EXHIBITS

The largest building in the CAF complex is the hangar which houses a unique collection of World War II aircraft, including rare and one-of-a-kind planes. The aircraft are maintained and flown by volunteers in CAF Units across the country and are ferried to Midland on a quarterly rotating basis to be displayed in the hangar.

Part of the American Airpower Heritage Museum tour, the hangar offers visitors a chance to step into the past among these vintage aircraft. The planes have signs identifying their type and performance characteristics providing an insight into the history of the aircraft.

The hangar provides a dual role during the annual CAF AIRSHO. It becomes a presentation hall for the annual membership meeting for CAF Colonels and it also houses a large trade show for AIRSHO visitors.

During the quiet winter months, the hangar provides shelter for the maintenance of the CAF aircraft, such as the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, Fifi. Much of the maintenance work is done by CAF volunteers, many of whom spend their vacation in Midland working on the vintage aircraft.

The hangar also provides a learning laboratory for a variety of CAF/AAHM programs such as the Aviation Boot Camp. This summer program for youth was started in 1994 and teaches elementary students a variety of aviation related subjects.

Besides aircraft, the hangar is also the home to the Dynamics of Flight, an exhibit especially designed to teach children about the basic principles of aerodynamics, and to the Bush Mission Exhibit, which brings to life former President George Bush's mission when he was shot down during World War II and honors the many brave pilots who served our country during 1941-1945.

World War II military vehicles, as well as aircraft, are also on display in the CAF hangar. One ambulance is owned by several members of the High Sky Wing and Medical Detachment in Midland, Texas.