Having come from Boeing families, both Tami and I have grown up fascinated with airplanes. When we discovered that one of the biggest airplane museums in the world (Pima Air & Space Museum – they advertise 150 planes inside and 150 planes outside) is in Tucson, we HAD to go.
In addition to the museum itself, this is also the location of the “Boneyard”, the place where the US military parks the planes that it has retired or mothballed. I have wanted to see this for years, but never thought I would have a chance. Then we discovered that it is next to the Pima Museum, AND that the museum ran tours of the boneyard, so we HAD to do that too!
We then spent the better part of the day just geeking out on airplanes. We took FAR more pictures that we can share here, but below is a small selection, with explanations.
In the boneyard
There are over 4000 planes in the boneyard
When I lived in Houston, we would see these C130 Hurcules’ at the air base near our home – I always thought they were very cool
Boneyard
There were also many smaller planes in the boneyard
While were there, there were planes from the air force base nest door constantly flying overhead – Tami had a hard time getting a photo as they flew by. These are A10 Warthogs. They are used to attack ground armor, so they are meant to fly low and slow. Our guide told us: “I’m not saying they are slow, but some pilots have reported bird strikes from behind.”
Back at the museum, this was a great name for a small flying boat
Mike has a particular fascination with flying boats – he asked Tami if he could get one of these for Xmas
Tami trying to get in the air
There were some interesting “art planes”, through we never found any explanation for them
Another art plane
Outside the museum there were planes lined up everywhere
A few helicopters
Cool airliner, I think the Seattle air museum has one of these
Either a Guppy or Super Guppy – NASA used these to fly rocket parts around
Like those back facing engines
When I lived in Houston, these T38’s were what the astronauts flew to keep their flying skills current. I have always thought they were one of the best looking little planes around, so of course I wanted one.
Tami has a big engine
Love the shape – 3 rows of windows! (Plane looks pregnant.)
One of the stranger looking planes we saw.
Tami with B29.