Waco Air Museum | Troy

The WACO Air Museum, located in Troy, Ohio, is a remarkable institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the WACO Aircraft Company and its significant contributions to both civil and military aviation in the 20th century. The museum is part of the WACO Learning Center and stands on historic ground—near the original site of the WACO Aircraft Company, which once made Troy a hub of aviation innovation.

Historical Background

WACO, an acronym originally for Weaver Aircraft Company of Ohio, was founded in 1921 and moved its operations to Troy in 1923. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, WACO was the leading manufacturer of civil aircraft in the United States. The company became known for producing reliable, stylish, and advanced biplanes that were favored by private pilots, flight schools, barnstormers, and even the military.

During World War II, WACO played a vital role in the war effort by designing and manufacturing the CG-4A military glider—a large, unpowered aircraft used to silently deliver troops, equipment, and supplies behind enemy lines. Over 13,000 of these gliders were built, and they were instrumental in several major operations, including the Normandy Invasion (D-Day) and Operation Market Garden.

The museum pays tribute to this legacy, preserving the memory of a company that shaped the course of aviation history in America.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The WACO Air Museum is spread across two large hangars filled with vintage aircraft, memorabilia, interpretive displays, and historical reconstructions. The layout is thoughtfully arranged to guide visitors through the chronological and thematic history of the company and its products.

Aircraft Exhibits

The museum features a wide collection of original and replica WACO aircraft, including:

1927 WACO 9 “Miss McKeesport” – One of the early commercial biplanes.

1934 WACO UMF-5 – A popular trainer and sport aircraft.

1936 WACO YKS-6 Cabin Biplane – Known for its enclosed cabin and passenger comfort.

WACO RPT prototype – A one-of-a-kind trainer prototype.

CG-4A Military Glider (full-size replica) – Highlighted in its own theater exhibit, this glider model helps visitors understand the strategic importance of glider operations in WWII.

1919 Cootie (replica) – A lightweight, experimental aircraft reflecting early aviation innovation.

Each aircraft is presented with in-depth signage and, in many cases, video or multimedia displays that explain their usage, construction, and place in aviation history.

The Glider Theater

The CG-4A Glider Theater, located within a reconstructed glider body, provides an immersive multimedia experience. Visitors sit inside a replica glider while watching original wartime footage and interviews with veterans, offering a sense of the conditions faced by troops flying in these unpowered aircraft into hostile territory.

Workshop and Factory Display

An exhibit simulating the WACO factory floor gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like for workers building aircraft during the company's heyday. It features original tools, blueprints, uniforms, and workbenches, carefully recreated from historical records and photographs.

Additional Displays

Flight simulator for children and adults to experience the basics of biplane controls.

WACO Women Exhibit, recognizing the role women played in the workforce and company operations during wartime.

Propeller and Engine Display, including Hartzell propellers and vintage radial engines.

Brukmobile, the refueling truck that served as a vital part of aircraft maintenance operations.

Educational and Community Programs

The WACO Air Museum is not only a historical archive but also a forward-looking educational center.

STEM Education

Offers aerospace and aviation-themed STEM programs for elementary to high school students.

Hosts robotics clubs, drone piloting programs, and flight simulations to teach science and engineering principles.

The Aviation Cadet Program gives teenagers hands-on experience with aviation mechanics and piloting.

Events and Activities

Annual WACO Fly-In: Held every September, this event attracts vintage aircraft from around the country, with opportunities for visitors to see and sometimes fly in historic planes.

Swing Dance and 1940s Dinners: Themed evenings with period music and dress to recreate the cultural ambiance of the WWII era.

Living History Presentations: Includes reenactments, veteran talks, and aircraft restoration demonstrations.

Visitor Amenities and Experience

Location:
WACO Air Museum
1865 South County Road 25A, Troy, Ohio 45373

Hours of Operation:

Summer (April–October):

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sat, Sun: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed Wednesdays

Winter (November–March):

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sat, Sun: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Admission Fees:

Adults: $8

Seniors/Military: $6

Students: $4

Children under 4: Free

Biplane Rides

In the warmer months, the museum offers open-cockpit biplane rides in vintage aircraft, allowing visitors to experience aviation from a bygone era with sweeping views of the Miami Valley. Advance reservations are recommended due to popularity.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and seating areas are available throughout. Gift shop and restrooms are located on-site.

Conclusion

The WACO Air Museum is a rich blend of aviation history, educational outreach, and hands-on engagement, making it one of the premier historical attractions in western Ohio. Whether exploring the intricate engineering of early aircraft, sitting in a replica glider, or taking to the skies in a biplane ride, visitors are immersed in the sights, sounds, and stories of a pioneering American aviation company that once led the world from the small city of Troy.