Like a Little Child in Aircraft Wonderland

Mural backdrop inside PAF Aerospace Museum.

The “last minute cancellation” policy of PAF Aerospace Museum is a big downer. Good thing that this museum has real planes that made my heart beat with excitement.

I always play make-believe wars when I was a child. I had toy soldiers, toy aeroplanes and toy ships. I set them to make a scene – a battlefield.

I felt like I was reliving my childhood when I walked beside the war planes displayed in PAF Aerospace Museum. I felt that they are my toys, only that they are much bigger than me!

I had to control my enthusiasm or else the museum guard might think I’m crazy and throw me out of the place.

So, I just walked and took photos and, of course, touched the war planes.

And now! Yes. As in NOW! I can now say that I touched a warplane.

The airplane at the front is the Italian-made SIAI Marchetti SF-260. Philippine Air Force acquired this plane in 1967. Airplane of this type is currently being used as trainer planes by the PAF Flying School.

The warplane that was painted to look like a shark is also cool.

It is appropriately named as the Shark of Zambales.

Hanging from the ceiling is the Cali 233. It also served as trainer aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.

The fourth airplane that is on display inside the PAF Aerospace Museum is the Boeing Stearman.

One weird vehicle that is on display in the PAF Aerospace Museum is this white conical metallic object.

It is a replica of the Apollo 11 Command Module. Apollo 11 is the space mission executed by NASA that landed the first man on the moon.

Another airplane hanging from the ceiling is the replica of Flyer, which is the first airplane built by the Wright brothers.

Of the many vehicles on display, I think that the best is the Dodge Command Car that was used by President Marcos during parades and ceremonies.

There are other big warplanes, commercial planes and helicopters displayed on the grounds at the back of the museum. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to check those out because our mission that time is to inquire about wedding reception venues.

I promise, however, that I will bring my son or even my daughter to PAF Aerospace Museum. I am sure that my child will enjoy this place. The PAF Aerospace Museum will be perfect for bonding time of our (future) family.

How to Go to PAF Aerospace Museum

I have been to NAIA Terminal 3 and passed in front of the PAF Aerospace Museum a lot of times but I didn’t know that this cool place exists!

Vicinity map of PAF Aerospace Museum.

Commuters coming from MRT – Taft Station can reach the museum by riding the jeepney with “Nichols” placard. Just alight at NAIA Terminal 3 then ride the Villamor Ikot jeep to reach the place. Just tell the manong driver that you want to go down in front of Air Force museum.

Take note that the PAF Aerospace Museum is just across the street from Remington Hotel.

Entrance Fee and Business Hours of PAF Aerospace Museum

Entrance fee to the museum is just 20 pesos. It seems, however, that this fee is not strictly collected since no one asked us to pay the entrance during our visit.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 5 PM during weekdays (Monday to Friday). It is only open from 8 AM to 12 noon on Saturdays. The museum is closed during Sundays and holidays.