Category: Aviation

Classic Rotors Museum: Where Helicopter History Still Flies

A Passion That Took Flight

The museum began in 1992, not as a large institution, but as a personal passion project. Founder Mark DiCiero built his own helicopter and learned to fly it—an experience that sparked a lifelong fascination with rotorcraft.

What started with one aircraft quickly grew. As DiCiero began collecting and restoring helicopters, a vision took shape: preserve these machines not just as artifacts, but as working pieces of history.

Hours of operation at Classic Rotors:

 Tuesday & Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Mon, Wed & Thur by Appointment

Classic Rotors Helicopter Museum in Ramona, California, is one of only a few museums worldwide dedicated solely to the preservation of rare and vintage rotorcraft. Located at the Ramona Airport, it features a collection of over 40 aircraft, including unique prototypes and experimental designs.

Building a “Living” Museum

From its earliest days, the Classic Rotors Museum took a different approach. Rather than focusing solely on static displays, the museum became a working collection:

  • Aircraft are restored to flight-ready condition
  • Volunteers handle everything from maintenance to tours
  • Demonstrations bring helicopters back into the sky

This philosophy has turned the museum into one of the few places in the world where you can see vintage rotorcraft not just up close—but in motion.

A Rare Focus on Rotorcraft

While many aviation museums feature helicopters as part of a broader collection, Classic Rotors is dedicated almost entirely to them. Its growing collection includes:

  • Military helicopters from past conflicts
  • Experimental and early rotorcraft designs
  • Rare models that are difficult to find anywhere else

Each aircraft tells part of the story of vertical flight—from its early innovations to its role in modern aviation.

Powered by Volunteers

One of the most remarkable aspects of the museum is how it operates. It remains a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, sustained by people who are passionate about aviation history.

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McCulloch J-2 AutoGyro - 1974

The 2026 Yuma Airshow just wrapped up its 60th-anniversary celebration

The 2026 Yuma Airshow just wrapped up its 60th-anniversary celebration, and if you weren’t at MCAS Yuma this past Saturday, you missed a masterclass in horsepower and heritage.

As the official kickoff for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ 2026 season, the energy was electric. From the smell of JP-8 fuel to the chest-thumping roar of the afterburners, here’s the breakdown of why this year’s show was one for the history books.

1. The Blue Angels Strike First

There is nothing quite like the sight of six F/A-18 Super Hornets screaming over the Arizona desert in a diamond formation. Being the season opener, the Blues were razor-sharp. Their maneuvers—from the high-speed passes that sneak up on you to the graceful “Fleur-de-Lis”—proved exactly why they remain the gold standard of aerial demonstration.

2. A Local Powerhouse: The F-35B Lightning II

 Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) put the Lightning II through its paces is a different beast. Seeing a stealth jet hover mid-air and then transition into a vertical landing never gets old. It’s a loud, proud reminder of the cutting-edge tech based right in our backyard.

3. Shockwave and Spectacle

It wasn’t just about the jets. The Shockwave Jet Truck literally melted the tarmac, hitting speeds that seem to defy physics while racing planes down the runway. Combined with the “Wall of Fire” pyrotechnics, the heat from the explosions was felt all the way back in the grandstands.

4. Heritage in the Air

The show did a fantastic job honoring the past 60 years. Seeing vintage warbirds flying alongside modern fighters provided a moving “Heritage Flight” that connected the dots between the propeller-driven legends of WWII and the supersonic titans of today.

The Takeaway

The Yuma Airshow remains one of the best free community events in the Southwest. It’s a day where the gates of the base swing open, the community connects with our service members, and everyone—from toddlers to veterans—spends the day looking up in awe.

Missed the action? Keep an eye on the official Yuma Airshow site for 2027 dates and performer announcements.

San Diego’s Kids Free October promotion

🗓️ Special Free / Discount Days & Programs in October

San Diego’s Kids Free October promotion offers free admission for children 12 and under at over 70 attractions throughout the county during the month of October 2025. This initiative, organized by the San Diego Tourism Authority, aims to provide families with affordable opportunities to explore the region’s diverse cultural and recreational offerings.

