“The Voice of Charlotte’s 3.7 billion dollar hospitality industry”
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“The Voice of Charlotte’s 3.7 billion dollar hospitality industry”
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The Queen’s Gems© Presented by Genie Huffman and Mary Schultz
Who says you have to go to Washington, D.C. to see and learn about U.S. aviation? We have our very own fabulous Carolinas Aviation Museum at our back door. Located off Morris Field Drive near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this amazing collection of nearly 50 aircraft is now housed in the former Hawk Air hangar on First Flight Drive (for you newcomers, First in Flight on the N.C. license tag refers to the Wright Brothers’ inaugural flight at Kitty Hawk). Aircraft of note include a World War II Kaydet biplane, a 1983 Harrier (think the movie True Lies) and a CH-46 helicopter flown in Vietnam. The pilot of this aircraft rescued 18 servicemen and received the Medal of Honor. They also have the first Piedmont Airlines DC-3 in house. Staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, you can witness them working on the aircraft on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Executive director Randy Breedlove, a veteran of the FAA, plans to convert a classroom for “educating and inspiring young people to develop a love of aviation.” The museum will re-open June 19 with new displays, a gift shop, and will be able to accommodate events. Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors and children over six; and free for active military with ID. Normal operating hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm. So take an afternoon to explore this Queen’s Gem and see commercial, private, and military aircraft with direct Carolina ties. There’s even a 1950s vintage refueling plane and an F-4 that you can dream-fly! And to think, this treasure will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. For more details, visit www.carolinasaviation.org or call 704-359-8442. Information provided by Charlotte Crown Guides, www.charlottecrownguides.com, 704-562-5350. |
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Charlotte Crown Guides is a tourism services company with emphasis on southern hospitality! We specialize in step-on guided city tours and walking tours of Uptown Charlotte. We also provide instruction for the hospitality and tourism industry leading to the Crown Ambassador Certification. Allow us to both entertain and educate you on what we consider the Queen City’s most valuable hidden gems in our new monthly column!
