TigerFlight Foundation Competitors

To inspire all through the limitless possibilities of flight, sparked by a singular experience or a lifetime connection. Diversity & Inclusion Statement: The Museum of Flight is dedicated to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors, staff, volunteers, learners, and community members. We respect, celebrate, and honor all people and the unique perspective they bring to our institution. All voices are valued and heard and all people are seen and respected. Diversity, inclusion, equity and cultural responsiveness are part of everything we do and we are committed to building an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. For more on our inclusion initiatives please visit the link below. https://www.museumofflight.org/About-Us/D-and-I

Collecting flying warbirds for half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a nonprofit aviation association dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance by maintaining a flying museum of classic military aircraft. The CAF has more than 12,000 members and its fleet of 162 historic aircraft is distributed to 73 units located in 24 states for care and operation. These units, comprised of CAF members and volunteers, restore and operate the planes which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. More than just a collection of flyable warbirds, the Commemorative Air Force’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the “Ghost Squadron,” recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history. The demands of aerial combat drove the great technological advances in aviation that occurred during and after World War II. Many different types of aircraft were developed, often designed for very specific missions. Members engage with the mission to protect these rare flying monuments to freedom. They keep them in flying condition, repair, rebuild and pilot these unique assets. Future generations will benefit from the CAF’s preservation efforts, educational programs, museum exhibits and airshows.

The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest flying collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world. The Museum and its incredible assemblage have their roots in a private collection begun by Gerald and Elaine Yagen of Virginia Beach, VA. First opened to the public in 2008, the Museum continues to fly and operate some of the rarest and most important historical military aircraft in the world. With 130 acres of land and almost 5,000 feet of turf runway with adjacent viewing areas, the Museum campus is purposely designed for the operation of vintage military aircraft and the viewing and enjoyment of those aircraft by members of the public. Several structures were transported from the front lines and reassembled on the museum grounds. The Goxhill Watch Tower and Cottbus Hangar are two incredible examples of WWII buildings that truly were there as world events took place. Getting closer than you ever have to stunning restored aircraft from the WWII years is at the core of the Museum experience and is enabled by hundreds of committed, knowledgeable volunteers. A skilled team of mechanics employed at the Fighter Factory, the Museum’s on-field maintenance facility, maintain the aircraft in airworthy condition, and our dedicated volunteer pilots give their time generously to conduct demonstration flights with the aircraft. While WWII is at the heart of our collection, the Museum is also home to Korean War-era aircraft like our AD Skyraider and to an impressive collection of WW1-era Replicas and Originals. Each time one of these airplanes takes to the skies it is helping us fulfill a commitment we all share; to remember what price was paid for our freedom and to learn from the lessons of the WWII years.