“Innovations in Flight” at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Will Commemorate 80th Anniversary of World War II End

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will host its annual “Innovations in Flight,” Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to view over 50 vintage, modern and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, this year’s event will include several World War II-era trainers, fighters and bombers as well as military reenactors. Additional aircraft anticipated to participate include a WP-3 Hurricane Hunter from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an A400 Atlas and a variety of civilian aircraft. Free passes are required to view the outdoor display and can be reserved on the museum’s website beginning May 13 at 7 p.m.

“Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display” will explore the engineering and design achievements of the past century of flight. Visitors can talk with pilots and explore the aircraft’s cockpits and cabins. Inside the museum, as part of the Museum’s “Soar Together at Air and Space” family day series, programming will focus on the U.S. home front during the war. Some of the special activities for families and children will include demonstrations by the Smithsonian Ham Radio Club, a Morse code activity, coloring "flyable" planes, meeting reenactors and swing dancing with a live band. Passes are not required to visit or participate in the activities inside the museum.

“Innovations in Flight” is made possible through the support of United Airlines. “Soar Together” is made possible through the support of Northrop Grumman. To learn more about the museum and “Innovations in Flight,” visit the museum’s website.

“Innovations in Flight” is one of the museum’s most popular events of the year and draws large crowds. While the museum has parking available, public transportation is also available via Fairfax Connector’s 983 bus, which includes a stop at the Innovation Center Metro station. Schedules, route and fare information are available.

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located at Jefferson Dr. between 4th and 7th Streets S.W. and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are not required for regular indoor visitation, and parking is $15.