Part Of The 'Wings Of Freedom' Tour Visiting Mountain View, CA

The Collings Foundation will display a replica of Germany's WWII operational jet fighter, the Me 262, during the "Wings of Freedom" tour stop at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, CA, May 18th-26th. Along with "White 1", the display will feature a collection of rare WWII aircraft, including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang. The aircraft will fly into Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, CA.

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 10 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. The Wings of Freedom tour will arrive at Moffett Federal Airfield at 1400 PDT on May 18 and will be on display at Main Gate Near the Control Tower at Moffett Federal Airfield until the aircraft depart May 26th after 1700. Hours of ground tours and display are: 1400-1700 PDT on Friday, May 18; 1000-1700 on Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 26. Thirty-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times.

The Collings Foundation "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. The B-17 & 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. 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 & 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.

The airplanes are available for close inspection during the tour. A donation of $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost, and discounted rates are available 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 $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. (Photo courtesy Collings Foundation)

FMI: www.collingsfoundation.org