“Innovations in Flight” Event Returns to Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will host its annual “Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display,” Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to view over 50 vintage, modern and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. Aircraft scheduled to appear include a C-17 from the 514th Air Mobility Wing; a Bell UH-1 Iroquois from the 1st Helicopter Squadron; aircraft from the Naval Test Pilot School such as a T-6B Texan II, Bell H-58 and C-26 ASTARS III; and a variety of civilian aircraft. Free passes are required to view the outdoor display and can be reserved on the museum’s website.

“Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display” will explore the engineering and design achievements of the past century of flight. Visitors can talk with pilots and explore the aircraft’s cockpits and cabins. In addition to the outdoor aircraft display, museum educators will lead visitors in plane spotting aircraft landing at Washington Dulles International Airport and teach them how to spot and identify aircraft from anywhere. Visitors will also be able to use social media filters to transform into iconic pilots from aviation history.

A special pop-up online store will open May 15 with limited-edition “Innovations in Flight” merchandise. Items such as T-shirts, posters and mugs can be purchased for a limited time.

The event is made possible through the support of United Airlines. To learn more about the museum and “Innovations in Flight,” visit the museum’s website.

“Innovations in Flight” is one of the museum’s most popular events of the year and draws large crowds. While the museum has parking available, public transportation is also available via Fairfax Connector’s 983 bus, which includes a stop at the Innovation Center Metro station. Schedules, route and fare information are available.

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a $15 parking fee for vehicles entering before 4 p.m. at the Udvar-Hazy Center. The museum’s building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. and is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25).

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