Harry Combs Civil Aviation Gallery: Stories From Colorado Skies | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Explore Colorado’s Aviation Legacy

Did you know that Harry Combs designed, built and flew his own airplane at the age of 16? That the University of Colorado used an F-101 fighter jet to “explore” thunderstorms? Or that Flight For Life Colorado was the nation’s first air ambulance service?

This exciting gallery presents six interesting and inspiring exhibits and short videos drawn from Colorado’s civilian aviation history. National and international history-makers from Colorado are showcased alongside pioneers from aviation’s earliest days. The exhibit modules are replaced periodically by new ones, but the three-minute videos on current and previous topics are always available on the interactive video menu.

A special thank you to Terry Combs for his generous financial support and to John Fielder for his donation of the feature photo.

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Monday	10am-5pm
Tuesday	10am-5pm
Wednesday	10am-5pm
Thursday	10am-5pm
Friday	10am-5pm
Saturday	10am-5pm
Sunday	10am-5pm

Address:
7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230

E: info@wingsmuseum.org

P: 303-360-5360

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Upcoming Events

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Monday Oct 12

2:00PM TO 6:00PM

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

College & Career Symposium: Aviation, Public Safety, and Engineering

Monday, Oct 12, 2026 | 2:00PM to 6:00PM

Join us for our 6th annual career symposium, where your future takes flight!

This unique educational event caters to all ages and individuals who are looking for university opportunities or jobs in aerospace. There are so many fields to explore, including engineering, flight schools, public safety, and more!

Learn about*:

Colorado colleges and their degrees
What flight training requires and the classes
Network with pilots, scientists, and businessmen
Participate in a workshop to advance your skills:
- A step-by-step “how-to” for college applications
- LinkedIn development
- Mock interviews
- Take a new headshot

The best part is, this event is completely FREE to all, so we can help you take the next steps towards achieving your dream!

Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Click here to sign up!

Register Here For Tickets

Food Truck: Ba-Nom-a-Nom

*Exhibitors and activities are subject to change. Food is not included in admission.

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Saturday Oct 17

10:00AM TO 2:00PM

Air & Space Museum

Hauntings in the Hangar

Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get ready for a spook–tacular fun time and show off your favorite costumes and characters!

Join us at our “haaauunteed” hangar and give your little ones the chance of a lifetime to trick-or-treat surrounded by unique aircraft. There are activities for all ages, so everyone is welcome!

Discover*:

Trick-or-treat for candy and prizes
Spooky science demos
Activities and crafts for everyone
A scavenger hunt taking you around our hangar
Open Cockpits
- Sonic Arrow Jet Car
- F-100D Super Sabre
- Skyote Biplane
- T-65 X-Wing
- Thunderbird F-16D
Have your face painted with fun Halloween-themed designs
Get a special balloon built just for you

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*Safety Reminder:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please note that weapons of any kind, including those that may be part of a costume, are strictly prohibited inside the museum. This includes items like:

Fake swords, knives, or guns
Pointed or sharp objects
Anything that could potentially be considered a weapon

We ask that you please leave such items at home or in your vehicle. Let’s keep this day fun and worry-free!

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Saturday Oct 24

10:00AM TO 4:30PM

Air & Space Museum

Scout Merit Badge Workshop

Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 | 10:00AM to 4:30PM

Earn your Aviation Merit Badge!

Join us as you learn about aerospace basics, pilot your course or flying adventure without ever leaving the ground, build a glider from a foam plate and experience the Wings Over the Rockies Flight Simulator Room. Our penguin class also includes a tour of the Air & Space Museum!

The cost of this experience is $25. Please bring a sack lunch. Adults can sit in if space is available and should not register for the class, but instead must pay the museum entry fee.

Register Here

Prerequisite: Please download and print the Merit Badge Worksheet and complete step 5 before class.

Please bring your worksheet and a pen to the class. Using resources on the back of the homework, consider three careers in aviation that excite you. Choose the one you are interested in and list the education, training and experience you need for the job!

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