Soaring Through Time: Aviation City Journeys into Charlotte’s Airborne Past

In Aviation City at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM), history doesn’t just sit behind glass — it soars overhead, surrounds you on all sides, immersing visitors into Charlotte’s captivating aviation history.

Visitors encounter firsthand an authentic 1930s letter from Charlotte’s first Airmail stop, get a close-up view of historic planes towering overhead and even explore vintage menus, Morris Code magazines (the on-base publication from CLT’s time as an Army Air Base during World War II) and other fun items from throughout aviation history.

“Aviation City is all about the City of Charlotte, the Airport and how they have grown together since the 1930s. It’s a chronological story that really focuses on the beginnings of the Charlotte Airport and follows it through time. It highlights the expansion and the growth of over 100 years of progress, but it’s not only about where we have been but where we are going,” said Vice President of Collections Katie Swaringen of SAM.

The exhibit, which opened this summer, is free with general admission and planned to be a permanent fixture. Current features include a real-time flight tracker for CLT’s airspace, two flight simulators located in a real World War II-era jet trainer, a historic Piedmont Airlines DC-3 plane with connections to CLT and much more.

When entering the exhibit, an arrow on the floor directs you where to start your journey. As you move around, it’s like walking through a history book, but instead of static words and pictures, immersive visuals and hands-on displays transport you to another place and reveal the stories and people behind each piece.

The lighting in the exhibit shines down on different sections, making you focus particularly on what’s right in front of you before progressing to the next station. One section is devoted entirely to the early days of aviation, delving into Charlotte’s many golden age barnstormers, while another highlights key moments of the Airport’s evolution, such as the deregulation of the airline industry and Piedmont Airlines’ rise to prominence at CLT. There is also a dedicated display honoring the history of the North Carolina Air National Guard.

A long time in the making

Aviation City is the result of years and years of planning and dedication. CLT had a team dedicated to restoring the 89-year-old historic hangar, which once housed Eastern Air Lines aircraft and now serves as a home for the exhibit. SAM staff has been working since 2019 to plan what the exhibit would look like and make it a reality.

“In March we started moving all of the aircraft over to the hangar. It’s really all the planning that goes on before that is time consuming. Once you get to the exhibit install piece, it goes quickly,” Swaringen said.

Opening weekend, the museum saw around 1,000 visitors of all ages tour Aviation City. In addition to being among the first to explore the exhibit, visitors also were treated to discussions with people connected to Charlotte’s aviation history. Special guest speakers are planned to continue. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar for updates of who may be stopping by soon.

“I encourage people to come out and make Aviation City one of their destinations for this summer,” Swaringen said. “It’s an interactive, fun experience. It’s really an exhibit about the Charlotte community.”

Learn more about Aviation City and the museum, visit SAM’s website at www.sullenbergeraviation.org.

Fun facts: Did you know?

• Air Mail, which predated the modern mail services, arrived in Charlotte for the first time on April 1, 1930.
• Eastern Air Lines was the first airline to offer passenger service in Charlotte, beginning in 1930.
• From 1941 to 1946, CLT (then known as Douglas Municipal Airport) was a World War II Army Air Base named Morris Field used to train pilots, gunners and maintenance crews.
• The Airport’s original hangar was moved from its original location in 2010 to make room for expanded taxiways. A steel beam from the original hangar is on display in Aviation City.
• Before computers, teletypewriters were used to communicate messages in the aviation industry. You can find an example of one of these used by the North Carolina Air National Guard in Aviation City.