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Many museums make the claim that they are "where history comes to life." For the American Airpower Museum (AAM) in Farmingdale, NY, that phrase takes on a whole new meaning. The museum occupies the former home of aircraft manufacturer Republic Aviation at what is now Republic Airport. When one visits the museum and walks the flightline, they are literally walking where over 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolts were produced during World War 2.
The success of the museum is not just thanks to its historic location. When walking through the museum you can almost hear the roar of the Thunderbolt's Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine coming to life. But at AAM, you're not just imagining things. That's an actual P-47 starting up that you hear! AAM is home to several flying warbirds including a Thunderbolt, P-40 Warhawk, FG-1D Corsair, TBM Avenger and a B-25 Mitchell among others. These historic aircraft fly regularly throughout the year, and especially during the annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach during Memorial Day Weekend. The museum hosts many of the airshow's performers on its ramp each year drawing large crowds.
Aviation Photojournal was lucky enough to fly with some of the AAM's warbirds and the dedicated pilots that bring them to life. While magnicent even sitting still on the ground, these incredible aircraft are best appreciated in their natural habitat, soaring through the sky.
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Scott Clyman, John Klatt and Scott Snorteland for their invaluable assistance in creating this feature.