Behind The Scenes At The National Museum Of The U.S. Air Force Dayton

June 14, 2023

In December 2022, I was privileged to join several other fellow aviation photographers at the National Museum Of The United States Air Force in the parking lot at 6 am. We were there for a pre-open photo meetup, to start at 7 am. Once the museum staff unlocked the door at 7, we gathered in the gift shop to hear policies for the next two hours. I’ve never had exclusive access to the Air Force Museum. Join me as we go behind the scenes at The National Museum Of The U.S. Air Force.

There were more than 20 world-class aviation photographers from all over the country who were allowed in the world’s largest aviation museum. The experience was one-of-a-kind. They let us into the aerial catwalks to photograph the two galleries that hold the oldest aircraft. I have been seeing these planes from the ground for my entire life. I finally had a view from above.

Shooting Behind The Scenes

We had unrestricted access to the entire museum except for the space exhibits. Those were off-limits due to lending restrictions set by the Smithsonian. We could go anywhere within the four buildings at this amazing Dayton aviation museum. In a moment, we were about to get behind the rope access to all of the aircraft on display.

One of the coolest things was going under the ropes and behind the barricades to photograph often unseen parts of the aircraft. This was awesome because I often create artistic aviation photos that focus on angles and perspectives. I love these aerial photos!

Around this time I was feeling less than excited about photography. I was in a rut and had few prospects to look forward to. Then, this came along and reinvigorated my passion for photography. Being outside in the cold with the other photographers ignited the fire to create images. For this, I am grateful.

Air Force One Aircraft Collection

The National Museum Of The United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio has the world’s most extensive collection of former Air For One aircraft. A while ago, the museum affectionately known as the Air Force Museum, added a LEED Certified fourth building to its collection. This building houses various space-related exhibits, newer aircraft, and several of the aforementioned Air Force One airplanes.

The most famous Air Force One is the Boeing VC-137C SAM 26000 is the “JFK Air Force One” and is on display. When John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, his plane was modified to be able to fit a casket in the cabin. You can walk through this plane and several others. Pro tip: This plane has plexiglass on each side of the aisle, so it can feel claustrophobic if there is a crowd. The other walk-on places are also this way but don’t feel as cramped.

The cabins of the walk-through exhibits are blocked off with plexiglass to keep them clean and intact. Due to this, anyone with claustrophobia or a large physical presence may not want to enter. The museum is fully A.D.A. compliant and accessible. Aircraft are not. I am for hire as an aviation photographer.