Welcome to the
Museum of Mountain Flying
The Official Home of DC-3 “Miss Montana” and the Greatest Collection of Montana’s Aviation History, Information, Aircraft, and Memorabilia.
Explore Montana’s Rich Aviation Heritage
The Museum of Mountain Flying’s mission is to preserve for future generations, the legends, lore and historical legacy of pilots and other individuals whose pioneering aviation exploits helped bring America’s Rocky Mountain West into the Air Age.
As part of the preservation effort, the Museum of Mountain Flying seeks to acquire and display any and all items related to this region’s mountain-flying history, including, but not limited to, appropriate vintage aircraft, memorabilia, artifacts, historical documents, photographs, personal narrative and diaries, motion-picture footage, tape recordings, newspaper stories, magazine articles and books.
Our Aircraft
C-47
N24320 “Miss Montana”
The Centerpiece of our Museum, Miss Montana has a rich heritage we are eager to share with you!
Stinson Voyager 150
The Museum’s Stinson Voyager 150 was donated by Jo Ann Hinman. Manufactured in December 1946, the Stinson is a classic American light aircraft known for its reliability and ease of handling. Popular among private pilots and flight schools, its versatility and robust construction made it a favorite for both civilian use and military training.
1929 Travelair 6000
A treasured plane in the collection, this 1929 Travel Air has been on loan from one of the Museum founders, Charles R. “Dick” Komberec. Known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, the “limousine of the air” was unmatched in hauling smokejumpers, mail, miners, hunters, and supplies, and flying emergency missions into the area’s backcountry.
NC8865 made her debut in Idaho hauling miners and their supplies. A workhorse, it was located in a variety of locations until 1958, when NC8865 was added to the Johnson Flying Service fleet, carrying smokejumpers and supplies. In March of 2013, Dick Komberec fulfilled a dream, bringing NC8865 back to Missoula for display at the Museum – one of only six still flying in the world.
Grumman TBM-3 Avenger
Missoula’s TBM-3, constructed in 1950, was originally operated with the US Navy (1950-1952) and the Royal Canadian Navy (1952-1963). Next came the fire service in Lewiston, Idaho (1963-1966) and with Johnson Flying Service in Missoula (1967-1975). A short stint in Quebec (1972-1975) was followed by more fire service out of Lincoln, Nebraska (1977- 2011). The TBM-3 finally landed at the Museum in 2011.
What People Are Saying
“Very amazing museum to be able to see and touch history. The planes and our tour guide Pat were awesome. A must see!”
— Lowell Klocke
“Great chance to view some of the planes from the famous Johnson Flying Service along with an excellent smokejumper exhibit.”
— Mark Lennon
“What a great museum! So much history and very informative. We only had an hour and a half yesterday but we will be back when we have longer.”
— Becky Kerstetter Powley
“A real gem with great treasures of aviation history! A highlight of my visit to Missoula.”
— Sally Sparks
