
Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM) harnesses the awe-inspiring power of flight to educate, inspire, and elevate the next generation. Our mission is to spark curiosity and open doors to careers in aviation and aerospace, while fostering economic growth and opportunity in Charlotte and beyond. Founded in 1992 by aviation enthusiast and commander of the Carolinas Wing of the Confederate Air Force, Floyd Swinton Wilson and his wife Lois and located just alongside Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is home to aircraft and artifacts from the advent of aviation, including the iconic award-winning “Miracle on the Hudson” exhibition featuring the famed passenger jet that landed safely in New York’s Hudson River in 2009.
SAM is more than a museum—it's an immersive experience where visitors of all ages can explore the remarkable stories, innovations, and diverse individuals who shaped aviation history. Through our extensive collection of aircraft, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, we bring aviation to life, offering hands-on learning that encourages exploration and discovery.

- Home of Flight 1549 the "Miracle on the Hudson"
- An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution
- Original WPA/Douglas hangar (1936) coming soon, Welcome to Aviation City