Have a Question for the Planes of Fame Museum? Start here first!
The following is a collection of questions the Planes of Fame receives on a frequent basis.
Is your question not listed here? Click Here to e-mail The Air Museum!
When are the Museum Monthly Events held and
what time do the they typically start and end?
The Monthly Events are at the Chino Museum facility only and take place the first Saturday of every month all year long. For a list of these events, click here.
The event seminars start generally around 10am with a flight demo of a aircraft that fits the event theme following around 12pm. When the events end is up to you, you can explore the museum
and take as much time as you like up to closing! Most event attendees generally leave around 2-3pm.
I'm interested in seeing a certain aircraft at the museum, how will I know if it will be there when I visit?
Call ahead to the Chino museum at (909) 597-3722 or the Grand Canyon Facilities at (928) 635-1000 and ask the staff if the aircraft you are
interested in seeing will be at the museum on the day of your visit. Aircraft are moved around to various locations and depart for shows often and as such it's a good idea to call ahead.
Why were aircraft missing that are listed on the website when I visited the museum?
The Museum's aircraft are constantly moving around. Many times the museum will fly a few aircraft to local airshows and those aircraft will be missing for the weekend. Other
times the aircraft may be undergoing work or annual inspections and not located in the hangars. Certain aircraft may also be away on Tour. Your best bet is to call the museum ahead of time at
(909) 597-3722 and ask about the particular aircraft you are interested in seeing.
How can I see a particular plane in the Planes of Fame Museum's inventory fly?
There's many options, but all of which you'll have to plan accordingly for. The best bet is to attend the yearly Airshow
at the museum. Most of the museum's flyable aircraft take part each year in the airshows. Another option is to glance through the upcoming
Monthly Events to see if the plane will be featured at the event and performing the demonstration flight after the seminar. Yet another option, if you are currently a member, is
to check out the Member Supported Flights options. If you want to see one of the aircraft offered there
fly, you can make a donation to fly in the aircraft's backseat or watch the aircraft fly from the ground. Note - This only applies to the aircraft listed in the
Member Supported Flights page. Other single-seat
aircraft may be available for viewing airborne, providing the related costs are covered. Finally, one last option is to just post on our
Message Boards asking about when an aircraft might take to the air again. You never know when another person may have arranged a flight or the aircraft is flown for an annual
checkup!
How can I get a flight in one of the planes?
By becoming a Museum Member, you are eligible to fly in Museum aircraft as a Member
Supported Flight. You have the choice of watching the aircraft fly from the ground or flying in it during the demo. Note, only limited aircraft are available for Member Supported
Flights. For more information on the and to see which aircraft are available, click here.
Where is the best viewing spot for the Aerial Demonstration following Monthly Events?
Anywhere really. The aircraft will make several passes directly over the museum. Generally find a spot next to where the crowd is located outside the main gates behind
the rope line. You will have a great view from anywhere out there. Some people walk out to Cal Aero Drive and stand near their cars, however this location has some obstructions by hangars.
When will a particular aircraft I saw be restored?
What projects are currently underway at Planes of Fame?
One thing that sets Planes of Fame apart from other facilities is its numerous ongoing restoration projects and expansion. Many of our staff and volunteers frequent the Message Board on this web site and will often post updates on projects and other Museum happenings. Please check it regularly and
feel free to post any questions you may have. Aircraft are restored as funds are made available to the aircraft. While Planes of Fame would love to get every aircraft flying again,
it does take a lot of time and money. If you are interested in donating to a current restoration, please check out the Restorations
and Donations pages.
Why does the sign above one of the hangars say 'Cal Aero Field' and not Planes of Fame?
During World War 2, the Chino Airport was known as 'Cal Aero Field,' home of the Cal-Aero Flight Academy, where thousands of Army Air Corps cadets learned to fly the warbirds
the museum is now preserving. Chino Airport still has a few of the hangars that were built back when the Airport was the Flight Academy. The hangar where our Jet Aircraft and
Racers are located is one of four large hangars still standing from the Flight Academy days.
Where can I find more information on the history of the Planes of Fame Museum and the Aircraft?
This website has sections on both the history of the Museum and Featured Aircraft profiles on many of the more famous aircraft at the museum. For more comprehensive
information on the history of the Air Museum, you can pick up a souvenir book at our Airshows that featured information on the museum and many of the aircraft. Also, the book entitled Chino by Joe Cupido contains a very length history about the Planes of Fame Museum and Chino Airport spanning back to when it was a Flight Acadmeny.
Is the Planes of Fame Museum affiliated with the Yanks Museum also located on the Chino Airport?
No. While the Planes of Fame Museum often gets mistaken for the Yanks Museum, they are a separate museum on the airport premises. Remember that the
Planes of Fame Museum is down Cal Aero Drive and our B-17G Flying Fortress is located out front. There are also large signs on the hangars in front of the Museum that say 'Planes of
Fame.'
How can I Volunteer or Donate to the
Planes of Fame Museum?
Thank you for your interest in Volunteering and or Donating to the Museum! Please see the Volunteer page or
the Donations page for more information. You can also call the Museum at (909) 597-3722 or visit the Contact page to e-mail us for more information. Volunteers and Donators are what keep the Planes of Fame going
day-to-day. Without the amazing help of the dedicated Volunteers at the Planes of Fame Museum, the Museum would cease to be!
My organization is holding a fundraising event.
Does Planes of Fame donate items for raffles and auctions for such events?
The Planes of Fame Museum receives many requests from local organizations seeking items for fundraising events. Planes of Fame provides, on a limited basis, GUEST PASSES
for local fundraisers. All requests may be faxed to (909) 597-4755. Due to limited staffing resources we cannot guarantee all requests will be fulfilled.
I'm building a Model/Making a Book/Painting an Aircraft. Can you send me information, photos, etc. about a plane?
While we appreciate your interest in The Planes of Fame Museum, unfortunately we do not have the staffing resources to assist you with your project. However, we do maintain a
reference library and photo archive which is available by appointment only to our current
Museum Members. You can try posting on the Message Boards with your requests, however, unfortunatly most requests are not answered quickly.
I'm a Merchandise Vendor/
I'm a Food Vendor.
Would you carry my products in your Gift Shop? Can I sell Food at your events?
For Food Vendors, you are welcome to contact the Air Museum at (909) 597-3722. For Merchandise, please feel free to send us information and a sample of your product (non-returnable) to:
Chino Facility:
Gift Shop Manager
The Air Museum - Planes of Fame
7000 Merrill Avenue #17
Chino, CA 91710
Grand Canyon Facility:
Gift Shop Manager
Planes of Fame - Grand Canyon
755 Mustang Way
Valle-Williams, AZ 86046
My Question is not listed here!
How can I contact the Museum directly?
If you'd like more information on the Museum, you can call us at (909) 597-3722 or E-mail Staff the Museum by clicking
here.