Established in 1993, the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in West Chester puts history first. Since opening in 1996, the museum has helped preserve and restore countless historical helicopters. Today, students can take part in STEM-related opportunities or engage with the continuously growing collection of flight technology.
Take a walk through the museum’s interactive exhibits, and students might find a Sikorsky UH-34D, a Boeing CH-46E Sea Knight, a McCulloch J-2 Gyroplane, and more. Join an educational helicopter ride and soar above the land while learning about the roots of aircraft engineering. Join a special student program and get hands-on with science like the professionals. The opportunities are endless!
Visit the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center for a fun-filled deep dive into aircraft carrier education. Explore the long history of helicopters through the museum’s collection of preserved exhibits, artifacts, and documents.
Opportunities to Explore
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center offers specialized programs for students by appointment. Here are some highlights to look out for.
• Helicopter Hunt: For younger groups (Pre-K-2nd grade), this interactive experience allows students the freedom to discover. Take part in a helicopter hunt that includes visual and hands-on activities like discovering what makes a helicopter fly, learning about aircraft parts, and seeking out aircraft in the gallery.
• Forces of Flight: Forces of Flight is tailored to 1st-6th grade students curious about the backend work of helicopter flight. A deeply educational opportunity, this one-hour program features thrilling demonstrations of physics in action and teaches students the fundamentals of air pressure, action, and reaction.
• Helicopter Ground School: Middle school and high school history buffs will be thrilled to know that The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center offers a helicopter history 101 with the Helicopter Ground School. Students can discover the long history of Delaware Valley helicopter development with guidance from a professional program leader. Learn all about the mechanics, controls, and concepts that make the helicopter function!
• High School and College Programs: Learning opportunities extend to all ages. Older students can take part in a vertical flight program also available to adults. Learn about early rotary wing flight pioneers compared to present-day manufacturers. Engage in a guided tour of the museum while learning about industry careers and pilot training.
• Workshops: For longer experiences, the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center offers a series of summer programs and workshops for curious students. These exciting programs include spy science, engineering opportunities, drone learning, and even a program specifically for girls in aviation!
• Aircraft on Display: With over 40 different helicopters and aircraft carriers on display, the experience guarantees a wide variety of sights. Highlights include the AeroVelo Atlas, the first human-powered helicopter; a Bell 204 TH-1L Huey used for rescues in the Navy; the Bensen B-8M Gyrocopter, the first lightweight home-built rotorcraft; and more.
Group educational programs are available by appointment and last between 45 minutes and one hour. School groups should consist of 10-50 participants for $12 per person. The museum offers a Fund-A-Field-Trip waiver program that waives the student admission fee for schools with at least 50% of students qualified to receive free or reduced-price meals. Admissions for this program also depend on funding availability.
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center’s exhibits await students eager to explore. To book a field trip, complete this form today.
