Wings Of Freedom Tour To Feature Historic WWII Aircraft

TAMPA, FL — Residents will have a chance to experience a piece of aviation history when the Collings Foundation brings its Wings of Freedom Tour to Tampa, offering a close-up view of a rare bomber and fighter aircraft from World War II.

On Monday, the WWII vintage consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang flew into Tampa Executive Airport, 6530 Tampa Executive Airport Road, as part of the 110-city nationwide tour.

Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out Jan. 20-23. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 with discounted rates for school groups. Hours for ground tours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday.

Enthusiasts may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on the B-24 are $475 per person. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times.

And for the avid aviation enthusiast, the tour offers flight training on the P-51 for $2,400 for a half hour and $3,400 for an hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences, call 800-568-8924.

The B-24J Liberator "Witchcraft" heavy bomber is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the world. The B-24 played an important role in 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-24s safely brought their crews home.

The P-51 Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" fighter was the first intercept fighter that had the long-range capability to protect Allied bombers all the way to a target and back. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bomber's “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 so few survived.

The Collings Foundation is a nonprofit 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 tour is celebrating its 31st year. It visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually.