See the world's only authentic Japanese Zero Fly!

History Takes Flight Tomorrow at Planes of Fame

Great "Hangar Talk" topics and lots of fun for everyone

It's December (where did the year go???) and that means the annual flight of the world's only authentic surviving Mitsubishi A6M5 "Zero" aircraft over the Museum. Take a step back into another era as you see this international treasure start-up, taxi, and fly for twenty minutes.

Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am. Regular admission prices are in effect (Members always get in FREE). "Hangar Talk" begins at 10:30am and runs until noon and the "Flying Demo" of the "Zero" begins at 12:15pm.

Here's What In Store for "Hangar Talk"

Medal of Honor Series Continues

The Medal of Honor is the highest award the United States can bestow on a member of the military services. It is a distinction reserved for only the most extraordinary displays of "conspicuous gallentry and intrepidity at the risk of life."

In this episode, we turn back to December 24, 1944 and one of the largest bombing missions of the Second World War. We'll see the complexity of this raid as we explore the actions of an Army Air Force General on-board one of the bombers – it is a story of great courage and sacrifice.

We Look Back at 120 Years Ago This Month

One Hundred Twenty Years Ago This Month – How the World Changed Forever

On a cold December morning in 1903 at the remote sand dunes near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, an historic event occurred that has ushered phenominal progress that continues to astound.

The Museum's Brian Finnegan will look at two brothers — Wilbur and Orville Wright who heralded from Dayton, Ohio. We'll see how their efforts to turn dreams into reality has given mankind wings.

But how did they do it? We'll look at the three-year process that led these two bicycle entreprenuers through research, development, experimentation, and the unique and clever processes they developed for themselves that resulted in their ultimate success in building, and flying, the world's first airplane.

To the Moon and Back

In keeping with our theme of looking back to December events in history, the Museum's Jim Llano will take us to 1968 and America's quest to land on the moon and safely return.

Against a backdrop of national unrest, the Cold War, and the war in Vietnam, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was struggling to maintain President John F. Kennedy's goal of placing a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s. By 1968, the Soviet Union was ahead in the space race, NASA had lost three astronauts on the launch pad of Apollo 1, and equipment and technology trials were falling behind. In August, NASA made a bold decision - to accelerate the moon mission program. The Apollo 8 mission of December 1968 was the turning point of this gamble and we'll look back on how it came to be and the remarkable achievements that transpired.

The Impact of Bushido on Japanese Aviators

Ted Talk: Exploring the "Heart of a Warrior"

The Museum's Ted Mount returns to the stage to tell us the story of Hiroyoshi Nishizawa – one of the leading fighter pilots of the Japanese Imperial Navy of World War II.

Frail and sickly, Nishizawa seemed the opposite of the heroic and confident fighter pilot. But, through his determination and his "warrior spirit," once in the cockpit of the Mitsubishi A6M5 "Zero," Nishizawa was virtually unbeatable as he racked up victory after victory. Ted will explore how the warrior spirit drove Nishizawa to become one of the best and the lessons we can all take away from his story.

"Flying Demo" of the World's Only Authentic Mitsubishi A6M5 "Zero"

It's not everyday that you'll get to see an "international treasure" take to the skies, but at 12:15pm, you'll see this amazing aircraft start up and fly as we kick-off our "Flying Demo" of the Museum's "Zero" fighter aircraft.

Join David Willis of the Museum as he provides some unique insight into this perfectly restored aircraft and its combat history during World War II. Then, pilot Johnny Maloney will start the aircraft's powerful 1,130 horsepower, 14-cylinder Nakajima Sakae radial engine directly in front of the crowd. After Johnny taxis the aircraft away, David will conduct our Member's Raffle drawing for a flight in our Vultee BT-13B "Valiant."

Johnny will take-off and put on an aerial display of the "Zero" over the Museum for twenty minutes. This is a great chance to see (and hear) this fabulous treasure in flight and capture some fantastic photos!

Upon return, guests can talk with Johnny about what it is like to fly this remarkable piece of history.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 "Zero" recently celebrated its 80th Birthday! It rolled off the assembly line in May 1943.
The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 is a combat veteran - having flown combat sorties over Nagasaki, Iwo Jima, and Saipan.
The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 was captured during the battle of Saipan, sent to the United States and was later flown by American Test Pilots – including Charles Lindbergh.
The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 is one of only five Zeros that are still flying, but it is the only authentic Zero because it flies with its original Nakajima Sakae engine – the others use American radial engines.
The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 has appeared on television and in movies, including "Pearl Harbor" in 2001.
The Museum's Mitsubishi A6M5 has the distinction of having returned to Japan multiple times and in 1978, became the first Zero to fly over Japanese soil since the end of World War II.

See Some Great Nissan Z-Cars from the Past

Even More Fun Awaits –
Some Really Cool Cars on Display

We're being visited by the Group Z Sports Car Club on Saturday and they'll have some amazingly beautiful Nissan Z Cars from the past on display. Come see the pride of Japanese auto manufacturing in addition to all the historical aircraft on display.

Get Ready for the Holidays and a Great Time for All!

This Saturday, we've stocked our Gift Shop with hundreds of great gift items for the holidays – with some great pricing to match.

Our Museum Guides are ready to make your visit special as they guide you through the 14 acres of the Museum and present the over 100 aircraft on display.

The B-17 is open for visitors to step inside, and we've got the delicious "Java on the Go" Coffee service, our outstanding Mexican Food truck, and to add the perfect finish, our Ice Cream truck stocked with plenty of great sweets.

The "Zero" is a huge fan-favorite so plan to arrive early for this special day of fun!

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Chino, CA | 91710 US

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