Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum

Kids love airplanes regardless of their genders. Arriana would often waved goodbye when she see it up in the sky. Every Sunday, we visit Mamun and Tangkad at The Heritage Park. We thought it is nice if the kids can see an actual one (not the usual PAL or Cebu Pacific planes cause they’ve been on one already) The only place where you can actually see and enter an airplane / helicopter is at the Aerospace Museum.

The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum is located at the PAF Headquarters at Villamor Air Base. This one is beside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. It is formerly named Nichols Field, named after Captain Henry E. Nichols, a US Navy commander who served during the Philippine-American War. Then it was renamed after Jesus Villamor, one of the most prominent pilots in Philippine aviation history who served during World War II fighting the Japanese forces.

Upon entering the indoor museum, big planes will welcome you already. We were asked to pay P20 for JB, myself, Addy (9) and Arriana (2) Amanda is free since she’s an infant. No receipt or ticket but I did not mind. As they say, “Saan makakarating ang bente pesos mo?” This is by far the best P20 expense. The place is air conditioned and well maintained.

The museum is dedicated to the glorious history of the Philippine Air Force. Take note that these are the actual ones and not replicas.

There is a display of miniature airplanes and airport on the second floor, which is a hit with the toddlers. You can also see the antique telephones, cameras, and other stuff used during World War 2. Their different uniforms are showcased as well.

After roaming the indoor museum, you may proceed to the outdoor display of commercial planes, air force planes, and helicopters. It is like an outdoor playground with real planes and helicopters where kids can climb inside and look around. For children, it can be a special treat to be in actual planes and helicopters used in air defense during WWII.

The UH-16 Albatross was designed to take off and land at sea to rescue downed pilots. Its V shaped hull helped the aircraft to land in rough sea conditions. UH-16 Albatross is a utility amphibian plane.  It can take off and land in both land and water.  It’s perfect for water rescue operations.

Look how happy we all are while Amanda is sleeping soundly in her stroller.

The Douglas C-47 Transport or also known as the Gooney Bird, is the most famous commercial transport plane in the world. This model was actually one of the first postwar aircraft delivered to the Philippines, from the US, after its use as military aid. It was also used for rain making and rain suppression operations. It served well in the Air Force as a transport aircraft, a fighting aircraft and for weather reconnaisance operations. 

Please don’t forget to bring hat, sunglass, sunblock and umbrella! We were there at 2pm and it was very hot! Addy had a class in the morning so the only way to go there on a weekend was after his class.

NAMC YS-11A VIP transport is considered as the Air Force One of the Philippines during the Marcos era. Before you can actually go inside but not anymore. This was used mainly for transporting the President and first family, which means Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos used to get around in it.

The Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, also known as the Huey, was acquired from the US; it was used for front-line casualty evacuation and deployment of troops during the Vietnam War. The first models, as well as updated models, are currently in use by the PAF and the US air force. It is the only helicopter where you can actually go in to check out. The Huey is perfect for troop transport and extraction and casualty evacuation.

Is it obvious that this helicopter is our favorite? Look at Arriana, “feel na feel”

There is a small store where you can buy some snacks and drinks. If you get lucky, the sorbetero cart might be there and you can buy the all-time favorite — dirty ice cream for a minimum of P20. Bring extra shirts because the museum is not air-conditioned, or you can opt to buy a souvenir shirt that they sell there.

Since the museum is near the airport, watch out for the planes flying in and out of NAIA. For a better vantage point, drop by Heritage Memorial Park at around 5pm. You’ll see the airplanes landing one after another.

What to bring:

1. Sunblock

2. Hat

3. Sunglasses

4. Extra T-shirt

5. Water bottle though you can snacks and drinks there

6. Camera to capture your child’s happiness and for memorabilia purposes

7. Happy face and child like heart

VISIT THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE AEROSPACE MUSEUM

LOCATION: Located at the Philippine Air Force Headquarters at Villamor Air Base, Manila. It’s beside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3, a.k.a. NAIA 3

OPERATING HOURS: 8AM TO 5PM, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS. 8AM TO 12 NOON EVERY SATURDAYS

FEES: P20 DONATION, COMPLIMENTARY FOR AIRFORCE FAMILY MEMBER

PARKING: FREE

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