Courtesy of Wings of Freedom Tour:
Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” bombers and P-51 Mustang “Toulouse Nuts” and P-40 Warhawk “Jaws” fighters, will fly into the Monterey Regional Airport for a visit from May 15th to May 17th.
This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of WWII aviation history. The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J Liberator is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The P-51 “Toulouse Nuts” fighter received the prestigious Grand Champion Award for restoration. The B-25 Mitchell is the same type of bomber used during the daring Doolittle Raid. New to the tour is the legendary P-40 Warhawk, well known for serving with the Flying Tigers.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out – $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates for school groups.
Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. B-25 flights are $400. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighters! P-51 flight training is $2,400 for a half hour and $3,400 for a full hour. P-40 flight training is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at the Monterey Regional Airport, located on the Monterey Jet Center, 300 Sky Park Drive.
WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at the Monterey Airport at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 15th and will be on display until the aircraft departs after 12:00 PM operations Friday, May 17th. Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday, May 15th; 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 16th and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 17th. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is celebrating its 30th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-25, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation as a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17, B-25 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 B-25, P-40 & P-51 – and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.
For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: [email protected] or 800-568-8924.
Image courtesy of the Hollister Airshow archives
