Grumman HU-16-RD “Albatross”
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The Albatross also was used as a passenger airliner serving island destinations in the Pacific and elsewhere. Its deep-V hull cross section enabled it to land in the open sea. It was designed for 4-foot seas but could land in more severe conditions while taking off in 8-10 foot seas using jet-assisted take off (JATO).
This particular Albatross, N44RD, saw adventure in 1997 as a filming platform and safety aircraft in support of a globe-circling expedition recreating the final flight of Amelia Earhart.
Flown by local Bay Area aviators Andy Macfie and Reid W. Dennis, this aircraft became the first Grumman Albatross ever to fly a single purpose mission that circumnavigated the entire world.
Today’s Schedule
Today’s Schedule
The Hiller Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Upcoming Events
Kids’ Air Fair
Kids' Air Fair
Aviation professionals bring their aircraft to the Museum for a special show-and-tell session.
Bubble Bonanza
Bubble Bonanza
Discover the world of rockets! Use a variety of common craft materials to convert a bottle into a high performance rocket vehicle.
Happy Birds
Happy Birds
Performing birds dazzle with their intelligence and skills and their singular ability to inspire dreams of flight.