Warbird Information Exchange

In town for a business conference for the week and I was wondering what there was to see in this part of California with regards to warbirds. I plan getting out to the Western Aerospace museum tomorrow if i can get away early enough.

Thanks

Shay
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Semper Fortis

It's also worthwhile to make a trip to Hiller Museum in San Carlos.

Shay,

WAM is at the Oakland Airport, a good 45 minute drive from Santa Clara. The Hiller Museum is a must. If you have time, SFO has an archive worth your time. Have to make an appointment. Also, Moffett has an outdoor museum. I haven't been there is a while.

Hope this helps.

Patrick

Here are a list of sites within 30 miles...
Aerial Visuals Locator Search - Around Santa Clara, CA
...and you can also scroll down for a map.

I recently traveled in the area and visited most of locations listed, so let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

Just FYI.. I noticed you have SJSU listed at SJC. They are no longer there, and the 727 was scrapped back in August. They moved the spam-cans over to KRHV.

Here's one really close for you. NASA Moffett Field which is located right along HWY 101 in Mountain View (about 5 miles from you). There is the Moffett Field Musuem located on the base and is open from 10:00am to 3:00 pm. Just drive up to the guard gate and state that "you wish to to go the Moffett Museum". They'll ask for a picture ID then wave you in. There is a P-3 Orion on display as well as occasional transient aircraft parked by the control tower. Antonov An-124's sometimes come in on thursday mornings.

I did exactly that and was directed to the white NASA dome nearby outside of the gate. As I usually don't find it productive or run arguing with guards, I just left. Bummer I didn't get to see the P-3.

Mike

_________________
Mike R. Henniger
Aviation Enthusiast & Photographer
http://www.AerialVisuals.ca
http://www.facebook.com/AerialVisuals

Do you want to find locations of displayed, stored or active aircraft? Then start with the The Locator.
Do you want to find or contribute to the documented history of an aircraft? If so then start with the Airframes Database.

Mike: Sorry that you were turned away...perhaps it was a new guard and he was mis-informed. Or possibly you were there on a day when the Moffett Museum was closed (e.g. Monday and Tuesday).

Anyway this is the P-3 you missed at Moffett. It's getting a bit shabby after sitting there for around 20 years...and needs a facelift.

Shay:

If by chance you will be staying an extra day (e.g. Saturday) you might wish to take in the USS Hornet located at the former NAS Alameda. It located about 5 or so miles due north of the Oakland Airport and there are numerous signs along HWY 880 telling of the off ramp. It's well worth the time as they have a number of aircraft that have been nicely repainted. Also a great view of San Francisco from the aft deck. Driving around NAS Alameda is interesting too (seaplane ramps, admin bldg, aircraft on sticks, etc) It's all been industrialized and you just drive in and take your own personal tour.