CJP Safety and Education Foundation Event

On April 26, CJP hosted a three-day event at the United States most-visited museum, the National Air & Space Museum (NASM). The NASM hosts more than eight-million visitors per year at their two locations. CJP members who attended the event were treated to several behind-the-scenes opportunities, while viewing the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts.

The event began with arrivals at Dulles Airport (KIAD), with CJP members parking their Citations on the ramp by the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. It was an amazing sight to see these aircraft parked outside a hangar that has housed some of the most iconic aircraft in aviation’s history.

Attendees then settled in at the Ritz-Carlton Tyson’s Corner before being bussed downtown to the NASM. Next came museum tours and a reception sponsored by Textron Aviation. Scott Donnelly, CEO of Textron and CJP member, welcomed attendees and said a few words regarding current happenings at Textron. The group then listened to a lecture called, “Meet the King and Queen of Speed” featuring Jon and Patricia Sharp. The Sharps are the makers of the most successful plane in air race history, the Nemesis. Jon is also the winningest air racing pilot.

The next morning, CJP members visited the Hazy Center for a memorable experience touring the archives, restoration hangars and notable exhibits including an SR-71, Bob Hoover’s Shrike Commander, the Concorde, B-29 Enola Gay and others. The group was also able to view the time piece that the Wright Brothers used to time their historic flight. Truly incredible how such artifacts have been restored close to their original state.

The second evening consisted of a reception and dinner in front of the space shuttle Discovery. Chris Browne, Deputy Director of NASM, opened with a few words, followed by CJP Safety and Education Foundation Chairman David Miller. Miller was followed by Stuart Fred, both a NASM Board member and CJP Founder and Safety Committee member (the entire event was originally Stuart’s idea).

Stuart introduced Charlie Precourt, former NASA astronaut who was on the Discovery for four missions and now leads the CJP Safety Committee. Charlie, using a laser pointer, showed the enthralled audience various systems and components of the Discovery, even leading a tour under the craft.

The next day, CJP members were able to tour the Dulles Airport Operations which included a fire department demonstration. The event then concluded with a wine tasting at the Boxwood Winery located in the Virginia wine country.

Overall, a very successful and special event which included private access to some of America’s most precious aviation artifacts. CJP looks to collaborate with the NASM team for another event in the future.