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Category: Nighthawk

Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022

Flight is in the Family - Donor Spotlight

As a parent, Autumn Zank found her son, Tyler, was far more engaged with his schoolwork when it was centered around something he was passionate about.  When he discovered his interest in aviation, Tyler translated that into a career in aircraft mechanics.  The Air Zoo’s STEAM education programs offer students the chance to discover and engage interests in aviation and other STEAM studies.  Autumn’s niece, Gabby, joined the Air Zoo’s High School Aviation Educa... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022
Autumn Zank Donor Spotlight F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Plane

Wednesday, Jul 27, 2022

Discovering Shaba with Captain Thad Darger

The Air Zoo is excited to welcome a very special guest for a Discovery Series event this Saturday evening. Former F-117 Nighthawk pilot, Captain Thad Darger, will be reunited with the recently completed F-117 Nighthawk (tail number 817), Shaba, and will share his exciting journey with the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Wing, of Holloman Air Force Base. Captain Darger was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while flying in the stealth aircraft displayed at the Air ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Jul 27, 2022
F-117 Flight Discovery Center Nighthawk restoration Shaba Thad Darger U.S. Airforce

Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021

The Air Zoo launches competition, nationally, to raise $100,000 for completion of the SBD-2P & F-117 Nighthawk restorations in 2021

April 21, 2021 Portage, MI – Excitement is building at the Air Zoo as they announce a competition of mass proportions to complete the restoration of the Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless (Bu. No. 2173) and the F-117 Nighthawk Shaba (tail number 817) in 2021. Anyone who has visited the Air Zoo, or follows them on social media, knows that one of their most inspiring experiences is housed in the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center. Since 2013, the Air Zoo has proudly boasted one of the nation&... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021
Air Force Aviation History Desert Storm Aircraft Douglas Dauntless engineering F-117 fundraiser Kalamazoo Lockheed Martin Military Aircraft navy Nighthawk photo-reconnaissance restoration SBD-2P Stealth Plane WWII Aircraft

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021

Meet Shaba

In 2019, the Air Zoo was notified that it will be the proud recipient of one of the first F- 117 Nighthawks released for public display at a non- government institution. The highly decorated Shaba (817) is one of 15 Nighthawks with over 5,000 flight hours. This incredible aircraft is one of 10 Nighthawks to fly at least 50 combat sorties; one of 7 that flew in at least three of the four significant campaigns in which Nighthawks were used; and one of only 5 that fit all three categories. TH... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021
Air Force Aircraft airplane F-117 Flight Discovery Center Lockheed Nighthawk restoration Stealth Plane

Monday, Dec 7, 2020

Shaba Arrives This Week!

The Air Zoo is proud to announce the arrival of their newest aircraft.  Over the last eight days, Air Zoo President & CEO, Troy Thrash, along with a crew of dedicated transportation specialists, embarked upon a journey of 1,940 miles to bring the aerospace and science center's new aircraft home to the Air Zoo, located in Portage, MI. This new plane is a stealth fighter, a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, Tail #817, and nicknamed Shaba. “I really can’t believe the time has ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Monday, Dec 7, 2020
Aircraft F-117 Get Shaba Lockheed Nighthawk Press Release Shaba Stealth Plane Tonopah

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  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!

    blackeyedsusan2018
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  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!

    Rick C
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