Wings of Freedom Tour ready for landing at Chicago Executive Airport
The Wings of Freedom Tour returns to Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling Aug. 1-5, featuring the B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine," B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft," B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" and a P-51 Mustang "Betty Jane" fighter.
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 of only eight in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. A fee of $12 or $6 for guests under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates are available for school groups.
Visitors may also experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. For reservations and information on flight experiences, call (800) 568-8924.
Planes arrive at Chicago Executive Airport at noon on Monday, Aug. 1, and they will be on display at the ramp off Tower Drive.
Hours are: Noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 1; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 2, 3 & 4; 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 5.
The Wings of Freedom Tour is sponsored by the Collings Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit educational foundation devoted to organizing "living history" events that allow people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation.
The nationwide tour is celebrating its 27th year and visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually.
The Tour travels the nation as a flying tribute to its flight crews, its ground crews, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect, and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve.
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.
Visitors can find out more by visiting www.collingsfoundation.org. For information, email Hunter Chaney, director of marketing at hchaney@collingsfoundation.org, or call (800) 568-8924.