Museu do Ar - A Museum of Airplanes in Sintra

I have asked Diego Scarabelli to write this blog entry. He knows his planes and is enthusiastic about them. I could really not distinguish them myself, except for by color and maybe types of wings (without knowing their names...) But the museum is actually very good and not so well known, so therefore I thought it would be worth the blog entry! So - here is the entry of Diego, thank you very much! (The plane in the first picture is a Saber)

Military planes have always been my passion. I like to watch documentaries about them and, of course like to see them in the museums. You do not really understand their beauty and their abilities until you see them in person. From the ground we see them as little objects, but some of them are very big and yet agile. It is fascinating to imagine that these machines are the masters of the skies, or at least, they used to be before they were replaced by new and more advanced technology. Nevertheless, to fully comprehend the new jets it is important to know their ancestors! In this matter the Museu do Ar is extremely interesting and useful. (The plane in the below picture is a GN93).

The Museu do Ar provides an amazing collection of old military aircrafts that were employed by the Portuguese Air Force. Thus everybody can enjoy all the developments that led to the modern Portuguese aviation. In this museum you will not find aircrafts like the F16, but you will be able to see great planes like the North American T-6, the De Havilland, and several helicopters among which the Alouette. It is definitely worth visiting the museum already for these planes; however, it has got much more! As a matter of fact, the Fiat G.91 and the Spitfire are also parts of the collection.

There are even two Fiat G.91 and one is the commemorative version for the 75,000 hours flown by the Portuguese pilots throughout its employment with the Força Aérea Portuguesa. The G.91 has been serving and protecting the Portuguese interests everywhere in the world and it accomplished several tasks: ground support, recognition and air-to-air combat. It used to be one of the pillars of the defense forces of this country.

The Spitfire, well, it does not need an introduction. Even people who do not immediately remember how this aircraft looks like will recognize it once they see it. The Spitfire is a truly outstanding piece of machinery. It was defined by many as the most beautiful

aircraft ever built. it was the sole weapon that prevented Hitler from invading Britain. This spectacular fighter and its pilots won the famous Battle of England. It was during that period that the Portuguese received some of these planes to protect their borders. One of these aircrafts is at the Museu do Ar.

(The Spitfire is here on the left)

I recommend this collection. I really like military aircrafts so I know I am biased. Nevertheless, I went with someone who is not interested as I am but still enjoyed it. It is a fun experience for everybody. After this visit, you will want to watch the movie 'Top Gun' over and over again!

Museu do Ar is in Pero Pinheiro, and opens Tuesdays to Sundays between 10:00 and 17:00. Price to enter is 3 euros. If you wish to have a guided tour, please schedule ahead of time either by (00351) 21 987 8984 or by email museudoar@emfa.pt

Diego Scarabelli is an Italian Doctoral student of History in London.