Aviation history enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the first opportunity to see the Museum’s Me 262 (reproduction) since its return to flight a few weeks ago. Now is the time – the jet’s first public appearance has been scheduled for May 10, 2025.
In addition to the Roll-Out, the event will feature an opportunity to get up close and personal with the aircraft, to take photos, and to see the aircraft in flight. 
This event is being hosted at the Chesapeake Regional Airport (2800 Airport Dr. Chesapeake VA 23323)
. Because the aircraft does not land at, or operate from the Military Aviation Museum grounds, this will be one of the only chances to see this airplane on the ground at a Museum event this year, and we hope you all will be excited to join us.
Your 262 Event Ticket grants you all-day access to the Museum on May 10th, 2025. This event is FREE for Military Aviation Museum Members with pre-registration.
About the Museum’s Me 262
The first operational jet fighter in history was the Messerschmitt Me 262. With around 1,430 built during World War II, only a handful of original aircraft remain today, and none are in flying condition. It was an appreciation for the technological milestone that the aircraft represented, that led to the reproduction of 5 examples of the aircraft in 1990s and early 2000s. Due to the accuracy in their reproduction, these aircraft were permitted to hold serial numbers sequential to the originals produced during the war.
A shortcoming of the original were its Jumo 004B engines. Germany did not have access to the materials necessary to build the compressor blades inside the engine to withstand the temperatures to which they were regularly subjected, and this created a serious Achilles heel for the aircraft. Careful pilots might be able to get up to about 25 hours out of an engine, but that is a limitation that obviously had to be overcome in the reproduction. The Museum’s example therefor uses General Electric CJ610 jet engines, concealed inside detailed reproductions of the original engine shells and nacelles.
During the war, the Me 262 would be credited with shooting down 542 Allied aircraft. Despite a sluggish throttle response (common to all early jets) the aircraft was faster, and carried heavier armament, than the allied fighters which were arrayed against it. The initial shock of seeing an airplane flying through the air without a propeller, was quickly overcome by experienced allied pilots, who worked out that attacking the jets on landing, or in a tight maneuvering fight, was the best way to overcome them.
Guests will be wristbanded on the way in to the event:
10:00am – Gates Open
Guests will be welcomed onto the ramp, to get in position for the roll-out of the aircraft. 
Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs, 
cameras and tripods are welcome. It will not be possible to setup tents or sun shades. 
Guests are encouraged to bring a lunch or snacks in soft sided coolers, along with hearing protection of their choice.
10:30am – Roll-Out
The Me 262 will be rolled out on to the ramp, in a scene reminiscent of well known pictures from WWII, it will be towed by the Museum’s 
Sd.KFz. 2 Kettenkrad
. Once it is positioned on the ramp, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to take photos of the aircraft.
Also available during this time will be the 
cutaway Jumo 004
, and the 
cutaway GE IA
, so that guests can engage with volunteers about the dawn of Jet Technology during WWII.
Additionally, the Museum Store will be available inside the hangar, during this period.
11:00am – Pilot Interview
Museum Chief Pilot Mike Spalding will be interviewed about what it is like to fly the aircraft, what the crowd can look out for during the demonstration, and what it took for him to prepare to fly the aircraft. Mike will also answer a few questions about some of what needed to be done to the aircraft to get it ready for more routine operations.
11:30am – Aircraft Pre-Flight Begins (Sterile Ramp)
Ramp will be cleared by volunteers, and the guests will be asked to step into the hangar, for engine start up.
12:00pm – Aircraft Flight Demonstration Begins
Guests will be invited to view the flight of the aircraft from the viewing area behind the terminal. Once the aircraft is clear, some may watch from the ramp in front of the hangar, with a volunteer supervising. Other volunteers will help guide people to the “back porch” at the terminal to watch.
12:30pm – Aircraft Flight Demonstration Concludes
Airplane returns to the hangar, where it shuts down. Guests will be kept at a distance until the aircraft has cooled down, but permitted to approach the aircraft once again, and to ask questions of the pilot.
Gift Shop remains open until the last guests depart, or until all merchandise items related to the 262 are sold out.
Approx 1:00pm – Aircraft Departs Chesapeake
Guest Checklist
- Ear Plugs
- Folding Chair
- Sun Screen
- Camera
- Snacks / Drinks (no alcohol)
VIP Access Ticket - Stormbird Supporter
$100 ($75 for Museum Members)
Early access at 9:00am
Limited Tickets Available
- Access to the airplane inside the hangar for photos without the crowd.
- A pre-flight walk around with the Chief Pilot, looking at different aircraft systems.
- An opportunity to view inside the cockpit.
Information Source: Military Aviation Museum | eventbrite

Lawrence County

United States

Chesapeake

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Me 262 Stormbird Roll-Out and Flight Event | Chesapeake Regional Airport: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Time:	May 10, 2025 (UTC-4) ENDED
Location:	Chesapeake Regional Airport

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