Air Museum Invites Visitors Into Cockpit

VANCOUVER—If you've ever dreamed of climbing into an airplane cockpit and taking the controls, your day has come.
Pearson Air Museum is hosting its first-ever Open Cockpit Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday April 29. Several of the museum's vintage aircraft will be open for visitors to actually climb into the cockpit and sit at the controls.

Additionally, the Hillsboro chapter of EAA, an international aviation organization, will provide free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17 through its Young Eagles program. Children taking flights will receive a basic lesson on flight fundamentals and participate in a pre-flight inspection of their aircraft.

"We are beginning an annual tradition here at Pearson Air Museum that families won't want to miss," said Kyle Kihs, the museum's director. "Museums have historically been places where you can look but don't touch. At this event you can actually touch to your heart's content. Experience the thrill of sitting in the cockpit of a vintage aircraft and then take the kids out for free flight."

Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors and military personnel with ID; $3 for students ages 6 to 12; Pearson Air Museum members and children under 6 are free.

The museum is at 1115 E. Fifth St., within the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. Call 360-694-7026 for more information.