🐾 Major Attractions

🎨 Balboa Park Museums

Many museums in Balboa Park participate in the promotion:

  • San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat): Up to two kids (12 & under) per adult. 
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum: Kids free with adult.
  • San Diego Museum of Art: Free general admission on the 2nd Thursday (“Access for All Day”).
  • Museum of Us: Free admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residents. 
  • Comic-Con Museum: Free admission on select days.
  • Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Timken Museum of Art: Always free admission. 

🧪 Science & Discovery

  • Fleet Science Center: One free child per adult.
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Free admission on select days.
  • Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days. t

🌿 Gardens & Nature

  • San Diego Botanic Garden: Free admission on select days. 
  • Water Conservation Garden: Free admission on select days. 
  • Japanese Friendship Garden: Free admission on select days. 

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Sites

  • Cabrillo National Monument: Free admission on select days. 
  • Mission San Luis Rey: Free admission on select days. 
  • California Surf Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days. 

Please note that many of these attractions require advance registration or a coupon to redeem the free admission. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for each location before planning your visit.

These are “free days” or admission discounts that apply on specific days or under certain programs.

Museum / SiteFree / Discount OptionNotes / Conditions
San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway, New Children’s Museum, etc.Kids Free October – free admission for children 12 & under with a paid adultOver 60+ museums, attractions participate countywide for the month. San Diego+4San Diego Museum Council+4San Diego+4
Residents Free Days (Balboa Park museums, etc.)Rotating free admission days for San Diego City/County residents (with ID)Many Balboa Park museums participate in this program. San Diego Magazine+5Balboa Park+5Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups+5
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)Free on Residents Free Days(first Tuesday of each month)Films and special exhibits may cost extra. The Nat
The Museum of UsFree admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residentsMust show proof of residency. Museum of Us
San Diego Air & Space MuseumFree to San Diego County residents on 2nd Tuesday(Special exhibitions, theater, simulators might still require separate pay) San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)Free general admission on the 2nd Thursday (“Access for All Day”)Also free for county residents on the 3rd Tuesday. San Diego Museum of Art+2San Diego Museum of Art+2

Thunder in the Desert: Blue Angels Winter Training in El Centro

Winter Training at El Centro, CA

Thunder in the Desert: Blue Angels Winter Training in El Centro

Every winter, the quiet desert town of El Centro, California, transforms into a hub of high-octane excitement as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take to the skies for their winter training sessions. This annual event, held at Naval Air Facility El Centro, offers aviation enthusiasts and the public a unique opportunity to witness the precision and power of these iconic pilots.

For those unfamiliar, El Centro serves as the Blue Angels’ winter home, where they hone their skills and perfect their breathtaking aerial maneuvers before the official air show season begins. The clear, dry desert air and wide-open spaces provide ideal conditions for training.

What to Expect During Winter Training:

  • Daily Practices: From January to March, the Blue Angels typically conduct daily practice sessions, weather permitting. These sessions showcase the team’s signature formations, including the diamond, delta, and opposing solos. The morning session starts at 8am and the afternoon session starts at 1pm. Times subject to change without notice.
  • Awe-Inspiring Maneuvers: Witness the sheer precision and skill of the pilots as they execute complex maneuvers with incredible synchronization. The roar of the F/A-18 Super Hornets is an experience in itself!
  • Free Admission: While the exact schedule and viewing areas can vary, the practices are generally open to the public, offering a fantastic and free opportunity to see the Blue Angels in action.
  • A Unique Atmosphere: El Centro’s friendly, small-town vibe adds to the experience. You’ll find locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the practices, creating a sense of community and shared excitement.

Why It’s Worth the Trip:

Seeing the Blue Angels in their training environment offers a different perspective than a typical air show. You get to witness the raw skill and dedication that goes into their performances. The relative informality and the desert backdrop make it a unique and memorable experience.

If you’re a fan of aviation, or simply looking for a thrilling winter outing, a trip to El Centro during the Blue Angels’ training season is a must-do. Remember to check the official Blue Angels and NAF El Centro websites for the latest schedules and viewing information before you go. And bring your earplugs!