This weekend: Get an up-close look at historic military planes in Middle Georgia

There’s a great chance to get out and about at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins Saturday for the 2024 Family Aviation Day.

Beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 4 p.m., the unique day features the museum’s premier aircraft exhibits, helicopters flown in special for the event, fly-overs, aircrews to meet and talk to, aircraft to walk through and cockpits to climb in and, for the kids, a variety of STEM activities.

Museum guides will help visitors explore and learn about air displays, units working at Robins Air Force Base and the history at the base. The World War II and Vietnam eras will be the focus of the event. Families can modernize their experience through science, technology, engineering and math projects involving stomp rockets, model gliders and other projects.

And of course there’s a lot more, including an abundance of photo and selfie opportunities.

From 1 to 2:30 p.m., there will be discussions on aviation-related careers like air traffic controller, flight instructor, aeromedical evacuation tech, flight nurse and life flight pilot. There will also be information about Middle Georgia State University’s aviation program. This is especially useful to students transitioning from high school into potential career training.

The day is shy of being an out-and-out air show, but couldn’t be more full as a showcase for the museum’s everyday aircraft and exhibits on its 51-acre campus.

“Our Family Aviation Day was created after getting with base personnel a few years ago when air shows weren’t included in budgets,” said Lacey Meador, communication coordinator for the Museum of Aviation Robins AFB Foundation. “We still wanted to welcome visitors and give them sort of an air show experience to learn about Robins, get to feel what it’s like to climb in a cockpit and walk through planes and have an all-around hands-on experience. Last year was cold, wet and drizzly with reports of sleet in the area but still, 6,000 people came. This year it’s going to be a great day though the weather is going to be a factor again.”

The threat of thunderstorms with resulting winds and lightning might change the complexion of the day, but it won’t mean there will be too little to see or do. With four expansive, climate-controlled, exhibit-filled buildings at the museum, there’s more than enough to fill hours with standard exhibits alone. Saturday each will be filled further to the brim with special displays and activities.

Meador said it won’t take much to pull many outdoor activities inside.

Logistically, if the weather is sunny and bright – and we know it can still happen, this is Middle Georgia after all – parking for the event will proceed as planned at Anchor Glass’ parking lot just across from the museum’s Ga. 247 location at the south end of RAFB. Shuttles will make runs back and forth between there and the museum.

If the weather is bad, parking will shift to the museum’s parking lot.

“We’ll make the call Friday morning on what to do based on predictions,” Meador said. “Logistics for the flyovers and such can’t be made then changed at the drop of a hat. The best thing to do is check with our social media and website to find out about Saturday’s final plan.”

The museum’s website is www.museumofaviation.org. The museum can also be found on Facebook at www.museumofaviation.org/moaevents/family-aviation-day. You can also search Facebook events for “Family Aviation Day.”

The museum’s address is 1992 Heritage Blvd. in Warner Robins.

There are several activities that won’t be impacted by weather.

Col. William Lawson, USAF (Ret.), will be stationed at the museum’s impressive SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, which is always on display indoors. What makes this particularly interesting is Lawson piloted SR-71s beginning in the late 1960s and will talk about the plane and its mission. He will also recount personal stories and experiences flying the long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft. During its 24 years in service, SR-71s were the world’s fastest, highest-flying operational aircraft.

Kelly’s Zeroes will be at the museum for the day. A historical reenacting group out of Columbus, they specialize in the living history of WWII and the Vietnam War, primarily representing members of the 101st Airborne Division. Among other things, the 101st was famous for leading the way on D-Day and its role in Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and other exploits. The 101st was central to Stephen E. Ambrose’s book and the mini-series “Band of Brothers.”

“Kelley’s Zeroes have a wealth of information and present it in such an engaging way as reenactors,” Meador said. “They get to the heart of memorable aspects of the military and life back home that you don’t usually think about, like how people lived and the fact that while many of Georgia’s men were off fighting the women here home keeping farms going. There were also a lot of German POWs brought to Georgia to work the fields.”

The museum’s Building 3, which is the Scott Exhibit Hangar, features exhibits on the Tuskegee Airmen and the 507th Airborne Division. The museum’s process of restoring a B-17 bomber is also on display there. The hangar is named after Gen. Robert Scott who was instrumental in the museum’s development and wrote “God is My Co-Pilot.”

The Museum of Aviation’s Family Aviation Day is free, as is admittance to the museum throughout the year.

A couple of other Macon happenings on tap include:

• If you see this online Thursday ahead of Friday’s print version, don’t miss the chance to hear New York Times bestselling author Ilyon Woo talk about her book, “Master Slave Husband Wife,” at 6 p.m. at the Douglass Theatre. Woo’s book recounts the daring escape of William and Ellen Craft from enslavement in Macon decades before the Civil War and emancipation to become abolitionist leaders and educators. It also details the Crafts raising a family in freedom. The book has won top spots on many 2023 non-fiction awards lists. Woo said she looks forward to returning to Macon for the event and to both sharing about the Crafts and learning more about Macon herself.

• Acoustic Productions presents guitarist David Grier in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Young America Music, 6361 Zebulon Road. Well known in acoustic guitar circles, the Nashville-based artist is a premier flat-picking guitarist known for his unique phrasing and cross-picking technique. His latest album is “Way of the World.” Admission is $20 with all proceeds going to the artist. Call Young America at (478) 474-4264 for reservations. Chili, barbecue and snacks will be available and door prizes given, including a new guitar.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.