This February, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center invites guests to climb aboard during Open Cockpit Weekends, presented by Parker Aerospace. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the month, guests can get up close with legendary aircraft and experience aviation history from a true pilot’s-eye view.

Open Cockpit Weekends give guests the rare opportunity to view or sit in the cockpits of some of the most iconic aircraft ever built. These experiences take place across both of the Air Zoo’s two adjacent buildings, the Flight Innovation Center (Main Building) and the Flight Discovery Center, allowing guests to explore a wide range of aircraft throughout the museum. From experimental designs to supersonic jets and World War II fighters, Open Cockpit Weekends offer unforgettable photo opportunities and a deeper connection to the stories of flight and are included with paid admission and free for Air Zoo members.

2026 Open Cockpit Schedule

All Month
SR-71B Blackbird – Flight Innovation Center (view only)
Rutan VariEze – Flight Discovery Center (view only)

February 6–8
F6F Hellcat – Flight Innovation Center
P-39 Airacobra – Flight Innovation Center
A-4 Skyhawk – Flight Innovation Center (view only)

February 13–15
Stearman – Flight Innovation Center
HA-1112 Buchón – Flight Innovation Center (view only)
AD-4NA Skyraider – Flight Innovation Center

February 20–22
FM-2 Wildcat – Flight Innovation Center
P-47 Thunderbolt – Flight Innovation Center
F-104 Starfighter – Flight Discovery Center (view only)

February 27–March 1
T-6/SNJ Texan – Flight Innovation Center
Cirrus VK-30 – Flight Discovery Center
MiG-15 – Flight Discovery Center (view only)

Some cockpits are view only. Schedule is subject to change. Guests are encouraged to check the Air Zoo website for the most up-to-date information.

Restrictions

Due to the varying engineering and design elements, a weight restriction of 250 pounds is placed on each aircraft (sit-in cockpits only). Guests must have the ability to enter and exit the aircraft unassisted and must be at least 42" (107cm). Children wishing to sit in the aircraft must be supervised by their parents/guardians.

To learn more and explore the Air Zoo's virtual cockpits now, visit airzoo.org/open-cockpits.