WWII C-47 D-Day Flight Experience at American Airpower Museum
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic mobility required to board and exit the aircraft; participants should be comfortable standing and donning gear.
Overview
Take flight aboard a WWII C-47 and experience the D-Day airborne assault from a unique perspective. Gear up with authentic paratrooper attire and soar over Long Island’s south shore in this immersive living history experience.
WWII C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience
Gear up for an immersive Living History Flight Experience that takes you back in time!
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About This Adventure
Experience history like never before with the American Airpower Museum's WWII C-47 D-Day Living History Flight. This immersive program includes a 20-25 minute flight, authentic gear, and a simulated jump, all while learning about the heroic paratroopers of June 1944. Relive the excitement and honor their legacy!
Booking for Summer 2025! Flights Available June through October .
Take a flight back in time with the American Airpower Museum WWII C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience!
Duration
The immersive living history program lasts approximately 1.5 hours including your 20 minute flight in the C-47. Arrive for registration one hour prior to your booked departure time.
About
AAM’s Flight Experience is a one-of-a-kind immersive educational program. Living Historians guide participants as they suit up, receive their D-Day briefing and board the museum’s historic C47 Skytrain aircraft. Flying over Long Island’s south shore beaches provides the backdrop for a simulated jump and a sense of what U.S. 101st and 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers experienced on their incredible 1,200-plane D-Day assault
This unique experience includes: a mission briefing in the Ready Room. A chance to wear authentic reproduction M-42 and M-43 field jackets like the ones worn by paratroopers during WWII, G.I helmets, and simulated jump harness. Experience the actual sights and sounds as the C-47’s engines fire up and you take to the skies. See, hear, and feel what it was like for the crew operating their C-47 and paratroopers getting ready to make history on the night of June 5th, and day of June 6th 1944. As you ready to "cross the beaches" you will stand up, hook up, and will simulate what it was like to be ready on the static line for the green light. Don't worry though there's no real jumping on this flight experience it's all a living history re-enactment of course! you will then return to the museum for the conclusion of the living history presentation and be able to take photos with your living historians and the aircraft!
Please note, All passengers must be at least 12 years of age to participate in the flight experience. Persons 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Also, a flight experience entitles guests to bring an additional guest who can visit the Museum free of charge
What to Bring
- Passengers should plan to bring a camera and some form of ear protection. In order to acquiant yourself with the airplane and its' crew. Please arrive one hour prior to your booked flight departure time.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least one hour before your flight to allow time for registration and gearing up.
Bring Ear Protection
The vintage aircraft can be loud when engines run—earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones enhance comfort during flight.
Dress in Layers
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing under the provided reproduction jackets for fluctuating temperatures.
No Bulky Bags on Board
Large backpacks or bags aren’t allowed on the plane, so pack light and leave unnecessary items behind.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Ospreys soaring above the coastline
- Eastern box turtles in nearby woodlands
History
The C-47 Skytrain played a pivotal role in D-Day, dropping paratroopers in the largest airborne assault of WWII during the early hours of June 6th, 1944.
Conservation
The museum promotes the preservation of historic aircraft and educates visitors on sustainable practices to minimize impact on Long Island’s coastal habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Newburgh, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Ear Protection
Protect your hearing from engine noise during the flight.
Weather-Appropriate Layers
Dress in layers for temperature changes on and off the aircraft.
all specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the immersive moments and historic aircraft.
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
Wear suitable footwear for boarding the aircraft safely.