Grumman HU-16-RD “Albatross”
The Albatross also was used as a passenger airliner serving island destinations in the Pacific and elsewhere. Its deep-V hull cross section enabled it to land in the open sea. It was designed for 4-foot seas but could land in more severe conditions while taking off in 8-10 foot seas using jet-assisted take off (JATO).
This particular Albatross, N44RD, saw adventure in 1997 as a filming platform and safety aircraft in support of a globe-circling expedition recreating the final flight of Amelia Earhart.
Flown by local Bay Area aviators Andy Macfie and Reid W. Dennis, this aircraft became the first Grumman Albatross ever to fly a single purpose mission that circumnavigated the entire world.
Today’s Schedule 10-5
The Hiller Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Upcoming Events
Today’s Schedule 10-7
Starlight Nights
Fall and winter evenings come alive at the Hiller Aviation Museum’s Starlight Nights! With Starlab sky shows available inside and, weather permitting, telescopic observations of the Moon and planets of our solar system available outside.
Maddux-Airlines
The story of airline pioneer Jack Maddux. Granddaughter Ryann Willis inherited never-before-seen photographs, articles, and an extensive array of newspaper clippings.