SEATTLE, Jan. 15, 2009
Wells Fargo Free First Thursday
Thursday, Feb. 4, 5 - 9 p.m.
Special, free screening of the feature film, "Amelia"
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Once a month, the Museum stays open late-and admission is free! This month the Museum will also present a free screening of the motion picture, "Amelia," starring Hilary Swank. The movie will be presented on the big screen in the William M. Allen Theater at 6:30 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy the Museum's T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit, and the new Amelia Earhart exhibit, In Search of Amelia Earhart. Also enjoy the flight simulators and more from 5 - 9 p.m., courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night.
Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop - Pushing the Envelope: The X-15
Saturdays and Sundays
Feb. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
In the early 1960s, a new generation of test pilots went into space in the X-15 experimental aircraft to find out the limits of human endurance. Learn about this breakthrough project that paved the way for all future space travel. Then design your own experimental aircraft!
African-Americans in Aerospace: A Black History Month Panel Presentation
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
The Museum of Flight commemorates Black History Month with a Feb. 6 panel discussion with current Air Force and Alaska Airline pilots. Moderated by Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Bill Holloman III (ret.), the panel will include Alaska Airlines pilot Capt. Mike Swanigan, a Kenmore, Wash. resident who currently flies 737s for the airline; Alaska Airline pilot Mike Hendricks; Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, an Alaska Airlines pilot and U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 pilot for the 728th Airlift Squadron; Lt. Col. Rod Lewis, commander of the C-17 squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; and Maj. Gen. Harold "Mitch" Mitchell,an Alaska Airlines and U.S. Air Force pilot who is now assigned to the Pentagon. The program is at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. Panelists will be available for autographs following the presentation. Books about African American pilots and astronauts, as well as other memorabilia, will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.
Puget Sound Engineering Council Engineering Fair
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Side Gallery
The Museum and the Puget Sound Engineering Council celebrate National Engineers Week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day where those interested in engineering careers can learn more about the exciting opportunities available. Several university engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented.
The 15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
William M. Allen Theater
The Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers host a competition of bridges built using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. Each year, teams of high school students from local schools build bridges that are strong, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The bridges will be judged and tested to failure with a hydraulic press. Winners will be announced at Noon.
2010 NorthWest Scale Modelers Show
Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Great Gallery
Experience the world in-miniature at the Northwest Scale Modelers Show Feb. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Themed "History in Miniature - From T-Rex to Star Trek," this year's show will feature a walk through world history with everything from models of dinosaurs and cavemen to sailing ships, early aircraft, vintage cars, modern tanks and futuristic space vehicles. The event displays hundreds of detailed scale model aircraft, cars, tanks and trucks and more. It is the largest model show in the Pacific Northwest. The show and is free with admission to the Museum.
Pan Am and the Boeing Model 314 Panel Presentation
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Hear about the design, construction and operation of the Boeing Model 314, the last of the airlines great flying boats. Following a brief historical overview, a panel of Pan Am veteran will recall their experiences of the flying boat era. Engineer Robert Blake, Capt. Herb Stevenson, Capt. Larry Bendlebury and Flight Engineer John Anderson will discuss the logistics, operations and flying of the Boeing 314 and other big flying boats. After the presentation and Q & A session, they will be available for signing Pan Am memorabilia.
The History and Development of the Jet Engine Lecture and Book Signing
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Author and retired University of Washington Aeronautics and Astronautics professor Dr. Reiner Decher, will talk about the evolution of jet engines in program called "Bumping (repeatedly) into the Sound Barrier - The History of the Jet Engine." Decher's program is a fascinating look at the capabilities and limitations of jets; for example, many jetliners easily fly almost as fast as the speed of sound, yet there hasn't been a supersonic airliner since Concordes were retired in 2003. The presentation will trace the historical development of the jet engine as engineers strived to overcome the limitation of piston engines and propellers and sought ever-greater jet engine efficiency when aircraft cruise near the sound barrier. The program also looks at the future of more fuel-efficient jet engines. A question and answer session, and book signing, follow the presentation.
