DAYTON -- May 30–31, 2025, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ will host HeliStorm 2025, a free public event featuring scale radio-controlled (RC) helicopter demonstrations, aviation-themed activities, and educational experiences designed to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The event is open to all ages and does not require registration.
More than 150 scale RC helicopters from across the country will take to the skies during the event, with pilots performing a variety of complex flight demonstrations that showcase the precision and capabilities of rotorcraft. Featured demonstrations will include simulated search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical services flights, tactical military maneuvers, and team formation flying. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe flights up close, speak with experienced pilots, and learn more about the physics and engineering behind helicopter flight.
In addition to the outdoor activities, visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore several real-world U.S. Air Force helicopters and aircraft on display inside the museum from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Scheduled open aircraft include the Sikorsky UH-19B Chickasaw “Hopalong” (look-in only), Sikorsky HH-60G “Pave Hawk,” Sikorsky CH-3E “Black Mariah,” Sikorsky HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant,” and Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey. These aircraft reflect decades of distinguished service across a range of Air Force missions. During the event, museum volunteers—some of whom flew or maintained these very aircraft—may be on hand to share personal stories from their time in service, along with historical insights and technical details.
COSI on Wheels will also be present during the event, offering hands-on STEM activities designed to engage children in fun, interactive learning. Attendees will also be able to connect with aviation companies and organizations to learn about internship, education, and job opportunities.
Although HeliStorm 2025 runs from May 29 to June 1, the majority of public-facing activities are planned for Friday and Saturday, May 30–31. These two days will feature RC helicopter flying demonstrations, hands-on STEM activities, and scheduled opportunities to view select open aircraft inside the museum. The opening and closing days of the event (May 29 and June 1) will primarily consist of open flying by RC pilots as they arrive, set up, or pack down. These flights will be visible to the public throughout the day.
“HeliStorm is designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation through flight,” said Michael Kranitz, founder and CEO of HeliStorm, Inc., the nonprofit organization coordinating the event. “Hosting the event at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force provides a unique setting where model aviation and full-scale aviation history intersect. We're excited to share the joy of rotorcraft flight with families, students, and anyone curious about aviation or STEM.”
Please note: HeliStorm is an outdoor event and is weather dependent. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website or social media for the latest updates in case of inclement weather.
Admission to both the museum and HeliStorm is free, and parking is available on site. Plans call for food trucks to be available throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil or follow the museum on social media @AFmuseum.
Event Information:
Dates: May 29 – June 1, 2025 (main activities May 30–31)
Location: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH
Admission: Free and open to the public
Weather Note: Outdoor activities are subject to weather conditions
About the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information or to plan your visit, go to www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.