You can fly in a WWII aircraft at Chicago Executive Airport, too

It’s not every day that someone has a chance to fly in a B-17 Flying Fortress, the legendary aircraft that played such a significant role in the Allies’ victory over tyranny in the 1940s. That, however, is what passengers did before arriving at Chicago Executive Airport, following about a 45-minutes flight, where the B-17 is now, along with a B-24 and a P-51.

You can see these famous WWII aircraft there now. You can even go for a memorable flight of your own. A ride in the B-17 or B-24 is $450 for half an hour. That’s a lot of money for a short ride that brings you right back where you started. However, it’s not so much for a ride you’ll remember and cherish the rest of your life.

For a small admission of $12 ($6 for children), even if you don’t go for a flight, you can see the planes firsthand. That includes doing a walkthrough of the B-17 and B-24. Then again, you can even take the experience to the next level with a P-51 flight. More than just a ride, this specially modified P-51 has tandem cockpits. At some point, the pilot can turn the controls over to you.

Imagine telling your friends, “Yesterday, I flew a P-51.” It’s not every day you get to say that.

The P-51 flight is $2,300 for half an hour and $3,200 for an hour. The memory, of course, is priceless.

The aircraft are on hand for flights and viewing at Chicago Executive Airport today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you can’t see the planes, or go for a flight, at Chicago Executive Airport, the planes may be in your area later this year. Below is The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom schedule for the remainder of 2014. Or to learn more about The Collings Foundation, visit http://www.collingsfoundation.org.

7/21 - 7/23

Valparaiso, IN (B-17, B-24, & P-51)

Airport: Porter County Municipal Airport

Location: Terminal Building

7/23 - 7/25

Kankakee, IL (B-17, B-24, & P-51)

Airport: Greater Kankakee Airport

Location: Main Terminal

7/25 - 7/27

St. Louis - East (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: St. Louis Downtown Airport

Location: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

7/28 - 7/30

TBD

7/30 - 8/1

Paducah, KY (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Barkley Regional Airport

Location: Midwest Aviation

August

8/1 - 8/3

Smyrna, TN (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Smyrna Airport

Location: Smyrna Air Center

8/4 - 8/6

TBD

8/6 - 8/8

TBD

8/8 - 8/10

Lexington, KY (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Blue Grass Airport

Location: Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Future Stops

8/15 - 8/17

Altoona, PA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Altoona-Blair County Airport

Location: General Aviation Ramp

8/20 - 8/25

Belmar, NJ (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Monmouth Executive Airport

Location: Monmouth Jet Center

8/27 - 8/29

Cape May, NJ (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Cape May County Airport

Location: Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum

8/29 - 9/1

Farmingdale, NY (B-17, B-24, & P-51)

Airport: Republic Field

Location: American Airpower Museum

9/17 - 9/19

Hyannis, MA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Barnstable Municipal Airport

Location: East Ramp

9/19 - 9/21

Worcester, MA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Worcester Regional Airport

Location: Main Terminal

9/24 - 9/28

White Plains, NY (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Westchester County Airport

Location: Million Air

10/1 - 10/3

Morristown, NJ (B-17, B-24 & P-51)

Airport: Morristown Municipal Airport

Location: Signature Flight Support

10/3 - 10/5

Westminster, MD (B-17, B-24, & P-51)

Airport: Carroll County Regional Airport

Location: Skytech Inc.