Aviation hasn’t always been an interest of mine. In fact, I only grew interest in aviation after joining the military and working at an airport. Observing arrivals and departures seemingly never gets old!
With the abundance of documentary YouTube channels, a few stand out, particularly Wendover Productions and Mustard. Ever wonder about shipping logistics? What about the downfall of yesterday’s airlines? I certainly did not, but that didn’t stop YouTube recommendations from shoving them at me. Well, I’m thankful for that!
Various rockets and satellites on display at the National Air and Space Museum of France. February 2020
My original itinerary in France was to visit the Petite Ceinture (ancient railway), Le Centre Pompidou (art museum), and the World War II bunker near Paris Central Station. When I read there was an air museum in Paris, I was overjoyed!
A French Morane-Saulnier AI fighter aircraft from 1917. February 2020
Although commuting from central Paris to the Museum takes an hour on public transportation, it's easy to navigate with Google Maps. Thankfully, a day pass (with zones 1-5) is only 17,80€!
Exhibition map, Courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum, 2019
Entry to the museum is free if you’re under 26, but if you want to board the Boeing 747, Airbus A380, Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde, or the Eurocopter X3, it costs 8€. Not bad! The receptionist will give you an exhibition map, which details the different galleries, as well as the cafe and gift shop.
A French Nieuport 11 fighter aircraft from 1916. February 2020
Various posters marking the integration of ballooning aviation in early French and American pop culture. February 2020
Aboard a former Air France Boeing 747-128. February 2020
February 2020
The stairs lead to the flight deck and the crew rest and galley area. February 2020
Towards the back of the aircraft is a breakdown of the cargo bay. February 2020
A poster demonstrates the Boeing 747’s ability to open its cargo bay via its nose. February 2020
Former Air France Boeing 747-128, tail F-BPVJ. February 2020
An Airbus A380 was also on display, but boarding was temporarily not allowed due to renovations. February 2020
A Canadian Canadair CL-215 amphibious aircraft next to an Airbus Ariane 5 rocket launch platform. February 2020
Mach 2.04!
A shot of the other Concorde. There are actually two at the museum: tails F-WTSS (pictured) and F-BTSD. February 2020
A Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593, the same engine used by Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde. February 2020
February 2020
Inside the cockpit. February 2020
February 2020
February 2020
These stairs are for exit only (I assume for emergencies). Instead, you enter the exhibit via tail number F-WTSS (left). February 2020
A bridge connects both aircraft. February 2020
Engine intake. February 2020
That’s one item crossed off my bucket list!
Maybe one day I’ll see the Paris Air Show as well!
Gear used:
Leica M240 + 35mm F2 SUMMICRON-M ASPH
Sony A7RII + Sony 24-105mm F4 G
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