The Musée Volant Salis is a renowned aviation museum located at the La Ferté-Alais Airfield in Cerny, in the Essonne department of France, not far from Paris. The museum is also known for its annual air show on Pentecost weekend Le Meeting de la Ferté-Alais. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of vintage aircraft, particularly focusing on classic planes from the early and mid-20th century.
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Musée Volant Salis / Salis Flying Museum
Aérodrome de Cerny – la Ferté Alais
91590 Cerny
+33 1 64 57 52 89
Fax +33 1 64 57 76 55
Low season (November 16 – March 14) :
Wednesday to Sunday : 14:00 – 17:00
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
High season (15 march to15 november) :
Everyday : 09:30 – 12:00 / 14:00 – 17:00 (18:00 the weekend)
Public holidays : 14:00 – 18:00
Admission fee
Gift shop/ First flight : www.aero-vintage-academy.fr
From Paris follow A6 motorway southward for 20 km. Take the Villabe exit on the motorway. Once out of the motorway, there is a 20 km road to go La Ferte Alais.
By train from Paris Metro station Chatelet-Les Halles take the RER line D (4) to the direction Malesherbes. Zone 6. Stop « La Ferté Alais »
Aircraft collection
| F-PRUQ
91-UT N2913B F-AZEJ F-AZBA F-AZPG F-AZDX/44-8846/DS-M F-AZJR/41 SE-MDM/62191 N43SV/796 F-HIZI/55 F-AYKG/A-91 F-AZTT F-PBSE F-AZOE F-AZMB F-AZVO F-AZEG/124724/P-22 F-AZCA/HG709/CU-999 F-AZDP/124143/RM-205 F-AZRA/2E-RA F-AZLM/ 4400/18/3101 F-AZAQ F-AZGN 274 F-AZJU/AZ+JU F-PRJJ F-AZMS/7 F-AZAJ/5 F-AZAZ F-AZAK F-AZAH/254 F-BCNL F-BGUV F-AZCP F-PZLD F-AZNF/69 F-AZIY/ZIY F-AZHE/14-F-7 F-AZBE/4312127/TA-127 F-AZBQ/115-237/OH F-AZRB/90747/PA-47 G-CLNV/NZ2427 F-AZCE/7 N91944 F-AZFH F-AZDB/9 – F-AZCN F-AZCY/A8898 F-AZNM F-AZFP/S3836/5 G-SXIV/RM927/X F-GPJS N4418 F-PJBS | Aeromarine Skyote
BB Jodel D9 Beech D18S Expeditor Beech E18S Expeditor Bleriot XI (replica) Bleriot XI-2 (replica) Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Boeing PT-13D Kaydet Boeing PT-13D Kaydet Boeing PT-13D Kaydet (E-75) Boeing PT-17 Kaydet (A75N1) Bucker (CASA) 1-131E Jungmann Bucker (CASA) 1-131E Jungmann Bucker T-131PA Jungmann CAP 20 Caudron GIII Caudron C-270 Luciole Change Vought F4U-5NL Corsair de Havilland DH89 Dragon Rapide Douglas AD-4N Skyraider Fieseler Fi156 Storch Fokker D.VIIF (replica) Fokker Dr.1 (replica) Fokker Dr.1 (replica) Hiller H-23A Raven Junkers (CASA) 352L (Ju-52) Leopoldoff L5 Colibri Morane Type H13 (replica) Morane-Saulnier MS.138 Ep.2 Morane Saulnier MS.185 Morane Saulnier MS.230 Morane Saulnier MS.315 Morane Saulnier MS.317 Morane Saulnier MS.317 Morane Saulnier MS502 Criquet Mudry AJBS 10 Naval Aircraft Factory N3N Nord 3202 Master North American NA.68 (replica) North American AT-6C Harvard IIa North American T-6G Texan North American SNJ-5 Texan North American P-51D Mustang Pilatus P2-06 Piper J3C-65 Cub Pitts S1S Polikarpof Po-2 Royal Aircraft Factory BE2F (replica) Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a (replica) Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a (replica) Sopwith 1B2 1 1/2 Strutter SPAD XIII C1 Supermarine Spitfire XIV Stinson SR-10C Reliant Travel Air 4000 Wagaero J3 copy Cub |
Key Highlights:
1. Aircraft Collection
The museum is best known for its impressive collection of flying historic aircraft. The Musée Volant Salis features a range of planes from different eras, primarily:
- World War I and II Aircraft: The collection includes iconic warplanes, such as Spitfires, Mustangs, Focke-Wulfs, and Hawker Hurricanes, many of which are still airworthy and can be flown during special events.
- Civilian Aircraft: Vintage civilian planes from the early days of aviation, including propeller-driven aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Restoration Projects: The Musée Volant Salis is actively involved in the restoration and maintenance of vintage aircraft, preserving their authenticity and showcasing the skills of aircraft restoration experts.
2. Flying Days and Events
- The Musée Volant Salis is unique in that many of its aircraft are flyable. The museum regularly participates in flying events, airshows, and exhibitions, where visitors can see these historic planes take to the skies.
- Le Meeting de la Ferté-Alais: The museum is closely linked to the Le Meeting de la Ferté-Alais, an annual airshow held at the La Ferté-Alais airfield. The event is one of the most important gatherings of vintage aircraft in Europe, attracting aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The planes in the Musée Volant Salis collection are often showcased during this event.
3. Educational Role
- Aviation Education: The Musée Volant Salis is not only a place for enthusiasts but also an educational resource. It offers insights into the history of aviation, the technology behind these aircraft, and the stories of the pilots who flew them.
- Workshops and Tours: The museum offers guided tours where visitors can learn about aircraft mechanics, aviation history, and the restoration process.
4. Location
- La Ferté-Alais Airfield: The Musée Volant Salis is located at La Ferté-Alais, an airfield that has significant historical importance in aviation. It is a popular location for aviation enthusiasts and is known for hosting airshows and events.
- Its proximity to Paris makes it an accessible destination for visitors looking to explore aviation history while enjoying a day out of the city.
5. Visitor Experience
- The Musée Volant Salis offers an immersive experience for aviation lovers. Visitors can see aircraft up close, and the airfield’s unique setting provides a real connection to aviation history.
- There are opportunities to meet with the passionate volunteers and aviation experts who maintain and operate the aircraft.
The Musée Volant Salis is a must-visit for anyone interested in vintage aircraft, World War history, or aviation in general. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about flight, the museum offers a unique and dynamic experience with both static displays and flying exhibitions (Le Meeting de la Ferté-Alais).
Photos Rob Vogelaar.
