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Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Planes of Fame Air Museum

Name: Planes of Fame Air Museum
Address: 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, CA, 91710, US
Telephone: +19095973722
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Planes of Fame Air Museum

Where Warbirds Fly and Aviation History Lives! World-famous aviation museum based in Chino, Californ Come see us!
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While the journey from 10 original aircraft to over 150 has been a long one, our mission has never changed. 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. And although the Museum spans the history of manned flight from the Wright Flyer replica to the Space Age of Apollo, many m

ore chapters remain to be written and many more stories told before the vision of a young Ed Maloney is finally fulfilled.

12/09/2024

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Central Coast Air Fest will now move to October 18-19, 2025, at Santa Maria Airport! ✈️ Mark your calendars for another incredible weekend of aviation thrills and fun.

Stay tuned for more details, including performer announcements and event highlights, coming soon. We can’t wait to see you there!

12/07/2024

Live for the start up of the here at the Planes of Fame Air Museum!

12/07/2024

Today, we gather for the final Hangar Talk Flying Event of the year, on a day of great historical significance—the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, 2,403 lives were lost, and countless others were forever changed as this tragic event propelled America into World War II. We honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who served and remember the resilience that shaped our nation during those pivotal moments in history.

While we had hoped to fly our iconic A6M5 Zero today (which is a tradition every December), a recently discovered mechanical issue means it will remain on display for visitors instead. In its place, our P-40 Warhawk—a hero of Pearl Harbor that famously took to the skies during the attack—will fly at 12:15 PM. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these historic aircraft and their powerful stories with all of you.

12/06/2024

TOMORROW! Join us on the 83rd Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor for the final Hangar Talk Flying event of the year! Doors open at 9am with the presentations starting at 10:30am on various topics ranging from the anniversary of the attack to B-17 bombing missions. At around 12:15pm, our WW2 combat veteran Curtiss P-40 Warhawk will take to the sky over the museum in a flight demo. There will be food trucks and other things to see and do tomorrow, December 7th, 2024 at Chino Airport!

12/06/2024

⭐PROGRAM CHANGE THIS SATURDAY! P-40 TO FLY
As part of our December tradition, we planned to fly our A6M5 Zero during this Saturday's Hangar Talk event. However, due to a recently discovered mechanical issue with its rare, original Nakajima Sakae engine, we regret to announce that the Zero will not be flying. Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the decision to ground the aircraft temporarily to ensure its continued preservation and safety.

In its place, we are proud to feature our iconic World War II combat-veteran P-40 Warhawk in our "Flying Demo." The P-40 Warhawk holds a special place in the history of Pearl Harbor, as several of these aircraft famously took to the skies on December 7, 1941, managing to down several Japanese aircraft during the attack.

This event remains an opportunity to reflect on the history of that day, to honor the sacrifices of those involved, and to foster a deeper understanding of the events that helped shape our world. While we’re disappointed about the Zero, our policy of "safety first" always takes precedence. We hope you understand and will join us in sharing the powerful legacy of the P-40 with you this Saturday.

12/04/2024

💥PROGRAM CHANGE - The P-40 Warhawk is now scheduled to fly due to a mechanical issue with the Zero. See more here: https://www.facebook.com/planesoffameairmuseum/posts/1002587965236451
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This Saturday – December 7, 2024 marks the 83rd anniversary of the “Day of Infamy” when armed forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked U.S. military installations at Oahu, Hawaii.

In honor of this anniversary as well as marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Ardennes Forest – we’ve got an outstanding series of presentations for “Hangar Talk” in store. But more spectacularly is our “Flying Demo” as we fly the Museum’s rare Mitsubishi A6M5 “Zero” fighter aircraft from World War Two. This true international treasure will take to the skies at 12:15pm for everyone to see and enjoy.

Doors to the Museum will open at 9:00am. Regular admission prices are in effect and Museum Members always get in free!

Hangar Talk Begins at 10:30am
We’ve got some fascinating subject matter for our December 2024 “Hangar Talk” – much of it looking back at events from December dates in aviation history.

⭐Looking Back 80 Years – Germany’s Last Stand
The Museum’s Jim Llano and Daniel Bermudez from the Historical Unit of Southern California team up to take us back 80 years ago this month. In one final breakout push, the German military attacked in the Ardennes Forest between Belgium and Luxembourg to split and encircle the Allied armies to force a peace negotiation. This effort, more popularly known as the “Battle of the Bulge” was a costly encounter under the harshest of conditions. Jim will present a brief look at the events while Daniel will give us a first-person account of the fighting.

⭐Blind Bombing – How RADAR Helped Turn the Tide of World War Two
The Museum’s Ken Saltgaver will provide another in his series of “Tech Notes” – this time looking at the use of Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) and how it was deployed to help the allied nations more effectively hit their bombing targets. This fascinating look at early radar technology will allow all of us to better understand and appreciate the role that science plays in aviation – then and now.

