Aerospace Museum of California

What Aerospace Museum of California does

The Aerospace Museum of California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aviation and aerospace museum founded in 1982 (originally as the McClellan Aviation Museum within the US Air Force museum system) and relocated to a new facility on McClellan Park in Sacramento in 2007, where it operates a large exhibit hall, classrooms, and a 4-acre outdoor airpark containing over 40 aircraft and 20+ standard exhibits spanning military, commercial, and private aviation. It serves K-12 school districts, homeschool and summer-camp participants, families, military families, and aspiring pilots in the Sacramento region through general admission, memberships, field trips, Discovery Days, and the Flight Zone — a STEM learning laboratory running 6 FAA-certified AATD flight simulator stations on X-Plane 11/12 with Garmin G1000 instrumentation and personalized instruction. The museum generates revenue through a multi-stream model: pay-as-you-go admission ($15-$18), tiered annual memberships ($45-$200), field trip and Discovery Day programs ($12-$15/student with minimums), Flight Zone simulator sessions ($10/person), private event and birthday-party rentals ($25-$35/person, $350 room rental), fundraising events such as the Salute to Service Dine and Dance ($150-$2,750), an eBay charity storefront, and tax-deductible donations via the Give page and named funds (Field Trip Scholarship, General Bud Anderson STEM Education Fund, C-54 Restoration). It receives no state or federal funding and operates through an ecosystem of corporate, foundation, and educational partners including SAFE Credit Union, Getchell Foundation, SMUD, Smithsonian Institution, Blue Star Families, PilotEdge, Autodesk, and more than 11 K-12 and higher-education institutions; curatorial and executive leadership is held by President & CEO Tom Jones, with Dave Long named incoming Board Chair for 2026.

Name

Aerospace Museum of California

Legal name

Aerospace Museum of California

Website

https://aerospaceca.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Aerospace Museum of California is a Sacramento-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 4-acre airpark with 40+ aircraft, 20+ exhibits, and an FAA-certified flight simulator lab, serving K-12 schools, families, military families, and aspiring pilots through STEM education programs funded by admissions, memberships, events, and charitable donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Museum Services

NAICS

Museums (712110), Museums (71211)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Museums (e.g., Maritime, Aviation, Sports, Music, Film) (THAJADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD), Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Aviation museum exhibits
• STEM education programs
• Flight simulator training
• Private event hosting
• Annual museum memberships

Headquarters

HQ city

Mcclellan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Visitors purchase tickets for museum entry. Adults $18, Youth $15, Seniors $15, Veterans $15, Students $15. Children 2 and under free. Active military free. Valid Tue-Sun, 9 AM-5 PM with last admission at 4 PM.
2. Museum Memberships: Annual memberships sold in tiers: Individual $85, Senior $45, Family $100, Family+ $150, Traveler $200. All memberships include free annual admission, discounts on special events, 10% off at gift shop and Old Crow Café, and invitations to member-only events.
3. Event Hosting and Private Rentals: Revenue generated from hosting private events including birthday party packages (room rental $350 for up to 25 guests; Pizza and Planes $25/person; Aerospace Party Package $35/person), corporate events, weddings, and fundraisers such as the Salute to Service Dine and Dance (individual tickets $150, tables $1,650-$2,750).
4. Flight Zone Simulator Sessions: Flight simulator experiences at $10 per person for personalized flight instruction by experienced pilots.
5. Discovery Days and Group Tours: School groups and summer programs pay $15/student for Discovery Days (minimum 10 students) and guided Dreams Take Flight tours at $15/student with minimum 20 students. Self-guided Independent Explorer tours at $12/student with minimum 15 students.
6. Donations and Charitable Support: The museum receives no state or federal funding. Revenue from donations via the Give page, Victory Gardens Cook-Off event (attendee tickets $45, recipe submission $25), and charity storefront through eBay. Specific funds include Field Trip Scholarship, General Bud Anderson STEM Education Fund, C-54 Restoration, and general sponsorship.
7. Smithsonian Affiliate Subscription: $35 add-on membership for Smithsonian Affiliate benefits including free admission to Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, 10% café discounts at Smithsonian Museums in DC, 10% off Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 10% off IMAX tickets, and reciprocal admission at participating Smithsonian Affiliates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Aerospace Museum of California operates as a nonprofit aviation and aerospace museum offering public admission to 20+ exhibits and 40+ aircraft in a 4-acre airpark. Its core revenue-generating offerings include general admission ticketing, multi-tier annual memberships, the Flight Zone flight simulator lab (6 FAA-certified stations with personalized instruction), structured school field trips and Discovery Days programs, private event venue rentals including birthday party packages, and the Getchell Foundation Private Pilot License scholarship program. The museum funds its operations entirely without state or federal support through admissions, memberships, event rentals, donations, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

