Cavanaugh Flight Museum
World War One began the era of modern warfare. Technological advances forever changed the way that people went to battle. The machine gun, submarines, and tanks all drastically changed the way in which armies faced one another. The biggest change, however, may have come in the skies over the battlefield. The First World War was the beginning of the battle for the skies. In almost every conflict since 1914, the army that controlled the skies emerged victorious.
In many ways aviation history and military history are almost inseparable. The airplane’s ability to transport people to the beach during winter has always been closely followed by the airplane’s ability to wreak havoc on enemy forces. Aviation technology has advanced more rapidly than anyone could have expected when the Wright Brothers made their first flight in 1903. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum, located just north of Dallas, in Addison, Texas, pays homage to the amazing way in which airplanes have advanced, as machines and as weapons.
The Aircraft Collection
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is home to over forty vintage civilian and military aircraft. Over the years the museum has received numerous awards for the restoration of many of its aircraft. All of the aircraft, with the exception of a few vintage jets, are still operational and in flying condition. In fact, most of the aircraft housed at Cavanaugh Flight Museum fly on a regular basis and can been seen at various air shows that take place throughout the year around the country.
Three of the museum’s most popular aircraft are:
• Fokker Dr. 1. This is the same style of aircraft flown by Germany’s famed “Red Baron” in World War One.
• North American P-51D Mustang. This is considered by many to be the most famous style of fighter plane in history. The Mustang helped to defeat the Nazis in World War Two, and the last of these classic planes were not retired from service until forty years later.
• North American B-25J Mitchell. Over 10,000 Mitchells were produced during its time. One distinctive feature of this particular plane is that part of its restoration process included the restoration of the nose art. The art, named “How ‘Boot That!” was restored by Jack Kowalik, the same artist who originally created it on the plane in December of 1944.
Warbird Rides
One truly distinctive feature of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum experience is the opportunity to take a “warbird ride.” Visitors to the museum can ride in two distinctive planes, the N2S-4 Stearman and the AT-6 Texan, which were used as trainers during World War Two. Anyone over 18 is eligible for a ride which lasts thirty minutes. Flights must be booked 48 hours in advance and are subject to weather conditions and pilot availability. The rate for a ride in the Stearman is $175, and for the Texan it is $250. These rides make the museum a truly interactive learning experience.
Artwork
The Museum boasts that it is home to one of the most extensive collections of aviation art in the country. Work of many internationally famous artists can be found in hangar 1, and quality reproductions of much of the artwork are available in the museum’s gift shop.
Other Artifacts
Along with the amazing collection of aircraft, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum also boasts an extensive collection of other artifacts. This collection of aircraft artifacts, as well as ground-based weaponry and vehicles, is a must-see during your trip to the museum.
Among the non-flying collections is one of the Cavanaugh’s newest additions, a M4A4 Sherman tank built in 1942. The Sherman was the workhorse of allied effort in World War Two. This particular tank is the only street-legal tank in the state of Texas, but don’t worry visitors to Dallas, you won’t see it on the interstate.
Planning your Visit
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages six to twelve, and free for children under six.
Addison, Texas
In many ways aviation history and military history are almost inseparable. The airplane’s ability to transport people to the beach during winter has always been closely followed by the airplane’s ability to wreak havoc on enemy forces. Aviation technology has advanced more rapidly than anyone could have expected when the Wright Brothers made their first flight in 1903. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum, located just north of Dallas, in Addison, Texas, pays homage to the amazing way in which airplanes have advanced, as machines and as weapons.
The Aircraft Collection
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is home to over forty vintage civilian and military aircraft. Over the years the museum has received numerous awards for the restoration of many of its aircraft. All of the aircraft, with the exception of a few vintage jets, are still operational and in flying condition. In fact, most of the aircraft housed at Cavanaugh Flight Museum fly on a regular basis and can been seen at various air shows that take place throughout the year around the country.
Three of the museum’s most popular aircraft are:
• Fokker Dr. 1. This is the same style of aircraft flown by Germany’s famed “Red Baron” in World War One.
• North American P-51D Mustang. This is considered by many to be the most famous style of fighter plane in history. The Mustang helped to defeat the Nazis in World War Two, and the last of these classic planes were not retired from service until forty years later.
• North American B-25J Mitchell. Over 10,000 Mitchells were produced during its time. One distinctive feature of this particular plane is that part of its restoration process included the restoration of the nose art. The art, named “How ‘Boot That!” was restored by Jack Kowalik, the same artist who originally created it on the plane in December of 1944.
Warbird Rides
One truly distinctive feature of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum experience is the opportunity to take a “warbird ride.” Visitors to the museum can ride in two distinctive planes, the N2S-4 Stearman and the AT-6 Texan, which were used as trainers during World War Two. Anyone over 18 is eligible for a ride which lasts thirty minutes. Flights must be booked 48 hours in advance and are subject to weather conditions and pilot availability. The rate for a ride in the Stearman is $175, and for the Texan it is $250. These rides make the museum a truly interactive learning experience.
Artwork
The Museum boasts that it is home to one of the most extensive collections of aviation art in the country. Work of many internationally famous artists can be found in hangar 1, and quality reproductions of much of the artwork are available in the museum’s gift shop.
Other Artifacts
Along with the amazing collection of aircraft, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum also boasts an extensive collection of other artifacts. This collection of aircraft artifacts, as well as ground-based weaponry and vehicles, is a must-see during your trip to the museum.
Among the non-flying collections is one of the Cavanaugh’s newest additions, a M4A4 Sherman tank built in 1942. The Sherman was the workhorse of allied effort in World War Two. This particular tank is the only street-legal tank in the state of Texas, but don’t worry visitors to Dallas, you won’t see it on the interstate.
Planning your Visit
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages six to twelve, and free for children under six.
Addison, Texas