⭐Ted TALK – “Egon Mayer and Success Through Adaptation”
We’re hoping the “third time is the charm” for Ted Mount and this Ted Talk presentation on German World War II ace Egon Mayer. Egon Mayer was a Luftwaffe wing commander who flew the BF 109 and FW190. His aerial credits include 102 enemy aircraft shot down over 353 combat missions. Mayer was the first fighter pilot to score 100 victories entirely on the Western Front. His Ace victories included 26 heavy-bombers, 51 Supermarine Spitfires, and 12 Republic P-47 “Thunderbolts.” Behind this success was his ability to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of aerial combat. In this “Ted TALK,” we’ll explore many of the tactics he developed to gain the upper edge and in the process, Ted will show all of us how adapting to our own circumstances can lead to new breakthroughs.

⭐Know Your Enemy – A Look at the WEFT System of Aircraft Recognition
Museum volunteer and historical re-enactor Max Harsha joins us once again to present a little-known but exciting chapter in military aviation history. Whether you were an aerial gunner or operated an anti-aircraft gun on the ground or at sea, you had to be able to quickly identify “friendly” aircraft versus “enemy” aircraft. One of the more effective systems used during World War II was known as the WEFT system. WEFT stands for “Wings,” “Engines,” “Fuselage,” and “Tail” and as Max will show us, it was an innovative (and probably fun) way to learn your aircraft.

⭐Remembering Pearl Harbor – George Welch and Ken Taylor
The Museum’s Scott Cassells will help us remember the attack on Pearl Harbor by looking at two veterans from that event and the role they played to defend against the attack. Scott will transport us back to December 1941 to better understand the “Day of Infamy” through the efforts of Welch and Taylor.

⭐Flying Demo of the Mitsubishi A6M5 “Zero”
At 12:15pm, Scott Cassells of the Museum will present the “Flying Demo” of the Mitsubishi A6M5 “Zero.” Scott will briefly detail the history of the Zero in World War II and talk about this aircraft – the only authentic Japanese Zero remaining in the world.
Following Scott’s presentation, Pilot Johnny Maloney will fire up the 1,130 horsepower Nakajima Sakae radial engine directly in front of the crowd. After Johnny taxis the aircraft away, we’ll hold our Member’s Only Raffle Drawing for some great prizes, including a flight in one of the Museum’s training aircraft. Then Johnny will delight us with an aerial demonstration of the Zero through a flight over the Museum for twenty minutes. Upon return, guests may meet and ask questions of Johnny and learn first-hand what it’s like to fly one of the world’s rarest aircraft.

In addition to all of the above, we’ll have food trucks on hand, the Gift Shop is stocked with plenty of Holiday Gift ideas, our Museum Guides will tell you the stories of the Museum and its world-renowned collection, they’ll be fun for the kids, and our B-17 will be open for visitors to tour the inside. A great way to spend the day at Planes of Fame!

12/03/2024

✈️ Support Aviation History this Giving Tuesday! 🙌

This Giving Tuesday, make a difference by donating to the Planes of Fame Air Museum and help us keep aviation history alive! Your generosity directly supports the preservation of iconic aircraft, educational programs, and honoring the legacy of those who made aviation history.

There are two ways to give:
👉 Donate here with the link below
👉 Or visit our website at https://planesoffame.org/get-involved/donate-opportunities

Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure these incredible stories of flight inspire generations to come. Thank you for your support! ❤️✈️

12/02/2024

⭐THIS SATURDAY! Join us at Chino Airport, CA for a very special finale of our 2024 events as we present the last Hangar Talk Flying Event of the year! Don't miss out on Saturday, December 7th, with a day filled with incredible presentations, Pearl Harbor anniversary remembrances, and more. Following the presentations, we'll be flying our incredibly rare Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero in a flight demo over the Museum. Our Zero is the ONLY flying Zero with the original WW2 engine in the world! Doors open at 9am with presentations starting at 10:30am. At 12:15pm, the Zero takes to the skies. The event is included with standard museum admission. There will be food trucks and more as well!

