Airlines’ museum lets its visitors fly

FORT WORTH — I just flew an airplane. Sort of, and not very well. But for a few moments, my pulse quickened as I sat in a flight simulator in the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, attempting not to stall out and crash.

It’s just one of the attractions at this museum on American Airlines property just south of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in what feels like northern Arlington, but actually lies within the octopus-like boundaries of Fort Worth. Despite the overriding AA-aura, it’s really about the history and experience of flying and a great way to kill an hour or so if you’re around the airport and at loose ends.

We were greeted by a helpful docent who directed us into a theater for a 15-minute film. Do not skip the film. Yes, it’s mostly American Airlines public relations, but you’ll also learn some intriguing facts: for example, the airline changes out its plane’s engines every 8,000 flying hours, and that during the early days of commercial flying, weather reports were gleaned by calling up farmers along the route.

Besides, you get to watch the film sitting in a first-class airline seat, complete with seat belt.

The rest of the museum contains exhibits about the history of commercial aviation, especially American, and how planes are maintained and flown. I learned that in the ’30s, airplane seats were wicker. It must have felt a bit like sitting on the front porch,but with turbulence. Old flight attendant uniforms are on display, and the ones from the screwy ’70s are a hoot. An actual engine, cockpit and other plane parts are mounted for public inspection, and there’s an entire Douglas DC-3 that you can mosey around inside.

Then there’s the flight simulator, a chance for anybody to attempt to fly an airplane. The simulator has two seats. In one, you’ll find an experienced pilot - in my case a guy who’d flown for the Navy and the late, great Braniff International Airways.

“First thing we have to do is find a plane you can fly,” he said. “This is a Learjet, and I don’t think you fly that. Let’s find you something you can fly.” Good luck with that, I thought. He settled on a twin engine Cessna, which I kept accidentally flying upside down and way too slowly. I left with confirmation that my proper place on an airplane is squished into my seat in coach.

These exhibits are designed for adults but contain sufficient interactive features to engage children. Also, there’s often a special interactive children’s exhibit. A good one about weather was there during my visit, but will be gone by the time you read this.

C.R. Smith, by the way, was a long-serving CEO of American Airlines, starting in 1934, and was highly influential in the development of commercial flying.

For more information, call (817) 967-1560 or visit crsmithmuseum.org.