Exhibits
More than Planes and Things
The Arkansas Air Museum is the state's oldest museum. The historical displays span the entire age of aviation from Fayetteville's first days in flight through the Golden Age of air racing, both World Wars, the Vietnam Conflict and into the future with the Space Shuttle program.
Northwest Arkansas natives in particular have played a role in the nation's aviation history. The Arkansas Air Museum preserves the memory of these great individuals through special displays.
World War I Ace Field Kindley
Twelve Air Combat Kills. Learn about the World War I Flying Ace from Pea Ridge, Arkansas. World War I Ace Field Kindley details
The Travel Air Company
The Travel Air Company, "Large or Small, We Lead Them All." Born of the vision of Walter H. Beech's faith in the latest technology, the Travel Air Company went from 900-feet of rented space in 1925 to the world's leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft in 1929. Travel Air Company details
Aviation Pioneer Louise Thaden
The second-most famous American female pilot of the golden age of aviation, Louise McPhetridge Thaden became the first woman to win major flying events and awards as well as setting world performance records. A colleague of Amelia Earhart, Thaden co-founded the Ninety-Nines, an international organization for female pilots which continues to the present day. Aviation Pioneer Louise Thaden details
Ray Ellis
In addition to many honors bestowed on Ray Ellis in his business and civic work these stand out: president of the Fayetteville Rotary Club, president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. In 1969 he was appointed by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller to fill an unexpired term on the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission. In 1971 Governor Dale Bumpers re-appointed him to serve a full five-year term. During 1972 he served as chairman of the commission. In 1982 Ellis was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in Little Rock. Ray Ellis details
Drake Field During World War II
Born of war-time necessity, the all-wood hangar that houses the Arkansas Air Museum is as famous as the aircraft and memorabilia stored within. Drake Field details
Fayetteville's Own Skyways Airlines
Scheduled Skyways - Fayetteville's Own Airline. Founded in 1953 to provide Drake Field with regular service to Little Rock and Tulsa, Scheduled Skyways grew from a single pilot and single plane into one of the nation's largest commuter lines during the early 1980s. Skyways Airlines details
Fayetteville's Shuttle Pilot
Richard Covey, Fayetteville's Shuttle Astronaut. It was on this first shuttle mission for Covey that he carried an Arkansas state flag patch to salute his birthplace of Fayetteville. The patch and other memorabilia of Covey are on display at the Arkansas Air Museum. Fayetteville's Shuttle Astronaut details.
Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame
Established in 1980 by the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame is based in Little Rock, Ark. Honoring individuals who played a great role in the history of aviation on the national or state scene, new members of the Hall of Fame are inducted each year. Arkansas Aviation Historical Society details.
The Flight Service Station
Fayetteville Flight Service Station, 1949-1993. Providing information for pilots for over four decades, the Fayetteville Flight Service Station was an intregal part of the aviation community in northwest Arkansas. Flight Service Station details.
Air Museum Library
Area Historical Aircraft Restoration
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