Climb into the Cockpit of an Aviation Legend
Fly the T-33 T-Bird Over Palm Springs
The Adventure
Take a flight in an incredible historic warbird. The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, also known as the T-Bird, was America’s first jet trainer.
The single-engine aircraft is a variation of the F-80 jet fighter and is known for its climbing and gliding ability. The advanced trainer took its first flight in 1944 and remains a pilot favorite almost 80 years later.
The Location
Flights take off from the Palm Springs Air Museum located at Palm Springs International Airport in Palm Springs, California.
The museum was founded in 1996 and provides an opportunity to learn about America’s aviation history through aircraft exhibits, special educational programming, featured events and living history flights.
Prior to 2011, the museum’s T-33 was part of the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, CA and served as a pace plane at the Reno Air Races.
T-33 "T-Bird"
The "T-Bird" is capable of speeds in excess of 500 mph. It was manufactured by Lockheed and was used by the Air Force for pilot training until 1990. It features a pressurized cabin, dual controls and ejection seats. A Canadian version of the T-33 features a slightly different cockpit configuration.
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (T-Bird) Specifications:
Wing span: 38' 10.5"
Height: 11' 8"
Length: 37' 8"
Wt. Empty: 8,100 lbs.
Gross: 15000 lbs
Power: Allison J33-35 5,400 lbs. thrust at 11,500 rpm at
sea level
Max speed: 580 mph
Ceiling: 45,000'
Crew: 2
Range: 1,345 miles |
FAQ
How much is it?
Flights start at $4995 and are available on select weekend dates.
Advance reservations are mandatory.
Can I fly in anything else at the museum?
Yes! The museum offers flights in several other historic aircraft. We strongly encourage you to fly more than one aircraft while you’re in Palm Springs and can provide flights in these historic aircraft:
- P-51 Mustang
- T-6 Texan
- T-28 Trojan
- PT-17 Stearman
- C-47 Skytrain
What are the requirements to fly?
Passengers must be at least 13 years of age, sign a waiver and be capable of climbing the equivalent of a standard ladder without assistance. In additional, passengers must be no larger than 6'5" and 250 lbs. Minors must be accompanied at the airfield by a parent or guardian.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
If your flight must be canceled due to weather or mechanical reasons, there will be no refund. You will be able to reschedule for a mutually agreeable future date.
For more information on this exciting opportunity, call
800-644-7382
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Fly Classic Warbirds at the Palm Springs Aviation Museum
Fly the P-51 Mustang
In August, 1942 Army Air Forces ordered 1,200 P-51As from North American Aviation. The first P-51A flew in February, 1943, and deliveries began the following month. Palm Springs Air Museum currently has two flying P-51 Mustangs in its collection. "Bunny" was carefully restored to flying condition by the museum team. "Man O'War" is privately owned and currently on loan to the museum. The P-51 sports an Allison 1,125 hp single engine capable of speeds to 390 mph. |
