The Texas City Will Be Host To An Unprecedented Collection Of Historic World War II Aircraft On October 3–6

The City of McKinney, Texas will be host to an unprecedented collection of historic World War II aircraft on October 3-6 when the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) iconic B-29 Superfortress FIFI – the only flying B-29 in the world – visits Collin County Regional Airport. She will be accompanied by an array of equally rare aircraft including the B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, the B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey, the only remaining Curtiss SB2C Helldiver in the world, C-45 Expeditor Bucket of Bolts and many other historic military aircraft. The show will include a P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, T-6 Texan, Stearman biplane and more than a dozen additional airplanes. These aircraft will be on the ramp from October 3 through 6 for cockpit tours and rides.

This gathering of historic aircraft offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to see, touch and hear some of the most rare World War II artifacts in the world. The Commemorative Air Force is a flying museum bringing the sight, sound and smell of World War II aviation to the general public. In addition to aircraft from the CAF collection will be aircraft from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum and from private collectors and individuals.

The event will also feature Veteran oral histories, historic military vehicles, classic cars, live swing and patriotic music, activities for children, food and much more. It will be the only place in the world where one can see the three major heavy bombers from WWII still fly.

Sponsors for the event include the Commemorative Air Force, the City of McKinney Visitors and Convention Bureau, the McKinney Kiwanis Club, Collin County Regional Airport, Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Cutter Aviation, Craig Ranch, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and the Daughters of WWII. The CAF AirPower Expo is funded in part by a grant from the McKinney Community Development Corporation.

The event will be held at the Collin County Regional Airport in McKinney, Texas. Admission is $15 per person or $25 for families with children age 17 and under. Children age 10 and under are free. Free B-29 and B-24 cockpit tours and admission to the oral histories and swing band concerts are included with paid admission. Friday is the event’s Veterans Day and all veterans and active duty personnel will be admitted free on Friday. Hours vary each day depending on the programs offered.

Rides are available in almost all of the attending aircraft. Advance ride reservations are recommended and can be made online. Rides are also sold at the event and all of the airplanes except the B-29 fly on demand. The B-29 will fly at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

(Images provided by the CAF)

FMI: www.AirPowerExpo.org