Museums
Many of the aircraft that operated at Antilles Air Boats had a rich history before, during and after flying the Caribbean skies.
I am glad that many of those aircraft were recognized as worthy to preserve that history and place them in museums. There are various pages on the AAB website that tells the story of these aircraft but the MUSEUM page will focus on specific displays.
This website and subsequent Facebook page is categorized as a History Museum. This designation is compatible with the premise of museum definition of displaying objects of historical importance for public education, enjoyment and research.
Check out the various museums presented below​
- Hartford, Connecticut
The Sikorsky VS-44 / N41881 is probably the most significant aircraft display anywhere. The early flying boats, Boeing 314, Martin 130 and the Sikorsky S-42 were all lost. They never survived to help tell their story. The VS-44 /N41881 had such an incredible flying history.​
The remarkable tale persisted even after the aircraft ceased flying, as the original Sikorsky team members returned to assist in her restoration
If only these bulkheads could share their stories.
A grand display!
The Short Brothers of Belfast, Ireland started developing their first aircraft in 1908. Years later, in 1938 they started manufacturing the Sunderland which they built a total of 749, primarily for the military. As WWII was winding down they provided a civilian conversion known as the Sandringham.
British Overseas Airways, Qantas, TEAL and Ansett Flying Boats Service operated this long range flying boat for many years.​
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-Southampton, UK
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After its limited service in the Caribbean and UK / Ireland from 1974 to 1981 with Antilles Air Boats as "Southern Cross" it made its last Atlantic crossing to its final stop at the Solent Sky Museum as "Beachcomber". The name used during its longest schedule service with Ansett Flying Boat Service.
-photo credit Bill Wordsworth
-Polk, Florida
Charlie Blair's "Excalibur VIII" previously operated with Ansett Flying Boat Service before joining AAB from 1974 to 1981.
In 1981, it also made a transatlantic journey to the UK before being brought back to the U.S. by Kermit Weeks.in1993.for
Fantasy of Flight
Read more about the last flying boat to fly.
Anthony Gagliani visits "Ecambian VIII"
Foynes played a pivotal role in establishing commercial transatlantic passenger flights back in the 1930's and 1940's. Charlie Blair flew the last scheduled flight through Foynes in the 1940's but returned with "Southern Cross" in 1976. After Blair's death in 1978, Maureen took on a major role in preserving Foynes history.
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Read more about this little museum with a big story.
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Foynes, Ireland
VS-44 / NC41881/ NC41882 >
Chantilly, VA
In 1951, Charles F. Blair Jr. flew "Excalibur III" in a historical flight from Norway over the North Pole to Alaska in just over ten hours.
President Harry Truman awarded Blair the Harmon Trophy.​
The infamous P-51 made its way to takes its place in history.
Read more about the pilot, airplane and how it made it to the museum.
Charlie Freehling visits NASM in 1983 before Charlie Blair's P-51 Mustang was moved and took flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Many of the aircraft that operated at Antilles Air Boats had a rich history before, during and after flying the Caribbean skies.
I am glad that many of those aircraft were recognized as worthy to preserve that history and place them in museum, enjoyment and research. Click on the photo to see the additional museums featuring amphibians.
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Grumman Goose
Grumman Mallard
Grumman Albatross
Consolidated PBY Catalina
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Martin Mars
The Spruce Goose
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Support
your air museums!
The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande, St Thomas showcases a
1/2 replica of an Antilles Air Boats Goose that was built at the marina in 2020. The photo includes Anthony Gagliano who was in St. Thomas visiting family. Anthony has been a regular contributor to the AAB website.