11/30/2024

💥PROGRAM CHANGE - The P-40 Warhawk is now scheduled to fly due to a mechanical issue with the Zero. See more here: https://www.facebook.com/planesoffameairmuseum/posts/1002587965236451
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🔴We are just ONE WEEK away from our final Hangar talk Flying event of 2024! Join us on December 7th, the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, as our incredibly rare Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero takes to the skies over Chino Airport, CA! Doors will open at 9am with presentations beginning at 10:30am. Around 12:15pm, the Zero will fire up and take to the skies. ⭐

11/29/2024

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! 🛒 Get 20% off ALL ITEMS in-store and online at our giftshop! Since you're a fan of our Facebook or Instagram, you probably know someone who loves aviation! So where do you get the perfect gift for that aviation gift for the holidays? Simple: the Planes of Fame Gift Shop! We have everything from shirts to toys, books to models, puzzles to patches, and everything in between. Use the code BF2024 online or shop in person today 10am-4pm! ⭐ https://planesoffame.mybigcommerce.com/

11/28/2024

It’s that time again—the annual posting of the ‘turkey’ for Thanksgiving! 🦃✈️
From all of us here at the Planes of Fame Air Museum, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and maybe even a few laughs. As a friendly reminder, we’re closed today so our staff can celebrate the holiday, but we’ll be open again tomorrow through Sunday from 10am-4pm. Enjoy your feast (turkey or otherwise), and we’ll see you soon! 🍂

11/27/2024

How about a Mustang and a Warhawk to brighten up your Warbird Wednesday? While some are already gearing up for tomorrow's holiday, we know many of you are powering through the workday. Here's a little boost to help you cruise into the upcoming 4-day weekend!

11/27/2024

Mustang at rest... Our P-51D 'Spam Can/Dolly' from last weekend after a little bit of rain during our Taste of Flight Gala event. It's one of those really nice shots you happen to see!
We're open tomorrow till 4pm, but closed on Thanksgiving. We reopen Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 1st 10am-4pm.

11/26/2024

💥PROGRAM CHANGE - The P-40 Warhawk is now scheduled to fly due to a mechanical issue with the Zero. See more here: https://www.facebook.com/planesoffameairmuseum/posts/1002587965236451
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Less than TWO WEEKS to go for our next Hangar Talk Flying event featuring the A6M5 Zero! Join us on December 7th, the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, for this final monthly event of the year here at Chino Airport, CA! Experience a sight and sound you will not see/hear anywhere else as our Zero with original engine fires up and takes to the skies!
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11/24/2024

It's a great evening at the museum for our 17th annual Taste of Flight 2024 at the Planes of Fame Air Museum! There's been some incredibly generous donors! If you missed your chance to attend, you can still support the museum with a donation here: https://planesoffame.org/get-involved/donate-opportunities

11/23/2024

TOMORROW! ⭐ Join us for our 2024 Taste of Flight Gala fundraiser event! Join us at the Planes of Fame Air Museum for an unforgettable evening celebrating aviation, fine wine, gourmet dining, and more! 🥂 Plus, there are less than 24 hours left to bid in our online auction—don’t miss your chance to support the museum and snag some incredible items! 📅 Event Details & Auction: poftasteofflight.org
See you tomorrow for an evening to remember! 🎉

11/21/2024

Kyle Mathias posted this shot of our M4A1 Sherman Tank from a few weekends ago at our Member Appreciation BBQ at the museum! One of the benefits of special events like this is being able to be at the museum late and get night shots like this! Museum Memberships make great Christmas gifts (hint hint) and support the museum. To see more of the benefits with a membership and purchase one, click here: https://planesoffame.org/get-involved/join

Address

14998 Cal Aero Drive
Chino, CA
91710

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19095973722

Website

http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=admission-hours-and-directions

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Videos

December 7th Hangar Talk

Live for the start up of the here at the Planes of Fame Air Museum!

Live for the start up of the P-38 Lightning!

We couldn't go live today because of the heat, but we did record the start up of the OV-10 Bronco for our August Hangar Talk flying event here at Chino Airport!

With the heat today we couldn't bring you the start up of the P-51D Mustang live here in Facebook, but we still recorded it to upload later! Check it out as the Merlin engine roars to life with Chris Fahey at the controls.

Live from Wings, Tracks, and Wheels!

Don't miss out! Join us for Wings, Tracks, and Wheels May 4-5, 2024 at Chino Airport, California! #aviation #history #worldwar2 #tank #chino #museum #warbirds #socal #1940s #reenactors

Live for the start up of several aircraft

Live for the arrival of the CAF Airbase Arizona B-25, B-17, and C-45 here at the Planes of Fame Air Museum

Live for the start up of the Peashooter!pl

Live for the start up and taxi of the MiG-15 here at the Planes of Fame Air Museum

Live for the start up of the P-40 Warhawk at the Planes of Fame Air Museum !

Shortcuts

Our Story

Visit Planes of Fame Air Museum at Historic Cal Aero Field in Chino, California. 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.

The museum collection spans the history of manned flight from the Wright Flyer of 1903 to the space age Apollo Capsule. We house over 150 Aircraft and displays. 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.

Our Mission is to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans.

We are a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization that has grown since 1957 through donations and dedicated volunteers. For more info please visit: www.planesoffame.org