Western Aerospace Museum
8260 Boeing Street, Building #621
North Field, Oakland Airport
Oakland, California 94614
(510) 638-7100
Fax (510) 638-6530
Background
The Western Aerospace Museum (WAM) is a
non-profit institution. In 1988 we acquired our
current exhibition space.
Since opening our doors to the public, we
have generated a significant increase in volunteer
participation and corporate involvement;
undergone major renovations and successfully
implemented an aggressive acquisitions program.
Historic location and expanding facilities
The Museum's facilities are located in a vintage
hangar at Oakland International Airport's historic
North Field. This hangar, an educational
center and administration building, a restoration
shop, and an outdoor exhibition area are
provided by the Port of Oakland. The hangar,
now full of historic aircraft, was built in 1940 by
the Boeing School of Aeronautics and was used
to train aircraft mechanics for the U.S. Army Air
Corps and Navy during World War II.
The Flying Boat
Our most spectacular exhibit is the Short Solent
4-engine Flying Boat. She was built in 1946 as an
upgraded version of the famous World War II
British Sunderland. She measures almost 90 feet
long, with the tip of her tail 37 feet above the
ground. She is designed to take off and land in
the water only.
In 1949 the Flying Boat was converted for
luxury passenger transport service, carrying up
to 39 passengers in comfortable splendor. She
flew such exotic routes as England to South
Africa for British Overseas Airways Corporation,
and in Australia for Trans Oceanic
Airways.
In 1957 she and two sister ships were
purchased by South Pacific Air Lines for service
between Honolulu and Tahiti. They were flown
to Alameda, California to be rebuilt to comply
with U.S. regulations. In 1959, when the project
was cancelled due to nuclear testing on Christmas
island (the proposed refueling stop), the
ships were sold to Howard Hughes.
After the death of Howard Hughes, two of the
Flying Boats were broken up for scrap, but the
last one was rescued in 1976 by the current
owners, Rick and Randy Crant, who have dedicated
themselves to restoring her to operational
status. She has been on display at North Field
since 1987.
Other exhibits in our collection
In addition to the Flying Boat, the Museum
offers many other exhibits, including a fully-functioning
post-WWII
Link instrument trainer.
Visitors can also view an
airplane similar to the one
Amelia Earhart was flying
when she disappeared
over the Pacific Ocean
after taking off from
North Field in 1937. She
was undertaking a journey
that would have
made her the first woman
to fly around the world.
The Western Aerospace
Museum boasts a growing
collection of noteworthy aircraft and engines.
Other exhibits include Early Oakland
Aviation, African-American Aviation, Women
pilots, Jimmy Doolittle/The 8th Air Force, Gold
Wings, the Eagle Squadron, Edward J. Daly
World Airways, Modeling, Air Racing,
Commercial Airlines, Aerial Photography
and Space.
Emphasis on education
We regularly accommodate large or small
groups of children, featuring guided "climb
aboard" tours and video screenings. Our plans
for the future focus on providing a full range of
additional programs for children of all ages -
such as model building; computer simulation
that will allow children to pilot historic planes
and spacecraft; and a wide variety of fun,
creative activities and contests. A research
library and a resource center for teachers are
also available.
Video screenings
One of our most popular videotapes chronicles
the history of the Flying boat and shows clips of
its performance in "Indiana Jones and Raiders
of the Lost Ark." Another video contains rare
footage of famous flights and historic events
that took place at North Field. Many other
videos are available for viewing in our 200-seat
theater (by special arrangement).
For aviation buffs of all ages
The Museum provides a unique meeting place
for many aviation-related organizations and
educational groups, including pilots' associations,
model builders, military associations,
aeronautical research groups, historical societies,
and other aviation forums.
You can influence our course
WAM is a very unusual museum. First of all
we're in an authentic hangar in a location that
takes you back in time the minute you turn off
Hegenberger Road. Plus, everything that happens
at the Museum is the direct result of
donated time, energy, artifacts, and funds.
Every dollar or service that is donated makes a
difference. In fact, over 86% of our expenses are
paid for by dollars contributed by individuals!
WAM is open because of people like you are
working together and share a common goal.
Become a member of the Museum
We invite you to become a member and get
involved in aviation history. We welcome your
financial support, your hands-on involvement,
your technical skills or expertise, your ideas,
and your enthusiasm!
As a member of the Western Aerospace
Museum you will enjoy a number of privileges
You will get to "preview" new exhibits, receive
our newsletter, be invited to special events, and
get to know local pioneers in aviation. Members
are also admitted to the Museum free of charge
and receive a 10% discount on gift shop items.
Other levels of membership receive additional
benefits.
Come see us!
The Museum is at the Oakland Airport's
historic and very active North Field - just 10
minutes south of downtown Oakland by car
or rapid transit (BART).
The Museum and gift shop are open Wednesday
through Sunday and on most holidavs
from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Special tours can be
arranged in advance.
Call (510) 638-7100 for information about
general admission or reservations and rates for
tour and youth groups. Our facilities are also
available at very reasonable rates for meetings
and receptions.
Volunteer Opportunities!
Volunteers with a wide range of skills are needed throughout the year. During our monthly Volunteer
Work Days and other times, you are invited to join us, bring a brown bag lunch, work clothes, and join others
interested in aviation and in helping the Museum. "Come-on-down!!" There is always plenty to do
and your help makes a difference. Library, construction, cleaning, gardening, moving material, etc. are
just some examples of where help is needed. We recently dissassembled and reassembled a Glasair aircraft
and can use those with electrical and mechanical talents. Give us a call to learn more about ongoing projects.
Return to Bay Area Volunteer Information Center home page