Wings Of Freedom Tour Flying Into Local Airport
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The Wings of Freedom Tour is coming to Chautauqua County, and it's bringing five of the planes that fought in World War II with it.
The tour, by the Collings Foundation, will be on display at the Chautauqua-Jamestown Airport, 3163 Airport Dr. from Aug. 12-15. The tour begins at noon and goes until 5 p.m. on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the event goes from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9:30 a.m. to noon on the 15th.
Visitors are welcome to tour the planes for $15, or $5 for children under 12 years of age. For $400 to $450, visitors will have the opportunity to fly for 30 minutes in one of the aircrafts. There is also flight training sessions available, with prices varying depending on flight time and the aircraft.
The Wings of Freedom Tour is sponsored by the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit organization and educational program devoted to showing people their heritage and history through direct interaction or "living history." The tour will be celebrating its 30th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states, bringing the museum to the people.
Each of the planes on display have a history in WWII, and all have been maintained so they can continue to function. On display will be the B-17, B-25 and B-24, all of which were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish their mission, being essential during the war from 1942-1945. The P-51 Mustang saved countless crews from attacking xis fighters, but most were scrapped after the war for their raw aluminum.
New to the tour this year is the P-40 Warhawk fighter, which was part of the Flying Tigers.
"The Wings of Freedom Tour is a tribute to the workers, the ground crew and the flight crew who built, maintained and flew these machines," said Hunter Chaney, director of marketing. "We encourage veterans and their families to visit and share their stories."
For more information, visit collingsfoundation.org, or call 800-568-8924.