The world-renowned Planes of Fame (PoF) Air Museum may be establishing an air museum at LHM. This is a potential game-changer for both the Lincoln Regional Airport and the city of Lincoln.
The Planes of Fame has one of the largest collections of Warbirds and classic airplanes. Their fleet includes 40 flying aircraft, ten aircraft in active restoration, and another 100 on static display in their two locations: Chino, CA (primary location) and Valle, AZ (south of the Grand Canyon). It’s a “living museum,” where aircraft are not just displayed, but flown.
What does this opportunity mean for us? It makes Lincoln a destination location for pilots and tourists. It means aerial activity (an annual air show and monthly flying demonstrations), new and expanded business activities, and assuredly a restaurant!
Informal discussions between the PoF and the City have been going on for months, culminating in the City Council’s approval for the Administration to enter into formal negotiations. While there is a lot of work involved in this opportunity, and a reasonably long lead-time to do the entire transition, both sides are committed to designing a win-win solution.
The PoF’s executive team includes Steve Hinton Sr., Steve Jr., PoF founder Ed Maloney’s daughter Karen Maloney Hinton, and marketing director Jane Lynch. Both Steve’s are medal winners at the Reno Air Races in various categories, and Steve Jr. recently established a new world speed record for piston single aircraft at 531.3 mph.
There are four potential sites to house their museum, offices, aircraft restoration facility, and static display area: three potential sites within the Airport grounds and one just north of the City’s Corporation Yard/Public Works office, but with through-the fence capability.
Recommendations for a path forward will be brought back to the City Council by March 30th, 2018. There are a lot of hurdles to overcome: financing, environmental issues, design, and construction, but the first steps have been taken.
So, stay tuned and we’ll post periodic updates as they become available.
Richard Pearl
Chair, Lincoln Airport Committee
EAA member, chapter 1541
Lincoln Regional Airport Association
Conceptual drawing of the envisioned Planes of Fame museum facility at the Lincoln Airport. This view is contained in the planning document approved by the Lincoln City Council on October 11, 2017. Museum president Steve Hinton made a presentation at the council meeting.