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Frequently Asked Questions

Cavalcade of Wings

FAQs

What is the Cavalcade of Wings?

Cavalcade of Wings is an organization that manages the aviation history museum at the Albuquerque Sunport. The mission of Cavalcade of Wings is to document and display the aviation history of the Albuquerque Sunport, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the State of New Mexico.

Who runs the Cavalcade of Wings organization?

Cavalcade of Wings is managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, and eight at large Board members. There are also several Committees’ that assist in the care and maintenance of the aircraft model display at the Albuquerque Sunport.

Is Cavalcade of Wings a nonprofit?

Cavalcade of Wings was founded in 1965 but was incorporated as a section 501(3)(c) nonprofit in 2008. As a nonprofit, Cavalcade of Wings is registered with the Internal Revenue Service, the New Mexico Corporation Commission and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

How many airplane models do you have in the museum?

From a collection that began in 1965 with 25 models, Cavalcade of Wings currently has over 900 scale aircraft models on display at the Albuquerque Sunport.

Where did the models come from?

When Cavalcade of Wings began the display in 1965, all airlines servicing the Sunport were asked to donate models of the planes that came to Albuquerque at that time. This is a tradition that continues today with Spirit Airlines the latest airline to donate a model to the aviation museum. For other commercial, military, and private aircraft models, many were built and/or donated by members of the Albuquerque Scale Modelers club or donated by retired pilots, aviators, plane owners, and Cavalcade of Wings Board members.

What makes the models historic?

The overriding concept behind Cavalcade of Wings is to document and display any aircraft that actually landed at the Sunport, Kirtland AFB, or in the State of New Mexico and that contributed in some way to New Mexico’s aviation history. Almost all of the aircraft models have photographic proof of being in New Mexico and the aircraft’s appearance has become a notable contribution to the aviation history. Most of the models reflect the aircrafts commercial and military “livery” or appearance during the time the plane was here.

How long has the aviation history museum been at the Sunport?

The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum, featuring the aircraft model display, has been continuously present at the Albuquerque Sunport since the existing Terminal building opened in 1965.

Where is the aviation museum located?

The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum is located inside the Albuquerque Sunport’s historic Great Hall, which is on the second level of the Sunport. This is also the level of the airline departure ticket counters. The address is 2200 Sunport Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

What are the hours of operation?

The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum is open the same hours of the Albuquerque Sunport which technically never closes. Therefore, the aviation museum is open every day all day and into the evening hours.

How much does it cost to visit the aviation museum?

The Cavalcade of Wings aviation history museum is free. The only potential cost to visit the museum would be for Sunport parking.

Does the Cavalcade of Wings take donations?

As a nonprofit, Cavalcade of Wings has to rely on the generosity of donors to maintain and expand the collection on display at the aviation history museum. Funds generally are used for acquisition of new models and display artifacts along with other aviation items that are part of New Mexico’s aviation history. Cavalcade of Wings also accepts donations of aviation artifacts, photos, and ephemera. Please send an email to contact@cavalcadeofwings.com if you have any questions about potential donations. For financial donations, please go to the Donate Page for PayPal or Venmo options.

How can someone volunteer to help with the aviation museum or the Cavalcade of Wings organization?

The Cavalcade of Wings organization is always looking for aviation enthusiasts or historians who would like to help with the aviation history museum and work with the aircraft models. Now and then the Board of Directors will need to find replacement members when there is attrition. We also have several Committees that are given assignments to complete and help is welcome for those tasks too. Anyone who feels they can contribute to the Cavalcade of Wings organization, are passionate about aviation, or could contribute a special skill set, are always encouraged to inquire about volunteering.