New Exhibition at SFO Explores the History of Aircraft Instruments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jane Sullivan
Manager Marketing and Communications
(650) 821-5123
SF-03-12

New Exhibition at SFO Explores the History of Aircraft Instruments

SAN FRANCISCO -- On Instruments, a new exhibition at San Francisco International Airport, explores the remarkable history of aircraft instrumentation. The exhibition traces the development of this complex technology from the Wright Brothers’ famous first piloted powered flight in 1903 to today’s jet age. Throughout the exhibition, the incredible technological advances of aircraft instruments as stimulated by such world events as World Wars I and II are presented.

Over 140 objects and photographs reveal the development of the three basic categories of aircraft instruments: flight instruments, engine and system instruments, and navigation instruments. Examples of instruments included in the exhibition range from a circa 1918 U.S. Army Signal Corps Tachometer type C to a modern Kollsman Mach number meter.

The exhibition also features brief biographical sketches of pioneer pilots and others whose contributions were pivotal in the development of aircraft instruments. Among those profiled are Howard Stark, inventor of the Stark 1-2-3 Order - known today as partial panel flying; and Elmer Sperry, who patented the gyroscope compass and is thus known as the father of modern navigation technology.

On Instruments is currently showing in the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, located pre-security in the International Terminal, open Sunday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Saturdays and holidays. Admission is free of charge.

San Francisco Airport Museums

The San Francisco Airport Museums program was established by the Airport Commission in 1980 for the purposes of humanizing the Airport environment, providing visibility for the unique cultural life of San Francisco, and providing exhibitions for the traveling public. Today, the San Francisco Airport Museums features approximately twenty galleries throughout the Airport terminals displaying a rotating schedule of art, history, science, and cultural exhibitions. A permanent collection dedicated to the history of commercial aviation is housed in the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum.