The Aviation Museum at McCarran International Airport covers the history of aviation in Nevada. Situated in the heart of the busiest airport in the state, this attraction is part of the Aviation Museum at Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum network that operates other exhibits in smaller regional airports. Approximately 3,000 sq feet of space at Terminal 1 is dedicated to the museum.
Highlights and Features
Suspended in the air above baggage claim carousels of Terminal 1 of McCarran International Airport (LAS), a Cessna 172 model surely begs for attention. Built in 1958, this single-engine aircraft captured the World Endurance Aloft record the following year. Flying nonstop for nearly 65 days, this durable airplane was controlled by two skilled pilots who had already set other previous world records in long-distance flights. After their extended adventures in the sky, John Cook and Robert Timm were internationally recognized for their daring acts. Click to book your Big Bus Tours.
The Hacienda Hotel and Casino logo is displayed on the body of the Cessna 172 airplane. One of the top resorts on the Las Vegas Strip at the time, this business provided the funding for the historic flight.
Also displayed at Terminal 1, the sporty Ford Thunderbird has strong ties to the airport's early history. Having a bright red finish, this 1956 convertible is a replica of the car that was driven by George Crockett, who played a key role in expanding Nevada's aviation industry in the middle of the 20th century.
The visual exhibits of Aviation Museum at McCarran present chronological overviews on the evolution of civil, military and commercial aviation in Las Vegas and Nevada. You'll learn about some of the earliest airlines that served Sin City and the state's capital city. From the Great Depression to the modern era, the exhibits discuss important innovations in aircraft technology and services throughout the decades.
You'll also learn about the expansion of McCarran International Airport, which has humble roots dating back to a small airfield known as Anderson Field in 1920. Some exhibits focus on regional carriers, like the Grand Canyon Airlines that opened in the late 1920s. Today, this small company is based at the Boulder City Airport near the Hoover Dam.
If you're passionate about learning the rich aviation history of Nevada, you can explore other galleries throughout the region. Affiliated with Clark County, the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum operates exhibits at the North Las Vegas Airport. Other content is also installed at the Henderson Executive Airport that's located just outside of Las Vegas.
If you'd like to tune into the real-time communications involving air traffic operators and pilots, simply bring your compatible radio to public parking spaces just south of the runways. East Sunset Road has various points that allow you to catch the airport's radio signals on the 88.5 FM channel.
Visiting Aviation Museum at McCarran
Terminal 1 at McCarran International Airport hosts permanent exhibits of the Aviation Museum. The displays are spread out on Level 2, which is primarily designated for baggage claim. Served by the Green Line and Blue Line, a tram station is situated between Level 2 and Level 2 at Terminal 1. These rail services will get you to the other exhibits, such as the installations near the C gates.
A parking garage with more than 6,000 spaces for passenger cars is also integrated into the major terminal facility. A drive between the Las Vegas Strip and this busy airport takes approximately 10 minutes. Most resorts on the Strip offer complimentary airport transportation in 24-hour shuttles that stop near each terminal building.
Location:
25 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 89119
Published On: 2019-05-10
Updated On: 2020-05-10 Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question. Book Big Bus Tours
25 Wayne Newton Boulevard
