Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Wings Over Miami Air Museum: Celebrating Aviation History in Miami

Discover the thrilling world of aviation history at the Wings Over Miami Air Museum. This remarkable museum pays homage to the veterans and aviators who played pivotal roles in both civilian and military aviation. With a focus on education and community engagement, the museum proudly exhibits and operates a captivating collection of military and classic aircraft. From vintage planes to Cold War-era jets, each aircraft carries the stories and legacies of the brave pilots who once flew them. Join us as we take a closer look at this fascinating aviation museum in Miami.

A Hangar Turned Museum

The Wings Over Miami Air Museum finds its home in a hangar facility located in Kendall, Miami. This unique setting has a rich history of housing aviation museums. In 1986, renowned pilot Kermit Weeks transformed the hangar into a museum to share his growing collection of vintage aircraft with the community. Unfortunately, Hurricane Andrew devastated the Weeks Air Museum in 1992, damaging the majority of the planes. However, the museum was rebuilt and continued to operate in Kendall until Mr. Weeks relocated his extensive collection to Polk County, Florida, where he established the renowned “Fantasy of Flight.”

Filling the Void

The departure of Weeks Air Museum from Miami left a void in the local aviation community. In late 2001, four passionate military and classic plane enthusiasts joined forces and decided to breathe new life into the existing hangar. Thus, Wings Over Miami Air Museum was born. The museum’s founders, Walter Orth, Larry Ploucha, Vincent Tirado, and Tom Righetti, envisioned a “flying” museum that would captivate visitors of all ages. Working closely with Kermit Weeks, they successfully transitioned the facility into a hub of aviation history and exploration.

Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Telephone:
305-233-5197

Address:
14710 SW 128th St
Miami, FL 33186

Hours of Operation:
Wednesday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Prices and Fees:
Adults $10.00
Senior Citizens (60+) $7.00
Children (12 and under) $6.00
Ticket Cut off time is 4:30 pm

Website:
wingsovermiami.com

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A Magnificent Collection

Wings Over Miami Air Museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, with a vast majority in flying condition. Visitors will have the chance to marvel at vintage aircraft, military trainers, and Cold War-era jets. The museum’s commitment to being an active flying museum means that some of these aircraft are regularly flown, primarily on weekends. As you wander through the museum, you may even witness ongoing maintenance and renovation activities, adding an exciting dimension to your visit.

Wings Over Miami: Home of F-14D Tomcat

One of the most prized possessions of Wings Over Miami Air Museum is the F-14D Tomcat. This magnificent aircraft, with the registration number BuNo 164342, was delivered to the Navy on August 22, 1991. During its service with VF-31 from 2005 to 2006, it participated in the Last Tomcat Cruise aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Notably, 164342 achieved its 1,000th Arrested Landing during this cruise. Upgraded with a ROVER III downlink, the F-14D enabled VF-31 to transmit images to a ground Forward Air Controller (FAC), doubling their target destruction rate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After its decommissioning, the F-14D was demilitarized at the Coast Guard base in Opa Locka airport, and eventually, it found its way to Wings Over Miami Air Museum.

Welcoming the MIG-21

In a recent addition to the museum’s collection, Wings Over Miami welcomed a Soviet-era supersonic MIG-21 fighter jet. This particular aircraft arrived from Lakeland, Florida, disassembled and crated for transport. With the help of dedicated museum staff, the MIG-21 was expertly reassembled and now stands alongside the F-14 in a captivating display. While most of the museum’s aircraft are flyable, the MIG-21 will remain a static display due to the cost-prohibitive nature of rehabilitating its jet engines. Interestingly, Miami’s Cuban community will recognize this aircraft, as it was once deployed by the Cuban Air Force.

Explore the Diverse Collection

Apart from the F-14D Tomcat and the MIG-21, Wings Over Miami Air Museum houses an extensive collection of aircraft that offers visitors a glimpse into the evolution of aviation. Some notable aircraft include the Aero L-39C Albatros, Brown B-1 Racer, Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, Douglas A-26C Invader, and North American AT-6D Texan. Whether you’re interested in military aviation or classic planes, there’s something for everyone at this remarkable museum.

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Supporting the Museum

Wings Over Miami Air Museum relies on the generosity of the community, memberships, event revenue, and donations to continue its operations and preserve aviation history. By donating to the museum, you actively contribute to the preservation of our local aviation heritage. Your support is greatly appreciated, and it ensures that future generations can experience the excitement and wonder of flight.

Visiting Wings Over Miami Air Museum

To plan your visit to Wings Over Miami Air Museum, take note of the following essential details:

Location: 14710 SW 128th Street, Miami, FL 33186

Telephone: (305) 233-5197

Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Tickets and Admission:
Adults: $10.00
Senior Citizens (60+): $7.00
Children (12 and under): $6.00
Please note that the last ticket sale is at 4:30 pm, so make sure to arrive in time to fully enjoy your experience at the museum.

Summary

Wings Over Miami Air Museum stands as a remarkable tribute to the pioneers of aviation and the brave men and women who flew these magnificent aircraft. Through its captivating collection and commitment to being an active flying museum, it offers visitors an immersive and educational experience. From the F-14D Tomcat to the MIG-21, each aircraft has a story to tell, allowing us to appreciate the rich history of flight. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Wings Over Miami Air Museum and become enthralled by the wonders of aviation history.