Liberator, Mustang, And Flying Fortress Will Visit In July

A sight seldom seen since the 1940's, the Wings of Freedom tour is scheduled to stop in Salina, KS with circa WWII aircraft including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang, July 12 to 14. The Wings of Freedom Tour travels the nation, 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.

This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.

The B-17 and 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 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 is in its 20th year and visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 and 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 are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. A $12 donation for adults and $6 donation for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Non-profit and educational groups please call the Collings Foundation for special pricing.

Veterans of WWII are not required to donate. Veterans formerly stationed at Smoky Hill Army Airfield, Camp Phillips and Schilling Air Force Base are invited to take advantage of a complimentary VIP room and sign up to receive special information about the upcoming Wings Over Salina Air Museum. 

Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flight experiences are a tax-deductible donation. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person. Get some "stick time" in the world's greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

Hours of ground tours and display are: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 12; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, July 14. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tours.

FMI: www.collingsfoundation.org