Air Zoo by jekky
History
S.P.A.D. WWI Fighter in the Kalamazoo Air Zoo
The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum was founded in 1977 under the idea that it would be: “Dedicated to preserving and displaying historical and military artifacts and to serving as a research and educational facility for this country and abroad.” The doors opened on November 18, 1979 to great local acclaim, and the museum quickly developed into the tenth-largest nongovernmental aviation museum in the United States.
In 1994 the Restoration Center was added, changing the museum’s role from only displaying to restoring and rebuilding old aircraft to proper working order. This helped Kalamazoo to gain credibility and to be recognized as one of the country’s premier aviation attractions.
In early 1999, the moniker “Air Zoo” was adopted and as the leaders began plans for a major reconstruction. On April 25, 2003, construction began on a new 120,000-square-foot (11,000 m2) facility that would double its original size and boast Vintage Aircraft, flight simulators, amusement rides, Smithsonian exhibitions, character actors, and a 4-D theater, which combines 3-D filmmaking with special effects such as rocking chairs and plumes of smoke simulating anti-aircraft fire. Bob Ellis, executive director for the Air Zoo, spoke with reporters when the new facility opened in April 2004:
“The new Air Zoo doesn’t just teach people about history, it surrounds them with it. There will always be something new to see. Because of our partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, the Air Zoo has access to over 142 million artifacts and an endless source of world-famous traveling exhibitions.”
The new building also holds a world record. The largest indoor mural greets visitors as soon as they enter with a 25,000-square-foot (2,300 m2) tribute to the history of flight. Creator and aviation artist Rick Herter named the mural “Century of Flight”. Tony Hendrick serves as the project’s assistant artist and had this to say:
“I want people to walk inside the Air Zoo and escape to another place in time, the mural helps them do that by making the physical walls seem to disappear.”
Miriel Williams, sub-contracted by Mr. Herter, completed the 168-foot (51 m) “Night to Day” mural located on the wall opposite “Century of Flight”. This unique mural, positioned between “Century of Flight” and a computer generated background on an adjacent wall, adds the finishing touch, and creates a stunning mystical effect.
Stuart Claxton, research manager for Guinness, was on hand to officially induct the mural into the Guinness Book of World Records, saying:
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating ordinary, everyday people who do extraordinary things. Today we congratulate the Air Zoo and artists Rick Herter and Tony Hendrick for developing a mural that is not only breathtaking, but it also has set a Guinness World Record as the largest indoor mural.”
In June 2007, the Michigan Space & Science Center opened in the old building (East Campus). The building features several artifacts from the defunct Jackson Space Center and features several attractions as well as a World War II Aircraft display.
Rides/Attractions at the AIR ZOO
MISSIONS Theatre-Salute To Heroes-Located in the AIR ZOO’s Main Campus, the MISSIONS Theatre-Salute To Heroes is one of the highlight attractions at the museum. The MISSIONS Theatre was the first attraction of its kind in the Midwest. It’s a 4D theatre with a 180 degree looming screen. The theatre is inside of an authentically recreation of a World War II Quonsett hut. The Salute to Heroes Experience puts you in the middle of a World War II bombing mission over Nazi Germany. The attraction is designed to recreate the feeling of being part of the crew of the “Kalamazoo Gal” B-17 through a mission. Not only do objects pop out of the screen towards you, but your seats also move and you can feel and smell everything that is happening. The Video itself was developed through a combination of 3D Computer animation and live actors. It was developed by the AI Group of the United Kingdom.
Montgolfier Brother’s Balloon Ride (Main Campus)-The first flight made by man was in a Hot-Air Balloon by the Montgolfier Brothers. Experience a flight in a hot-air balloon in this spinning family ride built by Zierer.
Flying Circus- (Main Campus) A kiddie/family Barnstormer ride built by Zierer. Take the controls of a stunt biplane as you rotate around the centerpiece.
Sentinels At Sea MaxFlight Missions- (Main Campus)Take the controls of one of four simulators themed to Navy Flying near your favorite Navy aircraft. These simulators were designed by MaxFlight and pitch 360 degrees in full motion and dogfight other aircraft. Beginning in late 2008, many aircraft were added to the selection list for flight. It is no longer just an F/A-18 simulator.
Journey’s Beyond- (Main Campus) This 3D Simulator will take you through a Space Mission. Blasting off from Cape Canaveral and docking with the International Space Station. Once docked, you will take a virtual tour of the station and see the last component added to it. From there, you will then undock and go through re-entry before touching down at the Shuttle Landing Strip. With your Mission Complete, you will leave the simulator in awe of what you just experienced. The film for this simulator was also developed by the AI Group.
A Trip to Mars- Located in the Space & Science Center “A Trip to Mars” is the Newest Simulator at the AIR ZOO. The simulator simulates a mission to Mars and lasts approximately 5 Minutes. During the simulation, guests will experience what might be NASA’s next generation of space vehicles.
Zero Gravity- An S&S Power Frog Hopper ride located at the Space & Science Center.
Space Ball-A 2-Person Gyroscope ride located at the Space & Science Center.
Space Walk (Space & Science Center)-This Attraction allows guests to walk treads around a cylinder and change direction much like astronauts do.
Space Sick- (Space & Science Center) This is actually one attraction designed to make you sick. This attraction is meant to simulate what astronauts experience in their first few days of weightlessness.
