Off you go, into the wild blue yonder! See it all from the air with a fine collection of aviation exhibits, museums and not-to-be-missed tourist sites. And then meet some of the world's pre-eminent aviation historians and collectors.

Want to soar yourself? Insiders get you started with tips on hot air ballooning, fantasy camps and flying solo... go on, get airborne!

	This particular RC model B-25 bomber weighs up to 150 pounds. It takes two men to lift it and flies at nearly 100 mph.
	The aircraft at the Air and Space Museum represent a century of aviation history.
	The T-6, now owned by the Commemorative Air Force, was used by the Air Force and the Navy during WWII to train fighter and bomber pilots.

Places to See

TWA Constellation, Giant Model Airplanes
With its graceful design and triple-rudder tail, the TWA Constellation (affectionately referred to as the "Connie") was considered one of the finest aircraft of its time--learn why right here. Then, join 400 pilots as they descend on Kansas City for a festival of giant scale-model remote control planes.

Flying in Style
Get an inside look at the aviation lifestyle and meet people with a passion for planes and private jets. Then, see how interior designers create the eye-dazzling and multi-million dollar look of these high-end aircraft.

Aerospace Museums
Discover the thrill of soaring through the skies without ever leaving the ground. Just pay a visit to one of these unique air and space museums.

National Air and Space Museum
With nearly 10 million visitors a year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. is the most popular museum in the world. Opened in 1976, the massive building is home to many of the most important vehicles in the history of aviation and space exploration and is a must-see for first-time visitors to the nation's capital.

EAA Adventure Fly-In
Every July, fliers from all over the world descend upon a small airport in Oshkosh, Wis., in fighter jets, passenger planes and vintage aircraft for the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In. Learn these pilots' stories and get an understanding of their love of airplanes.

Hot air balloon taking off, Napa Valley, Calif.

Admirable Amateurs

Hot Air Balloonist
Don Surplus loves hot air ballooning so much that he gave up his career as manager of a Napa Valley lodge to fly full-time. Now he gets to experience the thrill of ballooning for the first time with every new group of passengers he takes to the sky.

Aviation Archaeologist
Aviator and former insurance executive Ric Gillespie has combined his passion for flight with aviation history by creating a non-profit organization that supports uncovering the great mysteries of aviation.

Philosophy Student to Pilot Instructor
As a student studying philosophy, Andy Hammond often felt frustrated and weighted down by graduate work. But, these days his work as an airplane pilot and flight instructor is taking him to new heights of happiness and freedom.

Take To The Skies!

Getting a pilot's license can transform years of dreams into a thrilling reality.
The front of the Deep Flight Aviator with cockpit canopy open.

Pilot Certificate Essentials
Today, small airplanes are plentiful and the dream of flying is within reach of anyone with the time and money to pursue a private pilot's certificate. But what exactly is such a certificate good for, and how does one go about getting one?

Deep Flight Fantasy Camp
The Deep Flight Fantasy Camp costs about $12,000 for two days and includes lodging and lunches. Campers are able to take the controls of Deep Flight and fly it themselves. (They don't need to be divers to ride but should know how to swim. Discover the thrill!

B-17 Fantasy Camp
At the B-17 Flying Fantasy Camp, campers are immersed in the history of the B-17, meet B-17 veterans, and for the experience of a lifetime they climb aboard one of the only flying B-17s left, the Aluminum Overcast, for a 30-minute flight over the skies of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Want to sign up?

Fly Air Aerobatics
If you're a fan of air shows you're probably familiar with the thrill of watching bi-planes twist and turn into a smoke tail dive. What you might not realize is that many air aerobatic schools offer opportunities to see that same dive from the pilot's perspective.

Hot Air Ballooning Basics
If you need a break from life on the ground, a trip in a hot air balloon, where you can skim the tops of the trees and look down on the world passing by, might be just the ticket. But how should you prepare for your first balloon flight, and what should you expect?