Museums that Matter – Carolinas Aviation Museum

One of these days I’ll pick a museum with, you know, paintings. But not today!

The Carolinas Aviation Museum in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina is a must for fans of flying, aviation or just planes themselves. On their Web site they mention wanting to become one of the premier aviation museums in the country, but this is surely modesty in the face of a goal they have already met and surpassed. With 45 complete aircraft, several military ground vehicles, countless artifacts, a massive research library and even a weekly television show, the Carolinas Aviation Museum does ample justice to one of America’s most important inventions: the airplane.

The heart of the whole collection is a fully restored Douglas DC-3. While it may not mean much in name, this line of planes represents what is essentially the first commercial passenger aircraft, the genesis of today’s Delta, American Airlines and Southwest. With the completion of the DC-3, transcontinental travel became a reliable, profitable proposition. In many ways, its invention marked the beginning of the planet-wide shift from national to global interests.

Of course, you’ll see plenty more: a reproduction of the 1902 Wright glider, Boeing KC-97, Corsair II and non-aircraft including a Mercury space capsule, missiles and other ordinance.

They also host events all throughout the year, including flight shows and special dinners.

The Carolinas Aviation Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also Sunday 1-5. They are located at the Charlotte-Douglass International Airport, which is convenient because…

…so is today’s hotel. The Doubletree Charlotte Airport Hotel has a cozy location near the airport and offers a free shuttle, so you could actually visit the museum without ever stepping into a car. Gotta love it!

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