LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is currently seeking volunteers to join its Flight Simulator Team — no experience needed. Located in Lexington Park, the museum offers interactive exhibits and displays that celebrate the history of naval aviation and showcase technology unique to NAS Patuxent River.
Volunteers play a vital role in the museum’s daily operations, from greeting visitors and supporting exhibits to assisting with programs that bring aviation history to life. As a nonprofit that operates without government funding, it relies on community members who are ready to share their time, talents and passion.
Flight Simulator Volunteers
The museum’s simulators are among its most popular attractions, giving visitors the chance to sit inside authentic F-14 trainer cockpits and experience what it feels like to fly. Guests can choose from aircraft such as an F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, A-10 Warthog, P-51 Mustang or C-130 Hercules.
The cockpits are highly realistic, with identical controls and shared airspace that allow participants to fly alongside or against one another. Visitors can even attempt carrier launches and landings.
Volunteers on the Flight Simulator Team guide guests through the process, helping them select aircraft, learn basic cockpit operations and enjoy a safe, engaging simulation.
Opportunities for Students Under 18
Students under 18 are invited to volunteer, with opportunities that may include helping at special events and assisting with simulators. Applications allow young people to share areas of interest such as JROTC, scouting, computer/software knowledge, social media or leadership. Flexible scheduling is available on weekdays and weekends, making it possible to balance school and volunteer service.
Upcoming Events
The museum offers programs throughout the year that connect visitors and volunteers with the community. Among them is Walk the Flight Line, held at 8:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month from June through October. The one-hour walk takes participants along the museum’s outdoor flight line and is open to all ages. Upcoming dates are Sept. 16 and Oct. 21.
In addition, volunteers can look forward to supporting annual community events such as:
- Wheels and Wings Car Show — Sunday, Oct. 11
- Optimus Prime & Friends Weekend — Oct. 18–19
- Trunk or Treat — Saturday, Oct. 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Holidays in the Hangar — Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How to Get Involved
Applications for both adults and students are available at paxmuseum.com/volunteer. For more information, contact volunteers@paxmuseum.org or call (301) 863-1900, ext. 113.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
22156 Three Notch Road
Lexington Park, MD 20653
Hours
Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays
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