The Hill Aerospace Museum offers unique perspectives of Utah aviation for the quarter of a million guests who visit the museum each year.
One exhibit in particular – “The C-130 Experience” – is an interactive classroom that provides patrons a lesson in aviation history from the 1950s to today.
The C-130 aircraft on display first flew on April 7, 1955, and quickly became an essential aircraft for the Air Force, earning the nickname “Hercules.” Able to handle rugged terrain, the cargo plane is ideal for dropping military personnel and equipment to hostile areas.
Originally produced to replace piston driven aircraft, the C-130 was the first cargo plane to use a turboprop engine, making it more fuel-efficient.
Since 1980, Hill AFB has also provided maintenance to this cargo plane. In fact, many of The C-130 Experience museum volunteers once flew or worked on the aircraft, and for those guests who hear their personal stories get a unique perspective on the aircraft’s history.
The aircraft exhibit was manufactured in 1965 and acquired by the museum in 2001 before it was turned into a classroom in 2019.
When guests enter the aircraft, they are greeted by volunteers and prompted to watch a short video on the aircraft and its importance to the Air Force.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aircraft started being used by the museum staff in a different way.
From March 2020 through January 2022, the museum closed the exhibit and instead used it to broadcast virtual lessons from inside it to children at home and school.
While the interactive lessons spotlighted the exhibit for those who tuned in.
However, visitors are once again welcome to tour the exhibit. The C-130 Experience is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
While the cockpit itself is not normally open to the public, guests can coordinate ahead of their visit with the museum’s education center to tour the aircraft privately and sit inside the cockpit. They can also hear lessons taught by staff to learn more details about the aircraft and more.
For more information about scheduling, guests call 801-775-3497 or email education@aerospaceutah.org.