Aeronautical history took flight right here. The Campo dos Afonsos is known as the birthplace of Brazilian aviation. In 1912 a group of aviation enthusiasts sought a location. They wanted to establish the country’s first aviation field in Rio. The Ministry of Justice owned land in the city’s west zone. It granted the Aero Club Brasileiro temporary access to the Campo dos Afonsos. Alberto Santos Dumont became the honorary president.
Flying was still an adventure. Planes were made of wood. They took off from streets and landed on beaches. Brazil’s first pilot school emerged here. It gave way to the first military aviation school two years later. The Brazilian army requested it. French instructors brought a doctrine of rational aircraft use. This happened after World War I. The Campo dos Afonsos sustained this doctrine. It provided pilot mechanic and worker training.
The Correio Aéreo Nacional was created here. So was the first air base. They even built an airplane in 1930. Over the years the Campo dos Afonsos became Rio’s first airport.
In May 1930 the Graf Zeppelin dirigible landed here. Today the Campo dos Afonsos is an official neighborhood. It houses an air base. It is home to the Universidade de Força Aérea. This university prepares officers. It contains the Museu Aeroespacial. The museum has a rich collection of historical aircraft. You will find fighter planes and aerobatic planes. There are gliders and helicopters too. You can explore planes for rescue training and more. Many aircraft await restoration in the technical reserve.
The Museu Aeroespacial opened in 1976. It features permanent exhibits. See the Esquadrilha da Fumaça exhibit. It displays planes used since 1956. There is also a Search and Rescue in Brazil exhibit. It shows rescue equipment. The Santos Dumont exhibit tells his story. It covers his life inventions and curiosities.
The Musal has a replica of the 14-Bis. The Parque de Material Aeronáutico dos Afonsos built it in 1973. The 14-Bis was the first plane to take off on its own.
The collection includes the AERO BOERO 180 G-180. It towed gliders for the Brazilian Air Force Academy. The Bandeirante YC-95 IPD/PAR-6504 EMB 100 is another highlight. This aircraft led to the Embraer 100.
The museum also displays the FOUGA CM170 MAGISTER. It is a two-crew primary training jet. It first flew in 1952. It was the world’s first jet for basic pilot training.
The idea for the Musal began before its 1976 opening. Minister of Aeronautics Salgado Filho wanted to organize the space in 1943. Work stopped due to the lack of a location. President Emílio Garrastazu Médici created the Aerospace Museum Nucleus in 1973. Lieutenant-Brigadier Joelmir Campos de Araripe Macedo requested it. The Musal began construction the following year. They restored the former Flight Instruction Division of the Aeronautics School. They collected and restored planes engines weapons and historical pieces.
The Base Aérea dos Afonsos is located on Rua Marechal Fontenelle 2000. The Museu Aeroespacial is open from Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm. On weekends and holidays it is open from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Group visits can be scheduled a month in advance. Admission and parking are free. Amaro Aviation recognizes the importance of preserving aviation history.