Palm Springs Air Museum Scheduled Events

Scheduled Events

Here is our schedule of commemorative programs for the 2009—2010 season. If an event is critical to your visit, please phone the museum for confirmation as the date nears.
Flight demonstrations are scheduled with many events, but please realize that these are vintage planes and subject to maintenance surprises and weather delays; so there is the possibility that the demo flight may be cancelled at the last moment.

Unless otherwise stated, all events begin at 1:00PM.

Click here to join our mailing list and receive notices of our upcoming programs, special events, new exhibits and newsletters.
Sponsored by

JANUARY 2010

Jan. 9 1:00 PM WWII BOMBARDIERS
Strategic bombing was a major contributor to our victory in WW II. The evolution of the technology and tactics is one of the most interesting stories of the war. Come and hear first-hand about the critical role of the bombardier from some of the men who performed this dangerous job in the service of our Country.

Jan. 16 1:00 PM PURE POWER
At the heart of every airplane is its engine. Face it: the engine is what separates airplanes from gliders and kites. While today’s airplanes are mainly jet engines – big tubes with a fire inside – warbird engines came in a variety of shapes and sizes, and proudly wear their parts on the outside. Radials, Inline, Vee, and Opposed, from four to eighteen cylinders; we have them. From 12:00 to 3:00 PM we’ll be talking about, looking at, touching, and listening to the engines that established technological standards.
Engine Demonstrations Scheduled

Jan. 23 1:00 PM 100^th BOMB GROUP REUNION
The 100th flew its first combat mission on June 25, 1943 and it's last on April 20, 1945. During those 22 months, some 7,000 men and a few women flew 306 missions dropping 19,257.1 tons of bombs plus 435.1 tons of food on mercy missions. Nicknamed the “Bloody 100th” they suffered more losses than the typical B-17 Squadron.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

Jan. 29 6:00PM 8:00PM GLACIER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE P-38 LIGHTNING — 2-Day Event
Join us for a PowerPoint presentation by Bob Cardin on the recovery and restoration of world's most original P-38, followed with heavy hors d'oeuvres from East meets West Catering and a wine tasting from Middle Ridge Winery, accompanied by music from Heatwave: Jazz & Show Band of the Boys & Girls Club.
Thanks to: &
Reservations required. Call 760-778-6262 ext. 221
Members: $15
Non-members: $25

Jan. 30 1:00 PM P-38 LIGHTNING
See the plane that changed aviation history! The P-38 was a revolutionary aircraft. It was a fighter, bomber, a reconnaissance plane, and an escort. It had twin V-12 engines and tricycle landing gear. It was designed and built in record time by the legendary Clarence "Kelly" Johnson of Lockheed Aircraft. It flew at amazing speed and altitude for its time. The sight of a P-38 Lightning so terrified the enemy, that the Luftwaffe dubbed it the "fork-tailed devil.
Bob Cardin will present, and Jack Croul’s P-38L will be flown by Jeff Harris.
See www.AlliedFighters.com for more information about the plane.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

FEBRUARY 2010

Feb. 12 6:00 PM GALA 2010 - THE GREATEST GENERATION II
HONORING OUR SECOND WAVE OF HEROES
Call 760-778-6262 ext. 221 for details

Feb. 20 1:00 PM AFRICAN AMERICANS in WWII
Hear the untold stories of African-Americans in World War II from the men who where there. Speakers include veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 92nd “Buffalo Soldiers.”

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

Feb. 27 1:00 PM COBRA
Historian Ed Gordon recaptures the compelling events of August-September 1944 as the Allied offensive across France and Holland almost won the war: “Cobra” – Patton’s dramatic Normandy breakout – the Liberation of Paris. But “Market Garden”, the defeat of Montgomery’s scheme at Arnhem proved a crucial setback.

MARCH 2010

Mar. 5 5:30PM Stan Stokes Art Show and Reception
Stan will speak and exhibit his art (not just aviation art), and have many pieces available for sale. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Members: Free Non-members: $10
Reservations required: 760-778-6262 ext 221

Mar. 6 10:00AM 4:00PM BOOK FAIR
Over a dozen noted authors will be on site to sign and discuss their books. From combat pilots and pioneer women pilots to the women and children left behind, these authors are sure to touch your hearts as they re-live history.

