These two aviation hubs had been on my list for a long time, so my September 2025 visit to Chino, CA, exceeded my expectations. If you are in Southern California and you love aviation, there’s no better place to spend a day than at the home of two of the most remarkable aircraft collections in the United States: Planes of Fame Air Museum and Yanks Air Museum. Both are aviation-lover magnets, but each offers a distinct experience that makes visiting both totally worth your time.
Planes of Fame Air Museum: Where Warbirds Still Fly
Founded in 1957, Planes of Fame Air Museum has grown into one of the most respected and active aviation museums in the country. Its mission is to preserve aviation history, inspire the next generation of flyers, educate visitors, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans — and it does all that literally with aircraft that still fly.
Located in seven hangars on a 14-acre campus at Chino Airport, the collection spans more than a century of flight. From early Wright Brothers-era flying machines to Korean War jets and rare World War II aircraft, you’ll find history in both static displays and living, breathing warbirds. Here is a brief video from the museum.
Important Aircraft at Planes of Fame
- Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress – One of the most iconic heavy bombers of World War II, and visitors can explore the interior to understand what life was like for the crews who served aboard these giants.
- Lockheed P-38J Lightning – The museum’s P-38 is one of only a few still flying, representing the distinctive twin-boom American fighter that served across the Pacific.
- Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero – A genuine Japanese Zero fighter restored to flight — rare and historically significant.
- A wide array of warbirds, liaison aircraft, and vintage flyers spanning World War I through the jet age.
But Planes of Fame isn’t just about static exhibits. Many aircraft take to the skies on weekends or during special events, letting you see and hear history fly. Their annual airshow is a standout, drawing warbirds from across the country and featuring flight demonstrations, veteran panel discussions, and immersive living-history displays.
Yanks Air Museum: America’s Aircraft in one place
Just a short drive from Planes of Fame sits the Yanks Air Museum, a must-see for anyone captivated by American aviation heritage. With one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of U.S. aircraft in the world, Yanks celebrates everything from early flight to modern military jets. Here is a brief video from the museum.
Yanks welcomes visitors into beautifully maintained hangars filled with more than 190 aircraft, many painstakingly restored to original factory specifications and often to flying condition. You can also watch restoration in progress in their supervised boneyard hangars, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how aviation history is brought back to life.
Key Aircraft highlights at Yanks
- F-15A Eagle & F-16 Fighting Falcon – Two of America’s most iconic fighters from the Jet Age.
- P-40 Warhawk – The rugged World War II fighter that flew with legendary units like the Flying Tigers.
- Douglas SBD Dauntless – A dive bomber that was key to U.S. Navy successes in the Pacific (often featured in exhibits).
- Vintage classics and rare aircraft — the collection spans eras and roles, making it easy to trace the evolution of aviation.
Visitors love the immersive feel here: polished aluminum gleams under hangar lights, volunteers work on restoration projects in view, and knowledgeable staff and docents share stories that bring these machines to life.
Visitor Tips: Before you go
- Plan to spend at least half a day or more if you want to explore both museums — there’s a lot to see.
- Check museum opening hours before you visit: Planes of Fame typically runs Wednesday through Sunday, while Yanks is open Tuesday through Saturday.
- Both museums offer special events, talks, and airshows; a weekend visit often delivers the richest experience.
Whether you’re a lifelong aviation buff or just curious about the machines that changed history, Chino’s aviation museums are a must-visit destination on any road trip in Southern California. From rare warbirds in the sky to meticulously restored classics on the ground, these museums make the history of flight feel close enough to touch. If you enjoy this content, see more at RRJ and on YouTube.
