Whether you're a history buff, an aviation enthusiast or just someone who has always wondered what it's like to live in the cramped quarters of an aircraft carrier, you'll be awestruck by sheer size of the USS Intrepid, a WWII-era aircraft carrier that was once home to 3,000 service men and women. Today the Intrepid Museum displays an aircraft collection that reflects some of the greatest achievements in American military history. And how better to learn about it all than by climbing right in the cockpit?

• Two thrilling flight simulators let you feel the power of being in the pilot's seat.
• Tour the inside of the world's fastest commercial airplane, the Concorde.
• Climb into the bug-like Bell 47 military helicopter.
• See the heroic WWII Avenger torpedo bomber and the CIA's Cold War spy plane A-12 Blackbird up close.
• Experience the 14-seat 4D Motion Ride Theater, where dynamic 4D simulation and vibration, combined with 3D graphics and high-definition sound truly make you feel like you're flying.
• Inspect the once top-secret missile command center and torpedo room in the USS Growler, the only American diesel-powered strategic missile submarine open to the public.

• When planning your trip, make sure you can spend two to three hours on the Intrepid for the full experience.
• There are several audio tours available in multiple languages, including one narrated by pilots, crew members and notable American military leaders, with stories from former President George H.W. Bush, General Colin Powell, Senator John McCain and astronaut Scott Carpenter. Another audio tour is aimed at children, and yet another for the hearing impaired.
• Most areas of the Intrepid are wheelchair accessible, excluding the Fo'c's'le, Combat Information Center, Growler submarine and Concorde. 
• General admission includes access to the Growler and Concorde.
• For an extra fee, hop on a 90-minute tour led by a knowledgeable tour guide who will walk you through the highlights of the hangar and flight decks.
• The guided tour includes several behind-the-scenes stops that are off-limits to regular museum visitors.

• The Space Shuttle Pavilion will not be open until Spring 2013. Until then, please enjoy a new exhibit entitled Space Shuttle Enterprise: A Pioneer.
• Visitors must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the G-Force simulator, and 38 inches tall to ride the Transporter FX and the XD Theater.
  

Schedule Details:

• Spring/Summer hours  (April 1 - Oct. 31): Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fall/Winter hours (Nov. 1 - Mar. 31): Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Monday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Location:
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is located on the west side of Manhattan on Pier 86, at 12th Ave. and 46th Street.