College Park Aviation Museum and Air Fair 100

After serving as a public affairs officer in the Air Force for almost 10 years, I've worked on my fair share of Air Show committees, so when I read about the Air Fair 100 happening this weekend at College Park Airport, I jumped at the chance to enjoy an air show without having to put in any work towards planning it! Going to the air show was also a convenient excuse to check out the College Park Aviation Museum, which I had read about at some point when we first moved here to the DC area.

The Airport has a history steeped in aviation pioneers and milestones. The Wright brothers conducted a bulk of their first training flights for their Military Flyer, which the Army contracted them to produce. The field is one of the first to be used as an airmail delivery station, and is still an active airfield, hosting a number of general aviation aircraft as well as a pair of Prince George's County police helicopters. 

But, enough of all that, let's talk about the air show!

While we could have taken the metro to the airport, it would have taken about 35 minutes (including taking the bus from our house to the local metro stop), so we decided to drive instead (15 minutes). Parking was plentiful although a bit spread out. I think the threat of rain kept the turnout down a little lower than organizers may have liked. We parked at a pool/ice rink across the street and had a short 5-10 minute walk to the gate.

Once through the admission gate we were free to roam wherever we wanted. Our first stop was a nice display of model/radio controlled airplanes. 

The Boy impressively identified a WWII era bomber as being the same kind that he had a small metal die cast version of at home. At the far north end of the field we examined a number of helicopters, and even had a chance to climb around inside a few. After seeing her brother relaxing in the back of the Anne Arundel County Police helicopter, The Girl had to get in on the action as well. I really appreciated how friendly and talkative most of the helicopter crews were, kudos especially to Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties.

The entire air field was lined with various small aircraft, and as we walked from one end to the other we were able to enjoy both the airplanes on the ground and the various acts flying over the field. The hands down favorite for the kids was the joint act between Otto the helicopter and Dan Buchanan's hang glider.

Audio from both the hang glider and helicopter was broadcast over loudspeakers on the ground as a faux misunderstanding between the two acts played out, culminating in a police chase down the runway. Jessica and I found the Otto act to get a little bit long and drawn out, but it was definitely a highlight for the kids, who just couldn't say enough about it.

One of the planes parked on the ramp was a Zenith 650, which happens to be the type of airplane I would like to own myself someday. I've had my private pilots license for almost 12 years, but haven't flown as pilot in command for about 10 years. Someday I'll get back in the cockpit again!

By this point, thanks to the black tarmac and pretty much relentless sun, we were all sweating like pigs. The cool air conditioned comfort of the Museum at the other end of the airfield was a welcome change.

Walking into the Museum the first thing that struck me was the airy, open feeling of the place. One entire side of the museum is a large glass wall, overlooking the runway. There are 10 or so aircraft on display, each with informative posters describing the history behind the aircraft and its importance in aviation history.

There were a number of interactive, children's museum type of exhibits. Both the kids enjoyed "flying" their colorful kite-like nylon aircraft around a busy traffic pattern, and spinning the large wooden prop on display. I liked the small wind tunnel that had an aircraft with working ailerons and rudder which you could control with a joystick on the display. It was a great way to see how an airplane maneuvers through the sky.

Another highlight was a real airplane that the kids could climb into. Some of the wing fabric had been removed and replaced with Plexiglas, allowing you to see how the cables ran through the wings and out to the ailerons. This was one of the displays that made me wonder where some of the parents were. Some kids climbed into the cockpit and yanked the steering wheel back and forth as hard as they could, making as much noise as possible. In fact, when The Boy climbed in and asked me about some of the dials and knobs instead of just mindlessly yanking on the controls, I heard some of the kids complaining that he "wasn't making it move enough."

The museum utilizes volunteers to run the place, and volunteers were out in full force during our visit. We were impressed by the patience and kindness these volunteers had, especially considering the previously-mentioned rowdiness exhibited by some of the young patrons.

All in all it was a fun outing. We definitely want to come back and enjoy the museum when it's not quite as busy. I'm sure a homeschool science field trip or two will be in the works with all of the great interactive exhibits they have. As for the air show, we'll probably go again in a few years, but it's not at the top of our list for an immediate repeat visit. One thing to be aware of if you go, they only take cash for admission, and according to folks I asked, the nearest ATM is a mile from the airport.

Total: $12 ($4 per adult, $2 for kids - admission to the museum was included in air show admittance. This is also the regular entrance fee for the museum.

Verdict: We'll be back (to the museum at least)

Location: 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD 20740

Metro Station: College Park

Come out of the Metro station on the east side of the tracks. Cross Paint Branch Parkway and walk 200 yards towards the airfield and museum