The blades of the helical, or spiral roof extend 87 feet at the base and 18 feet at the peak from a 60-foot center support column. They symbolize both flight and the fanning turbine blades of today's jet engines.

The helix has been utilized by man in many aspects of his life from water pumps to art forms. Leonardo da Vinci sketched it almost 500 years ago.

Beneath the 23 cantilevered blades of the helical roof nestle three cylindrical cells containing the exhibit areas and telling with audio-visual and other effects the story of Man's conquest of the air, from his first fanciful dream to the achievements of today.

The Dream section of the display delves into the subconscious origins of Man's will to fly and his gradual perception of the various aspects of flight.

The Achievement tells the story of flying from early balloons and the first cumbersome gliders to the streamlined forms of today's jets.

New Worlds depict the impact of aviation's conquest of time and geography upon Man and his World.