Key Takeaways

• The McAllister Museum of Aviation showcased unique aircraft and cars during an open house at McAllister Air Field.
• Highlights included a home-built power glider capable of gliding four miles without engine power and the BB-5, the first home-built jet-powered aircraft.
• The museum also featured rare engines, including the 4360, of which only four remain worldwide, attracting aviation enthusiasts.

Aviation Showcase at McAllister Museum

Visitors flocked to the McAllister Air Field to explore an impressive collection of aircraft and vintage cars during an open house event hosted by the McAllister Museum of Aviation. Lynn Harden, the museum’s Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm about the unique displays available for guests.

Among the standout attractions was a home-built power glider, categorized as an experimental aircraft. This glider can glide a remarkable four miles without engine assistance while only descending about 1,000 feet. The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with the technology and design of aviation history.

Inside the museum’s hangar, additional aircraft and a variety of old engines were on exhibit. One notable craft on display was the BB-5, which marked a significant milestone as the first home-built aircraft to be equipped with a jet engine. Visitors also enjoyed a glimpse of classic automobiles, including a red Ford from the 1950s.

Harden highlighted the rarity of some artifacts found within the museum, such as a cutaway of a 4360 engine, which holds the title of the largest reciprocating engine ever built. Remarkably, only four of these engines exist today, showcasing the historical significance of the collection.

The museum’s staff eagerly opened their doors to the public, offering free admission and engaging visitors with historical stories from aviation’s past. Their outreach events are designed to spark interest in aviation and its fascinating developments over the years. Overall, the open house event proved to be a successful means of connecting the community with the rich heritage of flight.

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