Air & Space Museum

Lear Jet 24

Lear Jet 24

Bill Lear was an amazing inventor and engineer! Besides the Lear Jet, he also invented the first practical car radio, co-founded Motorola, developed a variety of aircraft radios and navigation equipment, and invented the 8-Track stereo cartridge system.

There were already a couple of business jets on the market when Lear decided to build one. He adapted some components from the design for a Swiss ground attack jet to create a relatively inexpensive business jet. The first Lear Jet (Model 23) was introduced in 1963. Lear Jet introduced this one (Model 24) in 1966. Although having a Lear Jet became THE status symbol for wealth and luxury, they are much more than toys for the rich and famous. For example, Many Lear Jets (including this one) were often used to transport patients with special medical needs for treatment in other cities, or to rush organs for transplant to recipients hundreds of miles away.

In 1967, on the advice of Denver’s Harry Combs, Charlie Gates bought the Lear Jet company, and soon Lear Jet became Gates LearJet. Harry Combs became president, and guided Gates LearJet for 12 years, overseeing the creation of larger, more capable LearJet models.

Our Lear Jet 24 was donated by Lynn Krogh of International Jet in 2006.

Aircraft specifications:
Wingspan: 35 ft 7 in (10.9 m)
Length: 43 ft 3 in (13.2 m)
Maximum speed: 545 mph (877 km/h)
Range: 1,700 miles (2,736 km)
Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Carries two pilots and 4-6 passengers

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Wednesday Jul 23
6:00PM TO 8:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night
Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025 | 6:00PM to 8:00PM

Full STEAM Ahead – Immerse Your Student into Aerospace!

Join us for an informational session to learn about Wings Aerospace Exploration (WAE), a hands-on enrichment program for students in grades 6-12 from the team at Wings Over the Rockies™. During this session, we will provide a program overview, introduce our staff and instructors, share stories from current and past students and answer your questions! This meeting will take place at the Air & Space Museum in Denver at 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230.

Register Here

Wings is thrilled to announce the expansion of the WAE pathway at our Exploration of Flight campus at Centennial Airport to include middle school classes! For this upcoming 2025/2026 school year, WAE Centennial will be open to middle school and high school students (grades 6-12).

WAE students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for future careers in aerospace. The program includes building and operating RC airplanes, drones and robotics, as well as coding, rocketry and LOTS of other aviation and space related subjects. Wings Aerospace Exploration is an enrichment program and complements but does not take the place of an accredited educational institution.

Questions? Please contact:
Nedra Hall – Program Coordinator, 303.360.5360 ext 125
WingsEducation@WingsMuseum.org

Thursday Jul 24
6:00PM TO 8:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent/Family Info Night
Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | 6:00PM to 8:00PM

Full STEAM Ahead – Immerse Your Student into Aerospace!

Join us for an informational session to learn about Wings Aerospace Exploration (WAE), a hands-on enrichment program for students in grades 6-12 from the team at Wings Over the Rockies™. During this session, we will provide a program overview, introduce our staff and instructors, share stories from current and past students and answer your questions! This meeting will take place at Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport (13005 Wings Way, Englewood, CO 80112). 

Register Here

Wings is thrilled to announce the expansion of the WAE pathway at our Exploration of Flight campus at Centennial Airport to include middle school classes! For this upcoming 2025/2026 school year, WAE Centennial will be open to middle school and high school students (grades 6-12).

WAE students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for future careers in aerospace. The program includes building and operating RC airplanes, drones and robotics, as well as coding, rocketry and LOTS of other aviation and space related subjects. Wings Aerospace Exploration is an enrichment program and complements but does not take the place of an accredited educational institution.

Questions? Please contact:
Nedra Hall – Program Coordinator, 303.360.5360 ext 125
WingsEducation@WingsMuseum.org

Saturday Jul 26
9:00AM TO 10:00AM
Air & Space Museum

Member Exclusive: Coffee and the Harrier

Member Exclusive: Coffee and the Harrier
Saturday, Jul 26, 2025 | 9:00AM to 10:00AM

Wings Over the Rockies™ is excited to invite our members to a special members-only hour, giving you the exclusive opportunity to view the Harrier up close before it opens to the public! Enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts while learning about the Harriers’ incredible history, design and capabilities during a special talk, followed by a live Q&A session with our Curator.

Register Here

Pre-registration is required for this event. We can’t wait to see you!

This event is available exclusively to Wings Over the Rockies members and their guests (qualifying membership levels only). Not a member? Become one today and join us!

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Warbird Jet - Wings Museum