Jessica Jewell, 40, and son Thomas Catena, 10, of Rockport, Mass., were the pilots of the simulator who crashed on their first attempt Monday morning, but due to the wonders of modern science were able to continue their flight moments later.

"It's incredible," Jewell said. "I have no talent for flying. I still feel like I'm flying. It's scary though. It was kind of hard to figure out at first but it was fun."

Catena was succinct in his praise of the ride. "Awesome."

Kurt Blatt, general manager of Max Ventures has been supervising the gallery for its first two weeks of operation.

"They're loving it," Blatt said. Kids come in all sizes. We have them from eight to 60. We have had actual pilots who have come down. They've been impressed. The kids are quite daring because they are video gamers."

Spectators or anxious parents can watch the same video image the pilot and gunner see in the craft on a wall projection.

MaxFlight designed several of the simulator programs on aircraft in the museum. One can take Eddie Rickenbacker's up to fight in the skies of World War I.

One person can man the guns while the other flies the device and a simple button push allows riders to switch positions.

World War II fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the dreaded Japanese Zero can also be flown.

Museum admission is still free, but the new additions will cost. The three-minute simulator ride costs $6.50. The planetarium is now $6 and entrance into the IMAX Theater is $7.50 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under.