SHELBY CO Airport- CALERA AL- The 2013 Wings of Freedom
Tour, a Collings Museum Foundation flying experience in WW ll history, is three
of the most famous WW II bomber and fighter aircraft. Touring the U.S. for 24 years, on average
visiting 110 cities and 38 states in eleven months, the group is making their
way through Alabama with four scheduled stops.
Four pilots from Shelby County airport loaded up and took their own flight to Decatur field to meet the tour for a reposition war bird flight to the next stop at Shelby. It was an exciting mission from start to end for them, even though one pilot had to fly his own plane back home. Flying formation in a B17 or B24, joining up on a P51 is rare and magical. One must wonder if the Collings staff ever tire of the sights and sounds.
-Collings Foundation P-51 in formation with the B-24 enroute to EET, AlabamaAviator image-
Collings B-24 Liberator- the only one still flying out of nine in existence, B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-51 Mustang draw large crowds and attract veterans and war bird fans of all ages. To see the beautifully restored aircraft, especially out of a museum, and to watch them fly is truly rare. But to ride in them is a once in a lifetime thrill. Swing band music and period military costumes at the airport heighten the nostalgic mood of another time.
-A B24 tail gunner came from Tennesse to ride on the Collings war bird at Decatur, AlabamaAviator image-
The numbers of WW II veterans is dwindling, while interesting and touching to speak with them and hear their recollections it is impressive to see their pride and patriotism in their service. These men travel distances from across the state to have a glimpse of their military past. Their affection for the machines is evident. Often family members who want have their father's experience will take a tour.
-Collings B17 at Decatur prepares for departure to Shelby County, AlabamaAviator image-
Mark Henley of Birmingham says, "The whole purpose of this tour is to make people aware of the sacrifices our servicemen made during World War II." He works with the Collings Foundation as a part time pilot when able and is familiar with many stories the family tells. This is the Collings Foundation mission.
-Ellis Cruse, 92 of Birmingham recalls flying during WW II, Alabama Aviator image-
Ellis Cruse, age 92 of Birmingham, talks about flying each of the Collings war birds and his experience of what it was like, contrasting the B24 and the B17. Flying in the Philippine invasion and then in the Korean War, he flew in the Air Service Command and tested aircraft that had been repaired to verify they were airworthy. He says as far as he knows, he is the last remaining member in his military group.
-Collings P 51 atShelby Co, AlabamaAviator image-
The tour is heading to Montgomery from Oct. 28-30, followed by Auburn from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. From 9 am to 4:30 pm a tour of the interior of a bomber will cost $12 for adults and $6 for children younger than 12. World War II veterans can tour the aircraft at no charge. A 30-minute flight in either the B-17 or B-24 will cost $425 per person. Instruction in the P-51 costs $2,200 for a half-hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences, call (800) 568-8924. B Meyer, FMI: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm