The Cavanaugh Flight Museum doesn’t just display rare aircrafts but actually allows visitors (over 18) the chance to fly in vintage airplanes!
If you’ve got the nerve and are open to adventure, you can experience the unique experience of flying in such renowned aircraft as the PT-13 Stearman or the AT-6 Texan.
This is a one of a kind thrill for anyone who likes vintage airplanes – available only at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.
Plenty of aviation museums display planes but flying in these older planes truly makes the museum more than just a building full of older aircraft. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum makes sure that as many planes as possible are kept in prime flying condition.
The museum’s founder, Jim Cavanaugh, made sure that more planes would be sought, those that could be restored completely. The B-24 is the most recent addition and is one of only two planes in the world which are still available for flights.
Even if you’d prefer to stay on the ground, you’ll want to visit this unique museum. Opened in 1993, the museums contains aircraft contributed by the museum’s founder. All are in the best condition, with most ready to fly.
In fact, many of the airplanes and other aircraft actually are flown regularly – even if visitors aren’t aboard. On any given day, you can see various planes being restored or maintained as well.
If you really want to go up in a vintage plane, plan to spend between $195 and $1500, depending on which plane type and model you choose. You can even help co-pilot the plane. If you opt for the co-pilot’s seat, you’ll be paying prices in the higher range.
Flights last for 30 minutes and have to be scheduled 2 days ahead of time. To arrange a flight, call (972). 380-8800. Not surprisingly, visitors find flights in historic aircraft to be among the most popular activities at Cavanaugh Flight Museum. You can even fly in a plane which was used in the television show M*A*S*H, a Bell 47/0H-13.
If you visit the Cavanaugh flight Museum you can see active aircraft. You’ll also have the rare chance to see such noted planes as the Sopwith Camel, German Me-109 and the P-51 Mustang and be able to talk to the mechanics who work on the planes.
No other aviation museums offer such select opportunities. Touring the museum is self-guided but you won’t find it hard to move from one display or airplane to another. Signs near each airplane provide plenty of information about its history and background.
You’ll want to allow time to enjoy all the facilities at the Cavanaugh Museum, from the picnic grounds to the gift shop. Bring a picnic lunch or grab one from nearby restaurants and eat outside.
There is also a huge art gallery filled with flight-related artwork. The gift shop is also worth visiting. Young aviation enthusiasts might want to pick up an airplane bank while adults might enjoy aviation-related drink coasters or perhaps a t-shirt or cap.
Hotels and other accommodations near the Flight Museum include the Intercontinental and Homewood Suites. The Dallas Galleria is also nearby as is the Valley House Gallery.
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is located at 4572 Claire Chennault (just north of downtown Dallas). Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and those who have served or are active members of the military, $4 for children ages 1-4 and free for children under. 3.
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