Nestled at Willow Run Airport, the Michigan Flight Museum is not your average walk-and-read institution. Visitors can climb into cockpits, fly in restored warplanes, and learn the stories of the engineers and aviators who shaped American military history - and this summer, the museum is pulling out all the stops.
The museum’s collection spans decades of combat aviation. Among its crown jewels is a B-25 Mitchell bomber with a decorated past. “This particular B-25 actually served in combat in World War II in the Mediterranean Theater of Operation in Corsica,” said Kevin Walsh, President and CEO. “It actually indicates it did have 8 bombing missions, and those 8 bombing missions are marked on the side of the nose - that’s where they would typically put that.”
The collection doesn’t stop there. A rare historic Huey helicopter on display carries an equally storied resume. Chief Pilot Jim Wise described its journey: “This aircraft actually flew in Vietnam for a period of 4 years, was rebuilt 3 different times while it was there, came back to the States after Vietnam, served at Fort Hood, Fort Ruckers as a training aircraft, then into the Guard and Reserve, and finished its history with the 220th Kestrels of the Royal Singapore Air Force.”
Today, that same Huey makes trips to local schools. “We’re going to the Scranton Middle School in Brighton - we’re doing what we call a STEM program,” Wise said, underscoring the museum’s commitment to hands-on education.
Walsh is quick to point out that the museum’s appeal extends well beyond its artifacts. “We really can be experienced 3 different ways - through the traditional museum with incredible exhibits about the people and the history of aviation, through our special events throughout the year, and thirdly by flying on these incredible vintage airplanes,” he said. “This is where we actually take you up for a flight in these aircraft. You get to experience that visceral experience of being in the air in these old-time machines.”
Inside the museum, knowledgeable staff bring the history to life in ways a wall placard never could. “They talk about the people behind it, the engineers, the incredible aviators, the people that made things happen - and really important stories too, like what happened here at Willow Run and how women answered the call in World War II,” Walsh said, a direct reference to the Rosie the Riveter legacy tied to the site.
This summer, the museum’s biggest event yet is on the horizon. “The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show is our marquee event - July 17th, 18th, 19th. Tickets are going fast,” Walsh said, noting the show typically sells out. The theme this year carries extra weight: America’s 250th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Walsh recently secured a headline act that few U.S. venues can claim. “The Royal Air Force over in Britain is sending their Red Arrows, which is their public demonstration aerobatic team,” he said. “They are coming over for only 5 shows in the entire United States, and they picked Detroit to be one of those shows.”
Vintage aircraft rides are available through October. More information is available at miflightmuseum.org.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.