1982
USS Enterprise model
Black Wings - Tuskegee Airmen
Joseph P. Rostron of Clemson, S.C., a civil engineering professor at Clemson University and a private pilot for 40 years, becomes the 50-millionth visitor to the Museum (January 18).
Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the Paul E. Garber Facility opens its doors for a 5-day open house (April 14).
A new fellowship honoring noted aircraft designer Alfred V. Verville is established. It will be awarded to researchers investigating major trends, developments and accomplishments in aviation or space sciences.
"Flyers," the third large-format film produced by the Museum, premieres (August 6).
The Museum acquires an 11-foot model of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, built and donated by Stephen Henninger, who spent about 1,000 hours a year for 12 years to construct the 1:100 scale ship.
"Black Wings: The American Black in Aviation," an exhibit depicting the contributions and achievements of African Americans in aviation, opens to the public in the Pioneers of Flight gallery (September 23).
The Spirit of Texas, the first helicopter to fly around the world, goes on exhibit at the Museum. Its pilots, H. Ross Perot Jr. and Jay
Coburn, will later receive the Smithsonian's
Langley Medal for their accomplishment.

National Air and Space Museum Timeline
Before 1976 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009