NMNA Hangar Bay One Closed For Repairs

[Steve Nelson]

Nothing but a quick note on the website, but apparently the National Museum of Naval Aviation's new(ish) "Hangar Bay One" building is closed to the public indefinitely for "building maintenance." Someone on another forum said there were structural issues with the roof that needed to be addressed. Anybody have any more detailed intel? We've already been there twice this year with no immediate plans for another visit..I'm just curious.

SN

[Pat Carry]

Thats their newest building, right?

[Neal Nurmi]

I wonder if it's under warranty...

[JohnB]

Yep, that's what you want in hurricane country...an unsound roof.

[glider90]

Digging up an old thread I know, but we are planning a visit to the museum in March. Is this building reopened? Also is the outdoor storage area I see in google maps open to the public?

[sandiego89]

.....Also is the outdoor storage area I see in google maps open to the public?

Glider, sadly the outside display area "the ramp" where you see dozens of neat aircraft on google Earth is not open to walking around, or at least when I visited. You have to go on a trolley tour and they drive your around there for about 20 minutes. You are subject to the whims of the trolley driver, and may not be on the correct side, correct lane or slow enough to see a particular aircraft you want to see. You are also subject to their narration and the other visitors that can't tell the difference between a Phantom and a Tomcat ...sigghhh.

I wanted to get up close to the one and only AJ-1 Savage, but only got a glimpse as the driver sped by talking about the Blue Angels F-18 or something....

I think they may have a few open ramp days, but normally I believe it is considered an active ramp area (sounds like a liability dodge)- FFS just put a fence to separate the ramp from the active taxi way and let us folks wonder around please. Thank you.

Rant off, enjoy the visit.

[glider90]

Thanks, rant appreciated. It helps my know what to expect! We are looking to escape the Ohio winter in march while the kids are on break. My wife suggested Gulf shore Alabama. I agreed, even before I realized Pensacola was only 30 minutes away:)
I see the Blues may be practicing while we are there. If we go catch a practice, is the viewing area similar to viewing a show or do they takeoff and head off somewhere else to practice then return?

Digging up an old thread I know, but we are planning a visit to the museum in March. Is this building reopened? Also is the outdoor storage area I see in google maps open to the public?

The museum web site says that the Hangar Bay One building RE-OPENED on Friday, October 21st, 2016.

http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

[Warbirdnerd]

Also is the outdoor storage area I see in google maps open to the public?

Make your first stop at the main desk so you can sign up for the "back 40 tour" it fills up quickly on busy days.

[Steve Nelson]

The trolley drivers are usually pretty good about indulging us s if we have a hankering to see a specific aircraft. On our last visit I was on the wrong side to get good pics of the Helldiver, and the driver offered to let me get off for clearer shots. Another visitor was a former P2V crewman, and the tram driver allowed him to get off and have his picture taken next to the Neptune on the ramp. A few years ago (before the new building opened) I wanted to get some detail shots of the Antarctic R4D, but the tram was broken down so the ramp tours weren't running. A nice docent took me back there on a golf cart, and not only allowed me to get a nice photo walk-around of the plane, he also gave me a quick tour of the entire ramp.

I've found that many museums are very accommodating if you're polite, respectful and ask nicely.

Good news to hear Hangar Bay One was only closed for a brief period. They've got some great aircraft in there.

SN