Rare WWII Bombers, Fighters On Display

The Wings of Freedom Tour, featuring a WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, two Consolidated B-24 Liberators and a North American P-51 Mustang, will roar into Salina Municipal Airport from July 8 for a three day visit.

Sponsored by The Collins Foundation, a non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing "living history" events that allows people to learn about their heritage and history through direct participation. The tour offers one of those rare opportunities to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history.  The B-17 is one of only 9 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.

Tours of the aircraft, as well as an opportunity to fly in one of these rare warbirds are available.

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 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. 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.  Veterans of WWII are not required to donate for the tours. Donations for flights are tax deductable.

FMI: www.collingsfoundation.org