will still be there (I suppose I could always call ahead). Thanks for the great shots.

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Originally Posted by moose135

Thanks guys!

Steve, I know you are in CT, but I took B6 out of JFK on an E-190. The flight departed Saturday morning at 8am, arrived CLT at 10, so you have most of the day down there, and the spotting park is an afternoon location. Coming back, I had a 7:35pm departure, although it was a week night, so I don't know if it is the same schedule on Sunday, but that gives you two pretty full days down there. It was about $270 round trip, all fees/taxes included.

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Thanks for the info Moose! I'll have to just find a weekend to do it on now.

Thanks for the nice comments and great shots at the museum. To answer your question about the DC-3. Has not been flown in about a year. Right now needs some minor repair to brakes and an annual. Uncertain as to what will be done.