Santa Claus temporarily traded in his reindeer for a helicopter Saturday as he flew in for his annual visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road.
Dozens of children and their families gathered to watch the landing and greet him upon his arrival. Colin Bates, 5, of Marana, shyly waved from atop his father's shoulders.
Once on the ground, Santa set up shop in the new 20,000-square-foot Flight Central hangar, where a line formed to meet him between an F-14A Tomcat like the one in the movie "Top Gun" and a Huey helicopter.
Visitors checked out the aviation-in-Hollywood-themed exhibits, made holiday crafts and took advantage of a breakfast special at the new Flight Grill restaurant, which opened about a week ago, while waiting to take photos with Santa.
Contact photographer Greg Bryan at gbryan@azstarnet.com or 307-1709.
