March 20--Local residents will have a rare chance to get up close and personal with three World War II aircraft visiting the Gillespie County Airport next week.
The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour will stop in Fredericksburg Monday with the three planes -- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" heavy bomber, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" heavy bomber and the P-51 Mustang fighter.
"This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history," a spokesman for the Collings Foundation said. "The B-17 is one of only eight in flying condition in the United States, and the B-24J and P51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world."
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. Admission cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children younger than 12 for up-close viewing and tours of the inside of the aircraft. Admission is free to World War II veterans.
Visitors also have the opportunity to take a 30-minute flight aboard the aircraft. Flights on the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Flights on the P-51 are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for an hour.
The planes will fly in at noon on Monday, with tours from noon-5 p.m., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday. Flights are scheduled before and after ground tour times.
The Collings Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational foundation devoted to organizing "living history" events that allow individuals to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation.
The nationwide Wings of Freedom Tour is celebrating its 25th year and visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually.
For reservations and information on flights, call 800-568-8924. For more information, visit www.collingsfoundation.org.
Copyright 2014 - Kerrville Daily Times, Texas
