press release
This August, visitors to the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum can immerse themselves in history through a variety of free programs, from engine test runs to tank simulators, model building and expert lectures. Not only can visitors purchase a general admission ticket to view the museum’s incredible collection of vehicles, aircraft and artifacts, but they can also take part in free programs held on select days throughout the month.
Aircraft Engine Test Run and Q&A with Engineers | Thursday, August 1, 2024 – Saturday, August 3, 2024, 10:30 AM
During the first weekend in August, guests can experience the roar of engines from historic aircraft like the Mosquito and B-25 Mitchell. Aircraft engines must be started as part of the annual maintenance cycle, and guests have the opportunity to observe each aircraft’s processes, including starting and taxiing.
August 1st: P-47 Thunderbolt and Il-2 Shturmovich August 2nd: Mosquito and B-25 Mitchell August 3rd: Hurricane, P-40 Tomahawk, Fw 190 A5 Visitors can watch the engine start-up and ask mechanics questions during a Q&A session after the engine start-up. For a more complete experience, museum visitors can purchase a VIP viewing area ticket for the engine start-up, which costs $100 and offers the best views and photo opportunities from a dedicated viewing ramp. The VIP viewing area is available with the purchase of special event tickets, which can be purchased online.
Tank Survival Simulator | Friday, August 9, 2024, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Dive into the world of tank survival through the eyes of a tank driver in two immersive simulators. Participants can choose from two experiences: Tank Survival Simulator and Remote Control Tank Driving Experience. On Friday, August 9, the experiences will be available to museum visitors all day with the purchase of a general admission ticket.
AMPS Model Building Demonstration | Saturday, August 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join the experts from the Armored Model Preservation Society (AMPS) at the museum to build models and ask questions. Participants will learn about armored vehicles and scale modeling. This drop-in event is available with the purchase of general admission to the museum on Saturday afternoon.
Battle of Britain: A Narrow Victory Lecture | Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2:00 PM
Explore the Battlefront Theatre with guide Gareth Wade. FHCAM’s lead guide, Gareth Wade, has a lifelong interest in World War II history and joined the museum as a guide in 2011.
Lecture and Book Signing: World War II Fighter Combat | Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Steve Church is an aviator and author inspired by the fighter pilots and combat aircraft of World War II, an influence that led him from being a flight and aerobatic instructor to working as a corporate pilot for 25 years. Inspired by his popular seminars at Oshkosh AirVenture, “Fighter Combat WWII” covers four main topics: Fundamentals, Gunnery, Formations, and Dogfighting.
With over 45 years of studying WWII fighter tactics and history and extensive experience simulating WWII dogfights in fully acrobatic light aircraft, Steve will teach museum visitors about WWII air tactics through the eyes of a fighter pilot. Lectures and autograph signings are included with the purchase of general admission tickets. His book, “Fighter Combat WWII,” is available for purchase and the author will be personally at the signing.
The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum will be hosting a month of dynamic, educational events that bring history to life. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
About the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum:
The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to educate visitors about the rare and historic aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts in our collection. These artifacts are a testament to the engineering technology and human spirit of the time in 20th century global conflicts. We are committed to authenticating the complete authenticity of every artifact. This includes all aspects of mechanical systems, all paint schemes and markings. FHCAM strives to make aircraft, tanks, and other machinery as original as possible in operation and appearance when they were first used.
