On a rainy day in Richmond, went to the Virginia Aviation Museum. Nice museum even if it does charge a (very low at that) admission charge. Had not been there for a while though had been by a few times to see the Tomcat outfront and (formerly the SR-71 Blackbird also outside. The SR-71 has been moved to the Science Center on Broad Street. I do like this museum though with some very historic planes. Among many they have the first American plane to fly to Antarctica by Admiral Richard Byrd and this Spad. Not a replica, this is the real deal dating to the First World War.
They have many replicas of the Wright Brothers Gliders, and this one replica (sans Engine and Propellers) of the Wright Flyer. The real one is a bit over an hour just up the road. The rest of the Aircraft is the real deal.
Many of the aircraft are historical and a few are one of a kind. It's not a massive place but has a fine collection of not just aircraft but many historical artifacts. They also have a great number of some very fine aircraft models as well as a lot of items which display flight and the hows and whys that make aircraft fly. Their engine displays over a wide period.
Among the aircraft engines on display are some from WWI and WWII. The WWII engines include the first US jet engine and the engine from the ME-109 which was the first actual jet to fly in combat. They also have an SR-71 engine on display.
It is a fine collection of aircraft and always enjoy my visits there. I have been there a few times in the past, and it is my plan to be there a few more times in the years to come. Of note some very fine people there to tell you the history of the aircraft on display. If you are near the Richmond International Airport and have the time be sure to check out this museum.
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