South African Airways Museum Society — Local services in Ekurhuleni Ward 36

If you are an aviation enthusiast, the 747SP technical tour is a bucket list item that will be beyond what you can imagine. I got to sit in the pilots seat of a nearly fully intact 747, that was powered on via a ground power unit. The entire cockpit panel was there, and other than the gyros, it was functional. You could hear the radios, the alarms from systems being tested, even the autopilot servos moving. These were all demo'd by a pilot who had previously flown this exact plane before it was retired. One highlight was seeing the stick shaker in action, followed by the stall alarm test.

After this, an engineer who previously operated on the plane came in and ran through the engineers panel, which was again all present. Cobus then took us on a walk around to show of the outside of the plane, linking it back to the parts of the panel we'd seen.

Before this tour started, I spent nearly an hour talking to another volunteer at the museum, Yacu, who was incredibly passionate about aviation and showed me different sections of the plane, and we talked about other parts of South African Aviation. At one point I even got to climb down into the avionics bay, seeing things like the IRS units, before walking through to the cargo bay.

Outside of the the technical tour, the museum is still worth a visit. You get to see not 1, but 2 747s. The technical tour just provides more access than I ever thought possible short of being a commercial pilot. Numerous other planes are on site, some are open too. Most have been restored to a level that is rare outside of private collections.

All the people I interacted with were incredibly friendly and truly passionate about aviation, willing to share knowledge at all stages. I spent a little over 5 hours at the museum and I already know I'll be going back on...

The South African Airways Museum Society, located in Johannesburg, is a captivating testament to the nation's aviation history. This museum stands as a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of South African Airways (SAA) and the broader aviation heritage of the country.

Nestled within the bustling city, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of aviation in South Africa. Its collection boasts an impressive array of aircraft, engines, and aviation artifacts, each telling a story of innovation, progress, and the role that SAA played in shaping the nation's aviation landscape.

The museum serves as a portal to the past, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of aircraft technology and the challenges that pilots and crew members faced throughout history. From vintage planes that evoke a sense of nostalgia to cutting-edge displays that highlight the advancements in aviation, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through time.

Beyond its static exhibits, the South African Airways Museum Society brings history to life through dynamic events, engaging exhibitions, and educational programs. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that shaped South Africa's skies, the museum provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

As you explore the museum's offerings, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication of the society in preserving the nation's aviation legacy. By immersing yourself in this captivating museum in Johannesburg, you'll not only learn about the history of flight in South Africa but also gain insight into the spirit of innovation and exploration that has driven the country's aviation...

Every single time I visit I am in awe. I'm not even sure I can put my feelings into words for this review. But I'll try.

When you visit the SAA museum time stands still. Everything seen here is as it was. From the biggest things, the 747's parked there, down to the tiniest details like the very first ticket ever sold.

Everything is immaculately kept. The uniforms, the seats, the memrobilia etc. The staff make sure that the aircraft and all displays are maintained and kept clean for the public viewing. Stepping onto the 747 Lebombo at the museum is like it is ready for flight. The history is preserved perfectly.

While on the topic of Lebombo, you may be disappointed to find out that the Flight Deck is locked and you cannot sit in the captains seat however the reason for this is that it is still live up there. Some of the systems onboard are still operational and that is incredible. I have heard that they start the engines from time to time.

While the 747s are incredible, there is so much more to see there. The indoor section of the museum, as I have mentioned, contains so much more than I could take about here. Just to list a few; Original pilot and stewardess uniforms. First class menus and cutlery, model aircraft, manuals from various aircrafts and so so much more.

I have to mention the Heldeberg display too. They have there the original door from the aircraft that was recovered from the wreckage. Amazing.

I could go on here forever about everything but trust me, you should go there to see it for yourself. It's...