The B-29 Superfortress at Pima Air & Space

Top of my list is the Pima Air & Space Museum, an aviation exhibit of truly staggering proportions. With about 300 aircraft on permanent display, the dedicated air and space fan will want to assign the better part of a long summer day to enjoy this vast museum — part indoor, part outdoor. Sure it’s hot, but that’s the price you pay for being able to stare reverently at President John F. Kennedy’s Air Force One without being distracted by scurrying kids demanding ice cream.

To my mind, the most graceful aircraft ever to touch the sky: The Lockheed Constellation

Better yet, go on one of the guided tours. I have a friend who is a volunteer docent and once had the great pleasure of accepting a private tour from him. And I thought I knew a lot about aviation history! These volunteers are full of fascinating and obscure knowledge related to the world of wings, and it adds a unique spin to spend part of a day in their company.

Camouflage-colored vent on the side of a massive B-52 bomber

Some of the many highlights include World War II heavy bombers including a pristine B-17 and B-29, Cold War era weapons such as a B-52 and a collection of Russian Migs. Hanger 3 is my favorite, of course, as it is dedicated to WWII aircraft and features a Dakota transport with fancy D-Day markings, a B-24 Liberator and a B-25 Mitchell.

Blu sky on aluminum

Don't tread on me!

You always know museums have a lot to offer when their website says “9:00 AM – 5 PM Daily. Last admittance at 4:00 PM.” Do me a favor and don’t show up at 4. You won’t even get through the first building, and there are many. Bring some water, a floppy hat, a good camera, and a healthy respect for the daring men and women who pushed back the boundaries of flight.

The whole things is quite an experience and, as you can tell from these pictures, it is the details that I find most fascinating.

Photographs © Geoffrey Notkin. All rights reserved. No reproduction without written permission.