Hiller Aviation Museum Touted as Family Outing

The Hiller Aviation Museum opened in June 1998, the brainchild of helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller Jr. His personal collection of unique and historically significant aircraft, many with Northern California roots, formed the museum's initial core. Before the museum's establishment, these aircraft were stored in a Redwood City warehouse with limited public access. Located at the San Carlos Airport, the museum's setting provides a live-action backdrop of modern aviation, with planes taking off and landing nearby. The 53,000-square-foot facility showcases the extensive contributions of Northern California to the field of aviation. The collection features over 40 aircraft, ranging from early experimental designs to modern rotorcraft. A significant focus of the museum is on the pioneering work of Stanley Hiller Jr. in vertical flight. Exhibits include his groundbreaking prototypes like the XH-44, the first successful co-axial helicopter, and the Flying Platform. In 1949, Stanley Hiller completed the first transcontinental helicopter flight in a Hiller 360. Beyond static displays, the museum emphasizes interactive experiences for all ages. Visitors can climb into the cockpit of a Boeing 747, operate flight simulators, and fly drones in an indoor plex. The Invention Lab offers hands-on activities exploring aerodynamics and engineering principles. The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including an annual Airport Runway Run. Educational programs are also a key component, with offerings for school groups from Pre-K through 12th grade, as well as scouting and summer camp programs.