I was invited to the tweet-up preview of the Full Fuselage Trainer exhibit that will be opening at the Museum of Flight Saturday (Tomorrow!) at 11. I just wanted to share a few of the highlights and pictures from that, and basically go into commercial mode for one of my favorite places on earth for a few moments:
First off, the FFT is very, very cool. While it’s not an orbiter, it is a full-scale mock up, so you get to see the true size of one. The biggest advantage of it not being an orbiter is that you actually get to go inside it- at least, the cargo bay, with a chance to go inside the (very cramped) crew compartment.
There was a very excellent panel, with the curator, exhibit designer and several of those instrumental to bringing the FFT here and it was great to hear them talk about their experiences and connection to the trainer. Probably the thing that was mentioned most was the affect this exhibit will have on the next generation. As I’ve said many times, this is an exciting time for space exploration- it was in a serious lull for years (decades, really), but now, while the shuttle (and FFT) are historical artifacts, the next step has been taken- namely, space flight moving into the private sector. It will be fun to watch, and as space tourism grows, be a part of.
Speaking as one who has been going to the Museum of Flight for literally as long as I can remember, I am excited to see the looks on kids faces as they see this. It’s been amazing to see the addition of the new wings- the Personal Courage wing, housing the WWI and WWII collections, and now the airpark and space gallery- and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
It’s also cool (after volunteering and working there) to be on the other side of these events. I almost started to help clean up.
So, if you’re in the Seattle area, keep your Saturday free- or at least plane on visiting soon!
Speaking of being inspired, a brief 3024AD update- I continue to move towards an end of the month release. I am actually adding in a new story line into the collection, which I am going to keep super secret for now, but I am very excited about, and will actually continue on to the second series of shorts. I will give more updates once there is a final date.
-DESR
deanfortythree 