We’ve covered many fascinating things at MorristownGreen.com. Among the most memorable: Riding in a World War II Flying Fortress.
Now is your chance to experience what our brave airmen endured so many years ago, in the fight for freedom.
The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour touches down at Morristown Municipal Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, and stays through Friday, Oct. 3.
You can ride in a lovingly restored B-17, or a B-24 Liberator bomber or P-51 Mustang fighter.
If the ticket seems steep–flights range from $450 to $3,200–it’s because these living links to our Greatest Generation are costly to maintain.
Only eight B-17s still are flying, and these are the only B-24s and Mustangs of their type that remain aloft.
And where else can you star in your own re-make of Memphis Belle?
For just $12, you can explore the aircraft inside and out on the ground. For children under 12, it’s $6. School groups can get discounts and tours are free for WWII vets. Tour hours: 2 pm through 5 pm on Wednesday; 9 am through 5 pm on Thursday, and 9 am through noon on Friday.
Call 800-568-8924 for flight reservations.
The Collings Foundation is an educational nonprofit that promotes “living history.” More details are below. The planes will be displayed at Signature Flight Support, at 1 Aircraft Drive.
Some background for your visit:
PODCAST: AIRMAN JACK BENNETT OF MADISON BAILS OUT OVER NAZI GERMANY
PODCAST: MORRISTOWN’S BILL HARTY RECALLS WWII BOMBING RAIDS IN B-17
FROM THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION:
The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Morristown at Morristown Municipal Airport from October 1 to October 3
In honor of our WWII 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
WHAT: Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, NJ for a visit from October 1 to October 3.
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.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out — $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates for school groups.
Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, located atSignature Flight Support 1 Airport Road.
WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Morristown Municipal Airport at 2:00 PM on October 1 and will be on display at Signature Flight Support at Morristown Municipal Airport until the aircraft departs October 3 after noontime.
Hours of ground tours and display are: 2 pm through 5 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 1; and 9 am through 5 pm on Thursday, Oct. 2; and 9 am through noon on Friday, Oct. 3. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 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 Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is celebrating its 25th 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-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation 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 B-17 & 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 sub-zero 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 post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared.
The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 – and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families 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 our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.