The Aerospace Museum of California operates as a 501(c)(3) aviation and aerospace museum offering a portfolio of products and services centered around STEM education. The core offerings include General Admission tickets and Museum Memberships (Individual, Traveler, Senior, Family, Family+ tiers) providing access to over 20 exhibits and 40+ aircraft in the airpark. Key educational products include the Flight Zone flight simulator lab (6 X-Plane stations with FAA-certified instructors), Group Tours and Field Trips (Self-Guided and Dreams Take Flight options), and Discovery Days for homeschool groups. The museum also offers Event Hosting services for private events, Birthday Party Packages (Room Rental, Pizza and Planes, Aerospace Party), and the Getchell Foundation PPL Scholarship Program for pilot training. Additional offerings include the Smithsonian Affiliate Subscription add-on, Teacher Toolkit educational resources, and participation in the Blue Star Museums free admission program for military families. The museum generates revenue through admissions, memberships, event rentals, its charity eBay storefront, and donations, receiving no state or federal funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Admission Standard museum entry tickets providing access to all exhibits, the 4-acre airpark with over 40 aircraft, and educational displays. Adult $18, Youth (3-17) $15, Seniors (65+) $15, Veterans $15, Students (18+) $15; Children 2 and under free, Active Military free with ID. Valid Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM-5 PM, last admission 4 PM.
• Museum Memberships Annual memberships in five tiers: Individual $85, Senior $45, Family $100 (1 adult + 2 youth), Family+ $150 (1 adult + 4 youth), Traveler $200 (member + any 5 individuals including NARM benefits). All tiers include free annual admission, 10% gift shop and Old Crow Café discounts, invitations to member-only events, and discounts on special events.
• Flight Zone Simulator Experience State-of-the-art STEM learning laboratory with 6 independent flight simulator stations running X-Plane 11/X-Plane 12, each featuring high-end gaming computers, three 27-inch 2560x1440 monitors, and Garmin G1000 instrumentation. Includes one FAA-Certified AATD simulator. Open to students 5th grade through 12th grade and the general public for personalized flight instruction by experienced pilots at $10 per person.
• Group Tours and Field Trips Educational group visits with two options: Self-Guided Independent Explorer ($12/student, minimum 15) and Dreams Take Flight Guided Tour ($15/student, minimum 20, 2-hour expert-led museum tour). Free chaperones within ratio; additional chaperones $10-$12 each. Available Tuesday-Sunday, with guided tours Tuesday-Friday.
• Discovery Days at the Museum Homeschool and summer program featuring hands-on STEM activities, aircraft tours, and interactive learning experiences for students. Priced at $15/student with 1 free chaperone per 10 students, minimum 10 students required, select Fridays during summer from 10 AM-2 PM.
• Birthday Party Packages Three party options for celebrating birthdays at the museum: Room Rental ($350 for up to 25 guests, $15 per additional guest); Pizza and Planes ($25/person, includes pizza, cupcakes, refreshments, minimum 12); and Aerospace Party Package ($35/person, includes Old Crow Café catering, private museum tour, special birthday gift, minimum 10). Maximum occupancy 40.
• Event Hosting and Private Rentals Private venue rentals for corporate gatherings, weddings, Christmas parties, and veteran celebrations held among historic aircraft in indoor exhibit halls and outdoor airpark spaces. Custom event packages available.
• Getchell Foundation Private Pilot License (PPL) Scholarships Partnership with the Ellsworth Hovey Getchell Foundation providing flight training funding, mentorship, and career pathways for aspiring pilots. Since 2024, has funded six scholarships covering flight hours, instruction, and a pathway into aviation careers, reducing financial barriers for students pursuing pilot certification.
• Smithsonian Affiliate Subscription $35 add-on membership providing Smithsonian benefits including free admission to Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, 10% café discounts at Smithsonian Museums in DC, 10% off Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 10% off IMAX tickets, and reciprocal admission at participating Smithsonian Affiliates.
• Blue Star Museums Program Free admission program for active U.S. military personnel and their families during summer months (Armed Forces Day through Labor Day), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65,133 student visitors annually with 100% receiving scholarships
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Getchell FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Ellsworth Hovey Getchell Foundation partners with the Aerospace Museum to fund the Private Pilot License (PPL) Scholarship Program, reducing financial barriers for students pursuing flight training. Since 2024, Getchell has funded six scholarships providing access to flight hours, instruction, and a pathway into aviation careers. The foundation also supports preservation of historic aviation artifacts and public access to aviation history.
• SAFE Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAFE Credit Union is a long-standing, member-owned financial institution based in Folsom, California, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build financial freedom through exceptional service, innovative banking solutions, and a commitment to community impact across the Greater Sacramento region. Listed as a Pillar Partner of the museum.
• AMOS RC (Associated Modelers of Sacramento Inc.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMOS RC is a radio control model flying club chartered November 12, 2004, that hosts events at the museum's 'digital runway' and promotes the museum to its club community.
• McClellan ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcClellan Park is a premier master-planned business community developed from the former McClellan Air Force Base, spanning nearly 3,000 acres with hundreds of businesses, a public-use airport, and vibrant amenities. The museum's location at McClellan Park creates a hub for innovation, commerce, and community impact.
• SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMUD is the sixth-largest community-owned electric utility in the U.S., serving over 1.5 million customers across Sacramento County and parts of Placer and Yolo Counties. Partners with the museum for Back-to-School Launch Party events providing STEM curriculum resources to educators.