Mar. 13 1:00 PM ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
The RCAF started the war with only 29 front-line fighter and bomber aircraft. By the end of the war, it was the fourth largest allied air force, reaching their peak strength of 215,000 in January 1944. Approximately 13,000 RCAF personnel were either killed or died as prisoners of war, and another 4000 died during training or from other causes.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

Mar. 20 1:00 PM VIETNAM
While limited by political considerations, the overall air combat effort in the Vietnam War was enormous, involving combat support and strategic bombing in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia by U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aviators. The Vietnam War lasted twice as long as World War II and the USAF flew twice as many sorties in Southeast Asia as Army Air Forces carried out in World War II.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

Mar. 27 All Day 100th ANNIVERSARY OF NAVAL AVIATION
On the morning of November 14, 1910, Eugene Ely flew a Curtiss off a platform on the deck of the cruiser BIRMINGHAM lying at anchor in Hampton Roads and landed ashore on the beach near Ft. Monroe. Less than one year later, he successfully landed a plane fitted with a tailhook on a modified cruiser. Naval aviation was now a reality.

Presentations and seminars begin at 11:00 AM.
Aleutian presentation by Howard Bernstein at 1:00 PM.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

APRIL 2010

Apr. 10 1:00 PM THE DOOLITTLE RAID
The April 1942 air attack on Japan, launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet and led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, was the most daring operation yet undertaken by the United States in the young Pacific War. Sixteen B-25s, took off from the aircraft carrier Hornet, a feat thought to be impossible, and attacked the Tokyo area. Though damage to the intended military targets was modest, the Japanese high command was deeply embarrassed and now sought the destruction of America's aircraft carriers – a decision that led them to disaster at the Battle of Midway a month and a half later.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled and Unveiling of the Hornet display

Apr. 17 1:00 PM VE DAY
VE Day, the end of WWII in Europe, finally arrived on May 8, 1945 after fierce efforts by the allied forces. With British, Canadian, and U.S. attacking from the west and the Soviets attacking from the east, Germany was doomed. By 1945, the German defenses had begun to collapse. The allies surrounded Berlin and on April 30, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. Germany surrendered soon after.

Flight Exhibition Scheduled

Apr. 24 1:00 PM TEST PILOT
He launched Chuck Yeager through the sound barrier and piloted the unique and controversial Flying Wing. All this after parachuting from a flaming B-24 and swimming the Bodensee to relative safety. And that was just the beginning of the highly decorated career of Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas. Join us as he relates some of his remarkable stories.

MAY 2010

May 8 1:00 PM BLACK MAY
Until May 15th, 1943, German U-Boats were sinking allied shipping in the Atlantic faster than the ships could be replaced. They seemed invincible. Then, in the last two weeks of May they lost an astonishing 42 submarines. Learn how four separate technologies came together at the same time and totally defeated the U-boat.

May 31 1:00 PM ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY FLOWER DROP
This is a very special day at Palm Springs Air Museum. Our brief Memorial service is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In their honor, we highlight the service with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell. This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting our fallen comrades. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home.

