Georgia Magazine - February 2024 - 29

Those who wish to take home a little piece of aviation history can
check out the museum's monthly surplus sale. The proceeds from the
sales support the Delta Flight Museum.
Hangar 2 and the jet age
As visitors enter the Jet Age section of the museum in
Hangar 2, they encounter the Spirit of Delta, a Boeing 767. Delta
employees purchased the plane in 1982 during a challenging
economic time for the airline. The project was the brainchild
of three flight attendants, who led the campaign to raise
$30 million to purchase the cutting-edge plane for their
employer to fly.
After 23 years of service, the Spirit of Delta retired to the
museum in 2006. On board the Spirit of Delta, visitors will find
vintage flight attendant uniforms and stories from those who
cared for the passengers.
One that stands out is a special uniform worn by Alice
Ramsey, a breast cancer survivor. Ramsey worked with the Delta
uniform designer to create a pink uniform, which the airline
allowed her to wear in 2007. Since 2007, Delta employees have
raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research.
The museum's exhibits showcase the airline's pioneering
spirit, highlighting breakthroughs such as the first airline
computer reservation system and cutting-edge aircraft like
the Boeing 747. Visitors can explore the evolution of in-flight
entertainment, from the humble headphone jack to state-ofthe-art
seatback screens.
The Boeing 747-400 Queen of the Skies (Ship 6301) logged
more than 61 million miles during its service time from 1988
to 2015. The aircraft was moved to the Delta Flight Museum in
April 2016. It opened for exhibition in March 2017.
Onboard the 747, visitors can view the cockpit, sit in a
Delta One first-class seat, walk out on the aircraft wing and
learn more about the plane's history and role at Delta Air Lines.
Interactive experience
The Delta Flight Museum is not just a place to observe
history; it's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in
aviation. The museum's Boeing 737-200 flight simulator
provides an exhilarating experience for those who dream of
taking control of an aircraft.
Visitors can make an advance reservation to experience
this interactive adventure, which is available for an additional
fee. The full-motion simulator is the only one in the country that
is open to the public.
The museum also offers a scavenger hunt to encourage
further exploration of its exhibits and has a phone app that
brings the exhibits to life through augmented reality. Special
events and educational programs give visitors a deeper dive into
aviation and the airline's history.
On Feb. 24, the museum will hold its Hops in the Hangar
fundraiser; guests age 21 and older can sample craft beers from
around the world.
The Delta Flight Museum also is supported financially
through the monthly surplus sale. On the second Friday of every
month, the museum gives visitors the chance to buy pieces of
Delta history, including vintage airline memorabilia, aircraft
seats and service carts.
Judy Bean, the surplus sales coordinator, has been with
Delta for 50 years-35 as a plane scheduler and 15 with the
museum.
" I love [the surplus sales], and I have a great team of
volunteers. I couldn't do it without them, " she says.
By preserving the airline's rich history, the Delta Flight
Museum ensures that Delta's legacy continues to soar.
Charlene Scott is a freelance writer based in Mobile, Ala.
When you go
Delta Flight Museum, 1060 Delta Blvd., Atlanta. (404) 715-7886;
deltamuseum.org
The entrance to the museum is located off Woolman Place.
Helpful tip: In Google Maps or your GPS, type in " 1220 Woolman
Place " as your destination. Parking is free.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays
through Tuesdays. (It's closed on Wednesdays.) The museum
hosts many events that can affect the hours it is open, so be sure
to check the website before visiting.
www.georgiamagazine.org
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Georgia Magazine - February 2024

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