Written by Brian Walzel    Friday, 06 March 2009 00:00    PDF Print E-mail
Historic WWII aircraft make return visit to Tomball

Making a return appearance to Hooks Airport this weekend are some of the most enduring treasures from World War II.

The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour will feature the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” the Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” and a P-51 Mustang.

According to the Collings Foundation, the B-17 is one of only nine in the United States currently in flying condition, while the B-24 and P-51 are the “sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.”

The show will be held at Hooks Airport March 13 through 16. Tour times are 2 to 5 p.m. on March 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 14 and 15 and 9 a.m. to noon on March 16.

In its 20th year, Wings of Freedom is a 110-city nationwide tour bringing the historic aircraft to cities across the country.

Visitors can tour the inside of the aircraft during the Hooks show for a $12 donation for adults and a $6 donation for children under 12. In addition, 30-minute flight tours are available on the B-17 and the B24 for a $425 tax-deductible donation. Flights on the P-51 for a half hour are $2,200 and $3,200 for a full hour.

Founded in 1979, the Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization which provides “living history” events that allow people to learn more about their heritage and history.

According to the Foundation, the tour has two goals: “to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans that allow us to enjoy our freedom, and to educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage.”

In 19 years, the tour has made more than 2,200 visits to airports across the Continental United States and Alaska. It is estimated that between and three and four million people see the aircraft annually.

For reservations and information on flight experiences, call (800) 568-8924.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 06 March 2009 13:49 )
 
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