N.C. Transportation Museum News Release

www.nctrans.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Natalie Alford

Information & Communication Specialist

(704) 636-2889, ext 233

The “Piedmonster” makes its debut at N.C. Transportation Museum, May 12

SPENCER, N.C. — Learn to fly at the N.C. Transportation Museum (NCTM) on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the "Piedmonster,” a restored flight simulator from the 1950s. The “Piedmonster” is part of Learning to Fly, a free aviation event that will also feature hands-on airplane cockpit displays, an interactive hot air balloon activity, and a Black Hawk helicopter landing.

Kids can climb inside the “Piedmonster” and operate the simulator while receiving lessons on proper flight techniques from former Piedmont Airlines pilots and crew members. Thanks to a donation from the Piedmont Silver Eagles Charitable Funds, Inc. (PSECFI), the NCTM received the aviation trainer in August of 2006. Now that it is restored, the “Piedmonster" is a working flight simulator housed in the museum’s Wagons, Wheels and Wings exhibit hall.

But the “Piedmonster” is only part of the fun. The Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission is loaning two airplane cockpits -- a KC-97 and F4 Phantom -- for Saturday’s event. Visitors can also walk inside of a hot air balloon lying on its side, and explore how this colorful mode of transportation works. And don’t miss the Air National Guard UH60 “Black Hawk” helicopter landing on the museum grounds at 4 p.m.

The Learning to Fly aviation event on Saturday, May 12 at the N.C. Transportation Museum will offer free family fun all day long. For more information call 704-636-2889, toll-free at 877-NCTM-FUN, or visit www.nctrans.org.

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Division of State Historic Sites, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources

www.ncculture.com