Hiller Aviation Museum in California
Those who are passionate about aviation should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Hiller Aviation Museum when in San Carlos, California, U.S.A. It is located at the San Carlos Airport, and was founded in 1998 by Stanley Hiller Jr. The Hiller Family are not only known for owning Hiller Aircraft Corporation, considered a pioneer of the helicopter, but also for their support of the museum, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Affiliations Program, as well as preserving the history of the helicopter and various other aircraft.
Those who are passionate about aviation should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Hiller Aviation Museum when in San Carlos, California, U.S.A. It is located at the San Carlos Airport, and was founded in 1998 by Stanley Hiller Jr. The Hiller Family are not only known for owning Hiller Aircraft Corporation, considered a pioneer of the helicopter, but also for their support of the museum, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Affiliations Program, as well as preserving the history of the helicopter and various other aircraft.
The idea of establishing the museum was thought of during the 1970s, but to bring their dreams to life a museum building and research centre had to be designed, enabling it to house a variety of exhibits and aircraft. The museum is truly a unique treat for aviation enthusiasts, as it has over forty-five displays to explore, and each display provides detailed information of the vehicle on display. Some of the exhibits include a part of a Boeing 747 (forty-five feet), the homebuilt airplane by Burt Rutan called the Rutan Defiant, the Hiller XH-44, the uncompleted Boeing 2707 (which was to be the Concord’s competition), the “Honeymoon” Fairchild (James Ricklef and the Hiller Flying Platform, which is an 1955 experimental aircraft). The Hiller Aviation Museum also hosts an event called the Vertical Challenge Airshow, which highlights helicopters, with other events including the Remember When World War II Trainer Aircraft Day, Noon Years Party for Kids and the Lecture Series.
Amongst the host of exhibits that range from vintage displays all the way through to futuristic prototypes, visitors will find the Restoration Shop that has large windows, enabling visitors to see the work that is ongoing in regard to restoring exhibits and new additions. One of the most popular features of the Hiller Aviation Museum is the Flight Sim Zone that is enjoyed by visitors of all ages, as it allows visitors to get into the cockpit of numerous aircraft and enjoy the excitement of a realistic simulated flight. The Hiller Aviation Museum is most definitely an adventure, and visitors will be mesmerized by the variety of displays and exhibits featured by the museum.
