Iconic WWII bombers, aircraft on display at RDU, in flight across Triangle this weekend
Some of the most iconic and rare bombers and fighter aircraft from World War II will be on display at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and flying the Triangle skies this weekend as part of the Wings of Freedom Tour.
The event, which arrived in the Triangle on Thursday, features the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine," Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" bombers and P-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" fighter. They'll be in the Triangle through Sunday.
According to a press release, the B-17 is one of only eight in flying condition in the United States. The B-24 is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the world.
Visitors can explore the aircraft inside and out. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. You can find them at the N.C. Department of Transportation facility at the airport at 1050 Meridian Dr. Tickets are available for purchase at the entrance from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
You also can actually fly in these planes - but those tickets are, as you might imagine, a little bit more. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. P-51D flight training is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. B-25 flights are $400 per person. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
The Collings Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation that's devoted to organizing “living history” events, is behind the tour. Now in its 28th year, the Wings of Freedom Tour visits about 110 cities in more than 35 states each year. Hunter Chaney, marketing director, said the tour hasn't stopped in Raleigh in at least 20 years.
Chaney said World War II veterans will be on hand to talk about their experiences, which is a great opportunity for kids.
"For the kids to be able to talk with them in this setting is really a special experience," he said. "... To read about World War II history is something you might remember, but to experience something like this from World War II is certainly something you never forget. What we hope to do is engage and excite people enough to the point of wanting to learn more about World War II history."
