If you hear thunder over the skies of Northwest Indiana in early August it actually might be World War II aircraft winging their way to Valparaiso as part of the Collings Foundation's "Wings of Freedom Tour."
Participating in the Collings Foundation’s “Wings of Freedom Tour,” the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, and P-51 Mustang will fly into the Porter County Regional Airport for a visit from August 3rd to August 5th. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one only 8 in flying condition in the United States and the B-24J is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle Raid. The P-51 Mustang was just awarded Grand Champion for restoration at the EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates for school groups.
Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. B-25 flights are $400 per person. Get some “stick time” in the World’s greatest fighter! P-51 flight training is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour.
The “Wings of Freedom Tour” will arrive at the Porter County Regional Airport at 2:00 PM on August 3rd and will be on display until the aircraft depart after operations on August 5th. Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Friday, August 3rd; 9:30 AM through 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, August 4th and 5th. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after tour times above.
Other activities will include Food & Beverages from EAA 104, a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 4th from 7am to 11am, WWII-era vehicles, and an Honor Flight Chicago display.
The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit 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 28th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24, B-25 and P-51 display at locations everywhere. The “Wings of Freedom Tour” is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
For more information or to schedule a flight, call 800-568-8924 or visit www.cfdn.org.