Reopening event to take flight at American Airpower Museum

The American Airpower Museum, which had been closed for more than three months due to the coronavirus, will hold a special reopening celebration next month.

The museum’s reopening event takes off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, when World War II-era planes and other vintage aircraft take to the skies from the museum’s ramp at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, according to a museum statement. The flights will feature a Grumman TBM Avenger, two North American T6 Texans, the AT28D5 Vietnam era combat fighter, the WACO Biplane and as an added attraction, L-39 cold-war era Russian jets.

Public health and safety concerns surrounding the pandemic led the museum’s board of directors to close the museum on March 16 for two weeks.  

“The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and the public was foremost,” Jeff Clyman, AAM president, said in the statement. “That’s why we acted early and sent everyone home, causing a total cessation of work on our aircraft.” Six days later, the state ordered all non-essential businesses statewide to close, and the museum was forced to stay shut.  

Admission for adults is $13, seniors and veterans $10 and children $8.  Due to the need for social distancing, admission will be limited to first come/first served and a maximum attendance of 150 people will be allowed on the outdoor ramp area, with limited access to the museum.  

All visitors will be required to wear face masks and will have their temperatures digitally taken at the entrance. As a special promotion, the first 20 people admitted will be included in a raffle for WACO Biplane flights later in the summer (limit one per family).