• Blue Star FamiliescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBlue Star Families is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization, delivering over $336 million in benefits annually and impacting more than 1.5 million people. Partners with the museum through Blue Star Museums providing free admission to active military and families May-September annually. Program is also supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Department of Defense.
• National Naval Aviation MuseumminorOthersThe National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of the Navy History and Heritage Command provides the Blue Angel A-4C 'Skyhawk' aircraft on loan to the museum, on display as a key exhibit artifact.
• Smithsonian InstitutioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSmithsonian Affiliate membership provides the museum with brand credibility, reciprocal admission benefits at Smithsonian museums nationwide, and access to Smithsonian content including Space Shuttle documentary screenings and programming.
• Central California Garrison of the 501st LegionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit costuming club providing Star Wars-themed character appearances at The Force Takes Flight Open Cockpit Day events, creating unique family entertainment experiences at the museum.
• San Juan USDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner school district visiting the museum for field trips and STEM programming.
• Gateway Community CharterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharter school network educational partner with Jason Sample serving as Superintendent/CEO on the museum's board of directors.
• Twin Rivers USDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner school district visiting the museum for field trips and STEM programming.
• Sacred City of Sacramento ChartersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohn Adams Academy charter school is an educational partner of the museum.
• Girl Scouts of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner organization for STEM programming at the museum.
• Boy Scouts of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner organization for STEM programming at the museum.
• Tuskegee Heritage Chapter of SacramentominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the chapter preserving the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen, supporting the Victory Gardens Cook-Off event and preservation of George 'Spanky' Roberts' flight jacket artifact.
• UC Davis - Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity educational partner supporting STEM programming at the museum.
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Engineering and VR LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity educational partner contributing engineering expertise and VR lab resources.
• Sac State Engineering, Communications, and HistoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity educational partner contributing engineering, communications, and history expertise.
• Sacramento City College - AeronauticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity college educational partner in aeronautics.
• American River College - EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity college educational partner in engineering.
• Kiwanis Club of CarmichaelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService club educational partner supporting STEM programming.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Pima Air & Space Museum: Located in Tucson, AZ, this is one of the largest aerospace museums worldwide with 300+ aircraft. Directly comparable scale and mission: aviation/aerospace themed museum with outdoor airpark displays, educational programs, and STEM focus.
• Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum: Located in McMinnville, OR, featuring the Spruce Goose and extensive aviation collection. Comparable as a specialty aviation museum with large aircraft displays, IMAX theater, and educational programming in a similar mid-sized market.
• National Naval Aviation Museum: Located in Pensacola, FL, this is a major military aviation museum that is also an existing artifact loan partner of the Aerospace Museum (loaned the Blue Angel A-4C Skyhawk). Directly comparable as a large aviation-themed museum with similar educational mission and military aviation focus.
• EAA Aviation Museum: Located in Oshkosh, WI, operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Comparable for its aviation-focused collection, pilot community engagement, and educational programming — and the Aerospace Museum already hosts EAA Chapter 1714 meetings, indicating operational alignment.
• San Diego Air & Space Museum: California-based aviation museum with similar regional appeal, educational mission, and collection of historic aircraft. Directly comparable as a state-level aviation museum serving a major California metro with STEM programming and event hosting.
• Museum of Flight: Located in Seattle, WA, this is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the U.S. Comparable as a non-Smithsonian aviation museum with large aircraft collection, STEM education programs, flight simulator experiences, and event hosting.
• Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Located in Denver, CO at the former Lowry Air Force Base. Highly comparable as a former military base-converted aviation museum with airpark displays, educational programs, and event hosting in a similar mid-sized metro context.
• Frontiers of Flight Museum: Located in Dallas, TX at Love Field. Comparable as a regional aviation museum with significant aircraft collection, STEM education programming, and event hosting serving a major metro area.
• Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor: Located in Honolulu, HI on historic Ford Island. Comparable as a military aviation museum with significant aircraft collection, educational mission, and STEM programming targeting K-12 audiences.

Broad incumbents

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: The preeminent U.S. aviation and space museum, located in Washington, DC. Directly comparable as a Smithsonian-affiliated aviation museum; the Aerospace Museum of California's Smithsonian Affiliate status and reciprocal admission arrangement create an institutional linkage.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AerospaceMuseumCA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aerospace-museum-of-california

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aerospace Museum of California