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Air Zoo Blog

Category: pilot

Tuesday, Aug 2, 2022

SR-71 Crew returns to the Air Zoo for an even bigger Spy-posium weekend – August 12-15th

It’s been called “the most impressive military jet ever built” and for some time, remained shrouded in secrecy. Designed with a slide rule, this master of aerial surveillance continues to amaze us more than 30 years after its official retirement. The same can be said of the outstanding individuals who worked with the program, in the air or on the ground. The Air Zoo’s SR-71 Spy-posium provides a gateway to share, discuss, investigate, and commemorate one of history&rsq... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Aug 2, 2022
Blackbird Affair crew Family Event Family Friendly ground cew Lockheed Martin Open Cockpits photo-reconnaissance pilot skunk works Spy-posium SR-71 Blackbird Stealth Plane tours United States Air Force

Thursday, Mar 31, 2022

We’re Not Leaving until You See This Airplane!

In an interview with 2021 Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF) recipient Virgil Williams, we learned more about our beloved co-founder, Pete Parish. Virgil served as the Upjohn Company’s Chief Pilot for 35 years. For 25 of those years, Pete served as Virgil’s boss and, as Virgil said, “also a good friend.” In the 1950s, the Upjohn Company recognized the need for a corporate aircraft division. The company appointed pilots Pete Parish and Ted Parfet to give wings ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Thursday, Mar 31, 2022
Air Zoo Blog Boeing-Stearman Kaydet Featured MAHOF Pete Parish pilot Virgil Williams

Wednesday, Apr 28, 2021

Asian American Aviatrix: Hazel Ying Lee

In the early 1930s, when Oregon-born Hazel Ying Lee (1912-1944) dreamed of becoming a pilot, her mother advised her, “It’s not ladylike to fly.” Hazel disagreed. To save money for flying lessons, she worked as a department store elevator operator—one of few jobs opened to Chinese women in America. The Portland Chinese Benevolent Society sponsored Hazel’s flying program and the young pilot took to the sky by age 19. A proud WASP during WW... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Apr 28, 2021
Asian American Asian-American aviatrix Hazel Ying Lee pilot WASP Women in Air and Space Women's History WWII

Wednesday, Aug 7, 2019

Inspiration Starts Young

Submitted by Maria Newhouse On August 4, 2019 two young aviators flew through the cloud tunnel at the Air Zoo and captured the hearts of staff and guests alike for their vintage pilot and Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) outfits. Hailing from Oklahoma, Emberly (5) and Colton (almost 2) are on a mission this summer to see as many World War II bombers and events as they can within driving distance of their home – bringing their parents along for the ride. Their summer journey began i... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Aug 7, 2019
costume good vibes Griffin Children our visitors pilot Small Aviators WASP

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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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