Pima Air and Space Museum – Wednesday 11/19/2025
Trip Cost $30.00
NOTE -- IMPORTANT CHANGES
Be sure to have your GVR card with you for each and every field trip. Without it, you won't be allowed to go on the trip. No refunds will be granted for failure to comply with this requirement. To protect GVR and club member benefits, GVR has implemented a new process that requires each field trip participant to come into the club and scan his/her GVR card to confirm eligibility. We no longer have the option of typing in your name or GVR number – only the physical GVR card will do.
We will no longer meet in the parking lot. We will meet in the GVR Photography Club where you will scan your GVR card confirming your eligibility to go on the trip. We’ll also review important/late-breaking information, pair up drivers and riders, provide driving directions, and give participants a chance to visit the restrooms prior to departure. Again, be sure to have your GVR card with you.
Take a tour of one of the largest non-governmental air and space museums in the world. You’ll be fascinated by approximately 400 historical aircraft and spacecraft from the United States and around the world. Learn more about the museum here.
We’ll meet at the Photography Club at 7:45 AM for carpooling, departure at 8:15 AM. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat or sunshade, sunscreen and bring water. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
The field trip will begin with a docent-led, 45-minute private walking tour of the museum’s three World War II hangars, featuring bombers such as the B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell and B-29 Superfortress; fighters like the P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk; and transport and utility aircraft such as the C-47 Skytrain.
From there, you’re free to explore the museum and its grounds on your own. You can purchase a ticket for a public, 45-minute narrated tram tour of the 80-acre outdoor display area. You’ll see more than 150 aircraft on this 1 ½ mile circuit. The tram tour does not stop for photographs, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some great outdoor shots, so keep your camera or smartphone handy. Be sure to look for the latest additions to the museum’s collection – including a replica of the infamous X-15 carried under the wing of its actual B-52 mothership “The High and the Mighty.”
You’re also welcome to explore the museum’s vast indoor collection, including the Spirit of Freedom Hangar (Hangar 1) featuring many historic and iconic aircraft as well as the Flight Grill and Museum Store, and the Aerospace Gallery featuring the capsule from the movie Apollo 13, exhibits highlighting the space race, and the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.
Included in our admission and not to be missed, the 390th Bomb Group Museum features a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress, along with many other World War II artifacts.
THIS TOUR WILL INVOLVE EXTENSIVE WALKING AND STANDING.
You may bring your own water, but no outside food or beverages are allowed. You can have lunch on your own at the Flight Grill. The typical museum visit is 3-4 hours, but you are welcome to stay as long as you want; the museum closes at 5:00 PM.
Tom Parker will be our trip leader. Contact Tom at 618-304-1456 or tparker324@aol.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.
If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Co-Chair Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com. We may have people on the wait list to take your place.
NOTICE:
All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.