The roar of vintage WWII engines will once again echo across Long Island skies as the American Airpower Museum launches its summer season with the Legends of Airpower World War II Warbirds over Memorial Day weekend.
The museum’s iconic fighting aircraft will take to the skies over Republic Airport on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, thrilling aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and families alike. Join AAM for a great family outdoor extravaganza featuring an exciting program of Warbird flights honoring veterans and U.S. aviation history. (The museum will be closed on Monday.)
AAM’s Warbirds historically performed at the island’s annual Jones Beach Air Show. But for 2026, the show has been moved to the July 4 weekend for a historic celebration of America’s 250th birthday. “And of course, AAM’s Warbirds will play a big part in that July 4 air show, in an awesome patriotic flying salute to America’s birthday,” noted AAM spokesman Robert Salant.
Here’s what AAM fans can expect to see on May 23 and 24: Guests will witness AAM’s squadron of fully restored WWII fighting aircraft performing exciting flight demonstrations over Republic Airport’s airspace. You’ll watch in awe as the museum’s pilots mount their steeds, run up their engines, taxi off the Hangar 3 ramp, and soar above to perform thrilling aerial displays.
You’ll be witnessing AAM’s fighting aircraft in action, including the Douglas C-47B “Skytrain” transport, Grumman TBM “Avenger” torpedo bomber, North American P-51D Mustang, Curtiss P-40M Warhawk “Flying Tiger,” North American AT-6D Texan trainers, and the ever-popular red WACO UPF-7 biplane trainer.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to take flights in select aircraft, such as the Douglas C-47B Skytrain, North American AT-6D Texans, or the WACO Biplane, offering a genuine open-cockpit experience. Flights usually include tours over Long Island’s picturesque shoreline beaches.
For costs and to book flights, go to American Airpower Museum and click the Flight Experience tab. Or call (516) 531-3950, (631) 454-2039, or visit AAM’s Cockpit USA gift shop, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY. Regular admission to AAM is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, and $12 for children ages 3-12.
The museum’s Hangar 3 is also home to an amazing variety of static aircraft exhibits, such as the Grumman EA-6B Prowler, Republic RF-84 Thunderflash, Republic F-105 Thunderchief, and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog, which played a major role in U.S. Air Force battles over the Persian Gulf.
“Enjoy our food offerings, including ice cream, hot dogs, beverages, snacks, and assorted refreshments,” Salant offered. “Hang out with your family and friends at Hangar 3, grab lunch, and enjoy exciting action all day long. Support AAM and help keep ’em flying!”