by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director

The Collings Foundation and the Wings of Freedom Tour, which showcases three fully restored WWII Bomber Aircraft, will be at the Metro Airport from July 1 – 3, 2009. These aircraft are the 1944 vintage Consolidate B-24J Liberator, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Nine-O-Nine” and the TP-51C “Betty Jane” Mustang.

The "Wings of Freedom Tour" has two goals: to honor our veterans, recognizing their sacrifices so we may enjoy our freedom; and to educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage. The Foundation encourages people to tour the planes, talk to the veterans who come to visit the aircraft, and participate in a "flight experience.” In nineteen years, the tour has made more than 2,172 visits to airports across the United States and Alaska. While the exact number of visitors is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that between 3 and 4 million people see these warbirds annually.

Walk-through tours of all the aircraft are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. WWII Veterans get into the ground tours at no charge. Flight experiences require a donation and all participants will get the chance to feel what it was like to fly one of the most legendary fighters of WWII.