Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Explore iconic aircraft, including the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plane, and discover aviation history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interactive time
Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interactive time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore iconic aircraft, including the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plane, and discover aviation history.
"A great choice for families and aviation lovers, offering interactive fun and historical insights."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance to streamline your entry and potentially avoid queues.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but aviation enthusiasts might need double that.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Miracle on the Hudson' Aircraft
Main Hangar
See the actual US Airways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 that made the emergency landing on the Hudson River.
Wright Flyer Replica
Main Hangar
Marvel at a replica of the iconic Wright brothers' first successful aircraft.
Trailblazing Women in Aviation Exhibit
Aviation City
Discover inspiring stories and artifacts from pioneering women in aviation.
Interactive Flight Simulators
Aviation City
Experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft with hands-on flight simulator experiences.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Interactive Fun for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance to streamline your entry and potentially avoid queues.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but aviation enthusiasts might need double that.
✈️ Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits and mock cockpits make it a hit with kids aged 6-10.
📍 Location Near Airport
Conveniently located across from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance to streamline your entry and potentially avoid queues.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours, but aviation enthusiasts might need double that.
✈️ Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits and mock cockpits make it a hit with kids aged 6-10.
📍 Location Near Airport
Conveniently located across from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and demonstrate exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sullenberger Aviation Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the 'Miracle on the Hudson' aircraft and interactive elements for children. The museum offers a good blend of historical information and hands-on fun, making it a worthwhile visit for families and aviation enthusiasts alike. Some find the admission price a bit high for the duration of the visit, but the unique displays and learning opportunities generally outweigh this concern.
"I am not overly interested in planes but this Museum was pretty interesting. If you have a kid who is 6-10 who likes planes this is a great choice. They have tablets that you can hold up to a plan that gives you icons to tap and they will give you all kinds of information about the plan. They also have about 4 mock airplanes cockpits that kids can ride in with no charge. There is also a really nice display and movie about the Miracle on the Hudson. I think we spent about 2 hours going through. Word of warning if you are taking kids, the entrance is through the gift shop."
Heather Lunceford
"Great way to spend a few hours if you’re interested in aviation and history. Good variety of planes and helicopters on display. Good information about the history of aviation in the Charlotte area over the last century. The displays are informative and well done. There are a few hands on exhibits including a flight simulator. Lots of volunteers are there to answer questions and use the technology. The video on the crash is well done and takes only about 15 minutes. They say allow an hour and a half but if you have a lot of interest in the subject I would double that. There is an onsite gift shop and a lunch counter."
Joseph Tallent
"Overall, it was a great experience with many interesting exhibits. I learned a lot about the history of different planes (military and civilian), as well as the history of the Charlotte airport and aviation in North Carolina.
It was cool to see the Wright Flyer replica, as well as a C-130 and the "Miracle on The Hudson" plane.
They also have many interactive exhibits, such as flight simulators (in the cockpit of a plane) that you can use and screens that you click through to learn more about topics such as the stories of individuals in aviation (military and civilian).
So this museum appeals to multiple interests:
-Military history and aviation technology
-The history of civilian aviation in general
-The economic development of Charlotte
-Getting hands-on experience (the flight simulators and the Honeywell-sponsored craft room).
We were deciding between this museum and the Museum of Illusions, since we only had a few hours. And I'm glad we chose this one.
As a side note, the ticket price shown here on Google Maps is $18. But at the museum, that is the before-tax price for children. The cost for adults is $25.50. They have discounts for military, education professionals, seniors, etc. But it may be good to check the online price before you go (unlike me). You could also potentially get the multi-museum package for 1 or 2 days if you have the time and interest to visit multiple places."
Daniel Winkels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 4108 Minuteman Way, across from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available.
Yes, the museum is stroller friendly, making it convenient for families with young children.
Absolutely! The museum offers engaging exhibits and historical context that appeal to a broad audience, not just aviation buffs.
Yes, there is a lunch counter onsite for visitors who wish to dine at the museum.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Sullenberger Aviation Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. While Google Maps might show $18 for children, adults can expect to pay around $25.50. Discounts are available for military, seniors, and educators. It's recommended to check the museum's website for current pricing.
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the museum, but booking online in advance is recommended to save time.
The museum offers discounts for military personnel, seniors, and education professionals. Check their website for details.
Potentially, if you plan to visit multiple attractions in Charlotte, inquire about multi-museum packages for potential savings.
Yes, there is an onsite gift shop where you can purchase aviation-themed souvenirs and memorabilia. The entrance to the museum is through the gift shop.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the actual US Airways Flight 1549 aircraft from the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' the Wright Flyer replica, and the Trailblazing Women in Aviation exhibit. 
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits like flight simulators in mock cockpits and a craft room for making paper airplanes and rockets.
Most visitors spend about 2 hours, but those with a deep interest in aviation history may want to allocate up to 4 hours.
Yes, a well-done video presentation about the 'Miracle on the Hudson' is shown, taking about 15 minutes.
Yes, there are about 4 mock airplane cockpits that children can sit in at no extra charge.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas.
The 'Miracle on the Hudson' aircraft, the Wright Flyer replica, and the interactive exhibits offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can photograph the aircraft and their components, including the engines, to capture the details of these magnificent machines.
While not explicitly stated, it's common museum etiquette to avoid flash photography, especially near sensitive displays or if it might disturb other visitors. Check for signage.
Getting close to the fuselage and looking for angles that capture the scale of the aircraft will yield the best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Beyond 'Sully's' plane, the museum boasts a diverse collection of military, commercial, and civil aircraft, including a Wright Flyer replica. 🏛️ History Buffs
The 'Trailblazing Women in Aviation' exhibit also offers a unique historical perspective, highlighting often-overlooked figures in the field. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Miracle on the Hudson' Experience
A moving video presentation details the harrowing events of that day, providing context and emotional depth to the display. Seeing the engines, fuselage, and interior of the plane up close allows for a deeper appreciation of the engineering and the circumstances that led to this aviation miracle. It's a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and resilience under pressure. The museum ensures that the story of the 'Miracle on the Hudson' is told with respect and historical accuracy, making it a compelling draw for visitors.
+1Interactive Learning for Young Aviators
Beyond the simulators, the museum offers creative outlets like a craft room where kids can build and design their own paper airplanes and rockets.
Aviation History in North Carolina
The museum also highlights the contributions of individuals who have shaped aviation history, including a special focus on trailblazing women. The 'Trailblazing Women in Aviation' exhibit celebrates the achievements of female pilots, engineers, and leaders, offering inspiring stories and showcasing their gear and legacies.
This dedication to local and diverse aviation history provides a unique perspective that complements the broader displays of iconic aircraft. 
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