JANUARY 2010
Jan. 9 1:00 PM	WWII BOMBARDIERS Strategic bombing was a major contributor to our victory in WW II. The evolution of the technology and tactics is one of the most interesting stories of the war. Come and hear first-hand about the critical role of the bombardier from some of the men who performed this dangerous job in the service of our Country.
Jan. 16 1:00 PM	PURE POWER At the heart of every airplane is its engine. Face it: the engine is what separates airplanes from gliders and kites. While today’s airplanes are mainly jet engines – big tubes with a fire inside – warbird engines came in a variety of shapes and sizes, and proudly wear their parts on the outside. Radials, Inline, Vee, and Opposed, from four to eighteen cylinders; we have them. From 12:00 to 3:00 PM we’ll be talking about, looking at, touching, and listening to the engines that established technological standards. Engine Demonstrations Scheduled
Jan. 23 1:00 PM	100^th BOMB GROUP REUNION The 100th flew its first combat mission on June 25, 1943 and it's last on April 20, 1945. During those 22 months, some 7,000 men and a few women flew 306 missions dropping 19,257.1 tons of bombs plus 435.1 tons of food on mercy missions. Nicknamed the “Bloody 100th” they suffered more losses than the typical B-17 Squadron. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
Jan. 29 6:00PM 8:00PM	GLACIER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE P-38 LIGHTNING — 2-Day Event Join us for a PowerPoint presentation by Bob Cardin on the recovery and restoration of world's most original P-38, followed with heavy hors d'oeuvres from East meets West Catering and a wine tasting from Middle Ridge Winery, accompanied by music from Heatwave: Jazz & Show Band of the Boys & Girls Club. Thanks to: & Reservations required. Call 760-778-6262 ext. 221 Members: $15 Non-members: $25
Jan. 30 1:00 PM	P-38 LIGHTNING See the plane that changed aviation history! The P-38 was a revolutionary aircraft. It was a fighter, bomber, a reconnaissance plane, and an escort. It had twin V-12 engines and tricycle landing gear. It was designed and built in record time by the legendary Clarence "Kelly" Johnson of Lockheed Aircraft. It flew at amazing speed and altitude for its time. The sight of a P-38 Lightning so terrified the enemy, that the Luftwaffe dubbed it the "fork-tailed devil. Bob Cardin will present, and Jack Croul’s P-38L will be flown by Jeff Harris. See www.AlliedFighters.com for more information about the plane. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
FEBRUARY 2010
Feb. 12 6:00 PM	GALA 2010 - THE GREATEST GENERATION II HONORING OUR SECOND WAVE OF HEROES Call 760-778-6262 ext. 221 for details
Feb. 20 1:00 PM	AFRICAN AMERICANS in WWII Hear the untold stories of African-Americans in World War II from the men who where there. Speakers include veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 92nd “Buffalo Soldiers.” Flight Exhibition Scheduled
Feb. 27 1:00 PM	COBRA Historian Ed Gordon recaptures the compelling events of August-September 1944 as the Allied offensive across France and Holland almost won the war: “Cobra” – Patton’s dramatic Normandy breakout – the Liberation of Paris. But “Market Garden”, the defeat of Montgomery’s scheme at Arnhem proved a crucial setback.
MARCH 2010
Mar. 5 5:30PM	Stan Stokes Art Show and Reception Stan will speak and exhibit his art (not just aviation art), and have many pieces available for sale. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Members: Free Non-members: $10 Reservations required: 760-778-6262 ext 221
Mar. 6 10:00AM 4:00PM	BOOK FAIR Over a dozen noted authors will be on site to sign and discuss their books. From combat pilots and pioneer women pilots to the women and children left behind, these authors are sure to touch your hearts as they re-live history.
Mar. 13 1:00 PM	ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE The RCAF started the war with only 29 front-line fighter and bomber aircraft. By the end of the war, it was the fourth largest allied air force, reaching their peak strength of 215,000 in January 1944. Approximately 13,000 RCAF personnel were either killed or died as prisoners of war, and another 4000 died during training or from other causes. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
Mar. 20 1:00 PM	VIETNAM While limited by political considerations, the overall air combat effort in the Vietnam War was enormous, involving combat support and strategic bombing in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia by U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aviators. The Vietnam War lasted twice as long as World War II and the USAF flew twice as many sorties in Southeast Asia as Army Air Forces carried out in World War II. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
Mar. 27 All Day	100th ANNIVERSARY OF NAVAL AVIATION On the morning of November 14, 1910, Eugene Ely flew a Curtiss off a platform on the deck of the cruiser BIRMINGHAM lying at anchor in Hampton Roads and landed ashore on the beach near Ft. Monroe. Less than one year later, he successfully landed a plane fitted with a tailhook on a modified cruiser. Naval aviation was now a reality. Presentations and seminars begin at 11:00 AM. Aleutian presentation by Howard Bernstein at 1:00 PM. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
APRIL 2010
Apr. 10 1:00 PM	THE DOOLITTLE RAID The April 1942 air attack on Japan, launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet and led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, was the most daring operation yet undertaken by the United States in the young Pacific War. Sixteen B-25s, took off from the aircraft carrier Hornet, a feat thought to be impossible, and attacked the Tokyo area. Though damage to the intended military targets was modest, the Japanese high command was deeply embarrassed and now sought the destruction of America's aircraft carriers – a decision that led them to disaster at the Battle of Midway a month and a half later. Flight Exhibition Scheduled and Unveiling of the Hornet display
Apr. 17 1:00 PM	VE DAY VE Day, the end of WWII in Europe, finally arrived on May 8, 1945 after fierce efforts by the allied forces. With British, Canadian, and U.S. attacking from the west and the Soviets attacking from the east, Germany was doomed. By 1945, the German defenses had begun to collapse. The allies surrounded Berlin and on April 30, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. Germany surrendered soon after. Flight Exhibition Scheduled
Apr. 24 1:00 PM	TEST PILOT He launched Chuck Yeager through the sound barrier and piloted the unique and controversial Flying Wing. All this after parachuting from a flaming B-24 and swimming the Bodensee to relative safety. And that was just the beginning of the highly decorated career of Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas. Join us as he relates some of his remarkable stories.
MAY 2010
May 8 1:00 PM	BLACK MAY Until May 15th, 1943, German U-Boats were sinking allied shipping in the Atlantic faster than the ships could be replaced. They seemed invincible. Then, in the last two weeks of May they lost an astonishing 42 submarines. Learn how four separate technologies came together at the same time and totally defeated the U-boat.
May 31 1:00 PM	ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY FLOWER DROP This is a very special day at Palm Springs Air Museum. Our brief Memorial service is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In their honor, we highlight the service with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell. This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting our fallen comrades. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home.