WWII warplanes to visit Morristown Airport, Sept. 8-10

Scott Culver, who is writing a book about his late father's WWII aviation exploits, poses with B-17 at Morristown Airport. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Scott Culver, who is writing a book about his late father's WWII aviation exploits, poses with B-17 at Morristown Airport. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Video: Flying over Morristown in a WWII B-17

 

As our World War II veterans pass on, we may need more reminders of their courage and sacrifice 70 years ago.

Scott Culver, who is writing a book about his late father's WWII aviation exploits, poses with B-17 at Morristown Airport. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Scott Culver, whose late father was a WWII aviator, poses with B-17 at Morristown Airport on 2013. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Four awe-inspiring reminders will roar into Morristown Municipal Airport on Sept. 8-10, 2015:  A B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber, a B-24 “Liberator” bomber, a B-25 Mitchell bomber and a P-51 Mustang fighter.

Lovingly restored and maintained by the Massachusetts-based Collings Foundation, these war birds from the Greatest Generation will be available for public tours and flights. Hours and pricing for this national Wings of Freedom tour are below.

We flew in the B-17 a couple of years ago, an unforgettable experience. (See video above.)

Here’s more:

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 B-25 Mitchell and P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Morristown at Morristown Municipal Airport from September 8 to September 10

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, North American B-25 Mitchell “Tondelayo” and P-51 Mustang fighter “Betty Jane”, will fly into Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, NJ, for a visit from Sept. 8 to Sept. 10, 2015.

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. B-25 flights are $400. 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 at Signature Flight Support, 1 Airport Road.

WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Morristown Municipal Airport at noon on Sept. 8 and will be on display at Signature Flight Support at Morristown Municipal Airport until the aircraft departs Sept. 10 after 5 PM.

Hours of ground tours and display are: Noon through 5 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 8; 9 AM through 5 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 9; 9 AM through 5 PM on Thursday, Sept. 10. 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 26th 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-25 & 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-25, 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.

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