List of planes on display
Manufacturer
Model
Popular Name
Loan Status
Aeronca
65 CA
Chief
N/A
Aeronca
O-58B
Defender (Grasshopper)
N/A
Beech
T-34
Mentor
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Bell
AH-1J
SeaCobra (HueyCobra)
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Bell
RP-39Q
Airacobra
N/A
Boeing
727
N/A
N/A
Boeing Stearman
PT-13
Kaydet
N/A
Cessna
L-19
Bird Dog
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Chance Vought
F-8J
Crusader
N/A
Curtiss (Replica)
Curtiss Model D Pusher
N/A
N/A
Curtiss (Replica)
JN-4
“Jenny”
N/A
Curtiss
P-40N
Warhawk
N/A
Curtiss
XP-55
Ascender
National Air & Space Museum/Smithsonian Institution
Douglas
A4D
Skyhawk
N/A
Douglas
AD-4NA
Skyraider
N/A
Douglas
C-47
Skytrain / GooneyBird / Dakota
N/A
Douglas
SBD-3
Dauntless
N/A
Eastern GM (Grumman)
FM-2
Wildcat
N/A
Fairchild (Howard)
PT-23
Cornell
N/A
Fokker (Replica)
Dr.I
Triplane
N/A
Ford
5-AT
Tri-Motor
N/A
Gates
Model 23
Learjet
N/A
Goodyear (Vought)
FG-1D
Corsair
N/A
Grumman
F6F-5
Hellcat
N/A
Grumman
F-11A
Tiger
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Grumman
F-14A
Tomcat
National Museum of Naval Aviation
Grumman
OV-1D
Mohawk
N/A
Grumman
TF-9J
Cougar
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Heath
N/A
Parasol
N/A
Hiller
UH-12
N/A
Private Individual
Hiller
H-23
Raven
N/A
Hispano (Messerschmitt)
HA-1112-M1L C.4K-100
Buchon
N/A
Homebuilt
Avid Flyer
N/A
N/A
Homebuilt
F4U
Corsair (1/2 scale)
N/A
Homebuilt (Lockheed)
P-38
Lightning (60% replica)
N/A
Homebuilt
N/A
Longster
N/A
Homebuilt (Murphy)
N/A
Renegade Spirit
N/A
Homebuilt (Pereira)
X-28A
Air Skimmer (Osprey)
N/A
Homebuilt (Wolf)
N/A
Boredom Fighter
N/A
Howard
GH-2
Nightingale
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Laister-Kauffmann
TG-4A
Trainer Glider
Another Organization
Lockheed
F-104C
Starfighter
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Lockheed
P-80A
Shooting Star
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Lockheed
T-33A
Thunderbird
N/A
Lockheed
SR-71B
Blackbird
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Martin (Brit. Elec.)
B-57B
Canberra
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
McDonnell Douglas
F-4E
Phantom
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
McDonnell Douglas
F/A-18A
Hornet
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Mikoyan-Gurevich
MiG-15
Fagot (NATO designation)
N/A
Mikoyan-Gurevich
MiG-21
Fishbed (NATO designation)
N/A
Naval Aircraft Factory
N3N
Yellow Peril
National Museum of the Marine Corps
North American
AT-6G
Texan
Private Individual
North American
B-25H 43-4899
Mitchell
N/A
North American
F-86F
Sabre
National Museum of the Marine Corps
North American
P-51D
Mustang (Winter Only)
Private Individual
North American
SNJ-5
Texan
N/A
North American
T-28
Trojan
N/A
North American
Boilerplate Gemini Test Vehicle
El Kabong
National Air & Space Museum/Smithsonian Institution
Piasecki
HUP-3
Retriever
National Museum of Naval Aviation
Piasecki
UH-25
Mule
National Museum of Naval Aviation
Piper
L-4H
Grasshopper(Cub)
Private Individual
Piper
J-3
Cub
N/A
Republic
F-84F
Thunderstreak
N/A
Republic
P-47D
Thunderbolt
N/A
Ryan
PT-22
Recruit
N/A
Schweizer
LNS-1 (TG-2)
Trainer Glider
National Museum of the Marine Corps
S.P.A.D.
SPAD 7
SPAD
N/A
Sopwith
F.1
Camel (fuselage only)
Private Individual
Sun
Standard G Ratio 4:1
Hang Glider
N/A
Timm
N2T-1
Tutor
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Travel Air
N/A
Mystery Ship
Private Individual
Vultee
BT-13
Valiant
National Museum of the Marine Corps
WACO (Ford)
CG-4A
Hadrian (British name)
N/A
WACO
INF
N/A
N/A
WACO
VPF-7 lN/A
N/A
N/A
Wright
N/A
Flyer (Replica)
Gilmore Car Museum
Zenair
250
Zenith
N/A
External links
Air Zoo official website
References
O’Leary, Michael. “New Aviation Museum prepares for takeoff”, Air Classics, April, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
Prichard, James. “The sky’s the limit for museum mural”, The Associated Press, March 21, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
Prichard, James. “New Interactive Aviation Museum Has Rides”, The Associated Press Online, May 1, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
“Expanded Kalamazoo Air Zoo prepares for takeoff”, The Oakland Press, March 27, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
Coordinates: 421356 853336 / 42.23222N 85.56W / 42.23222; -85.56
Categories: Aerospace museums in Michigan | Museums in Kalamazoo, MichiganHidden categories: Articles lacking reliable references from February 2009 | Wikipedia articles needing style editing from February 2009 | All articles needing style editing | Articles with a promotional tone from February 2009 | All articles with a promotional tone | Articles needing cleanup from February 2009 | All pages needing cleanup | NPOV disputes from February 2009 | Articles lacking in-text citations from February 2009 | All articles lacking in-text citations
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Vintage Pat McDonnell on Don’t Feed The Gondolas