The Wings of Freedom Tour flies into the McClellan- Palomar Airport, April 20-22

CARLSBAD – In honor of World War II veterans, the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour brings extremely rare bomber and fighter aircraft for local living history display as part of 110-city nationwide tour.

The B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine," Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" bombers and P-51 Mustang "Betty Jane" fighter will fly into McClellan-Palomar Airport, 2210 Palomar Airport Road, April 20-22. Guests will have the opportunity to visit, explore and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history.

Hours of ground tours and display are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 20; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22.

The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States; 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 received the prestigious Grand Champion award for restoration at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.

Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Discounted rates are available for school groups. Visitors may also take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Also available is P-51 flight training, $2,200 for a half-hour and $3,200 for a full hour. B-25 flights are $400 per person. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above. For reservations and information on flight experiences, call (800) 568-8924.

The Collings Foundation is a nonprofit 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 29th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually.

The B-17, B-25 and B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters and the harrowing environment of subzero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking Axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in postwar prosperity, and therefore very few were spared. The foundation encourages local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. Visitors can find out more by visiting http://www.collingsfoundation.org.