Wings of Freedom Tour featuring WWII aircraft coming to Naples – Florida Weekly

By Staff | on January 23, 2020

The B-24 played a primary bombing role in the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and was famous for its ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission, despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighters and sub-zero temperatures. COURTESY PHOTO

In honor of WWII veterans, the Collings Foundations Wings of Freedom Tour will bring extremely rare bomber and fighter aircraft for a local Living History Display as part of a 110-city nationwide tour.

The Wings of Freedom Tour will arrive at the Naples Municipal airport (off North Road) at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, and will be on display until the aircraft departs after 4 p.m. operations on Sunday, Feb. 2. Hours of ground tours and display are 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30; and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Thirty-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

Participating in the Collings Foundations Wings of Freedom Tour will be the B-24 Liberator and P-51 Mustang Toulouse Nuts fighter. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore and learn more about these unique treasures of aviation history. The B-24J is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The P-51 Mustang was the first intercept fighter that had the long-range capability to protect Allied bombers all the way to a target and back.

Visitors are invited to explore the B-24 aircraft inside and out. The charge of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the B-24. Discounted rates for school groups are available. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on the B-24 are $475 per person. Or, get some stick time in the worlds greatest fighter. P-51 flight training is $2,400 for a half hour and $3,400 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

The Collings Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing living history events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The foundation developed the Wings of Freedom Tour to promote the concept of educating future generations in WWII history through an immersive experience of touring through and flying in these WWII aircraft. The Wings of Freedom Tour travels the nation as a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, 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 nationwide Wings of Freedom Tour is celebrating its 31st year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-24 and P-51 display at locations nationwide.

Local veterans and their families are encouraged to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around. Visitors can find out more by visiting http://www.collingsfoundation.org.

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Wings of Freedom Tour featuring WWII aircraft coming to Naples - Florida Weekly