American Airpower Museum Announces Scenic Flight Experience Over LI Program

FARMINGDALE, NY — American Airpower Museum of Farmingdale has announced its new Scenic Flight Experience program.

"If you missed an opportunity to fly on the B-29 'Doc' Superfortress over Memorial Day Weekend’s air show, now is a great time to take a ride on AAM’s popular World War II Douglas C-47 Skytrain 'Second Chance,'" the museum wrote in a statement. "Sure, you’ve taken a jet from Islip, JFK or LaGuardia, zoomed up to 35,000 feet and disappeared into the clouds. But, what’s it like to soar 1,000 feet over Long Island’s shoreline at 150 mph? Get the ultimate bird’s eye view of the island’s famous sites, shorelines and spectacular vistas, from the windows of our popular C-47, star of the Jones Beach Air Show for years! Experience the unforgettable views of North and South Shore beaches and breathtaking landscapes. You’ve never seen Long Island like this before!"

People are invited to climb aboard the museum’s iconic C-47 Skytrain — just like the ones used to drop U.S. Airborne Paratroopers on their historic D-Day mission in June of 1944. C-47 passengers will feel and hear the aircraft’s mighty twin engines firing up before taking off from Republic Airport and heading to Long Island’s North Shore or South Shore, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

Each AAM C-47 Scenic Flight Experience ride lasts approximately 45 minutes, including 20 minutes in the air.

The museum offers two C-47 Scenic Flights each day on the following upcoming Saturdays: July 19, Aug. 16 and Aug. 30.

The two flights each day are 11 a.m. and noon. People may book seats by visiting the American Airpower Museum website and clicking "C-47 Scenic Flight Experience." Or call 516-531-3950, 631-454-2039 or visit AAM’s Cockpit USA gift shop Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

The cost of each flight per individual is $195. All passengers must be at least 12 years old. Teenagers 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Passengers should arrive 45 minutes prior to their scheduled flight departure. The museum asks people to be sure to read all other important information in their reservation confirmation email. Participants should also plan on bringing your cameras or smartphones, plus some form of sound protection like ear plugs, since the aircraft’s twin radial engines are "extremely loud and powerful," the museum stated.

Each passenger on a C-47 flight may bring one accompanying guest at a discounted rate of $10, who may watch the flights and tour museum exhibits all day. Other guests will pay the regular entrance fees. The public may also visit AAM’s Hangar 3 all day on the aforementioned dates, just to watch each flight and tour the exhibits.

Regular museum admission is free for members, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, and $12 for children ages 3-12. Tickets and pre-registration are not required for regular museum admission.

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner.

"It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II," the museum stated. "Affectionately dubbed 'Second Chance,' AAM’s iconic C-47 was built in 1944 and supplied to the U.S. Army Air Force. She was transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1945 and flew in the Berlin Airlift (1948 - 1949) with the RAF, serving until 1950. The aircraft next served in the Belgian Air Force for two years. In 1952 she went to the French Air Force, serving two years in Vietnam, as well as in India, Algeria, Morocco and the Congo. In 1967 she was sold to Israel and flew in the Israeli Defense Force for 32 years."

American Airpower Museum acquired the aircraft in 2000. In addition to AAM’s popular D-Day Living History Flights, the aircraft also performs at regional air shows in classic WWII D-Day markings with the original "D8" code. One of the last C-47s still in stock military configuration, this aircraft has just over 18,000 hours in the air, one of the world’s lowest flight times ever, according to the museum.

C-47s were nicknamed "Gooney Birds" by their pilots after the Albatross seabird, which has an impressive wingspan and is known for its endurance and ability to fly great distances.

"Join us on the aforementioned Saturdays, for exciting low-level aerial tours of Long Island’s highlights," the museum wrote. "Support AAM’s mission to honor military aviation history and veterans, by helping maintain and preserve their legacy, the museum’s iconic aircraft. Help Keep ‘Em Flying!"