PORT ANGELES — Fans of an earlier era of aviation can tour or take flight in a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator or a P-51 Mustang when the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom tour lands in Port Angeles later this month.
The wartime aircraft will land at William R. Fairchild International Airport at noon Monday, June 17, for a three-day visit to the North Olympic Peninsula.
Tour planes’ insides
Visitors can tour the inside of the planes at the airport’s east general aviation ramp. The cost for a tour is $12 for adults or $6 for kids younger than 12.
World War II veterans can tour the planes for free.
People can reserve half-hour flights aboard the B-17 or B-24 for $425 per person.
Flights aboard the P-51 are being offered for $2,200 for a half-hour or $3,200 for an hour.
Hours of ground tours and display are from noon to 5 p.m. June 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18 and from 9 a.m. to noon June 19.
The 30-minute flight experiences normally are scheduled before and after the ground tour times.
Heavy bomber
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” heavy bomber that will land in Port Angeles is one of only eight in flying condition in the country.
Even more rare, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the only remaining examples of their type flying in the world.
The Collings Foundation is a nonprofit organization that presents living history exhibits for people to experience their history and heritage through direct participation.
The 24-year-old Wings of Freedom tour stops at an average of 110 cities every year.
The last Wings of Freedom tour stop in Port Angeles occurred in June 2011.
Phone 800-568-8924 for reservations.
For more information about Wings of Freedom, visit www.collingsfoundation.org.
