What’s left for an
airplane after it’s been the star attraction at EAA AirVenture? For
some it’s being enshrined in the permanent collection of the
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Two of AirVenture 2005’s
most popular planes, SpaceShipOne and the GlobalFlyer, have both taken
up residence at NASM. SS1 is at the museum on the National Mall, and
GlobalFlyer is at the Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International
Airport.
The Hazy Center opened in
December 2003 and currently is home to 127 planes on exhibit. It has
plans to increase that to 225 planes. The center also will create a
restoration shop with a wraparound deck so visitors can watch the actual
rehab process of future exhibit aircraft.
Here’s a bit of trivia
for you. One of EAA’s favorite sons, Burt Rutan, is the individual
designer with the most aircraft on display at the NASM. Five of his
aircraft are on display: SpaceShipOne, GlobalFlyer, Voyager, a VariEze,
and a VariEze in kit form.
See the folks from NASM in Hangar B,
Booth 2093-2094.
