TF-51D, B-24J, B-17 and B-25 of the Collings Foundation. (Photo by Britt Dietz)
The steady rumble of World War II airplanes will resonate at The Museum of Flight June 23-25, when the Collings Foundation “Wings of Freedom Tour” will visit The Museum of Flight. Ground tours and flights will be available in the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24J Liberator and B-25 Mitchell bombers, and a dual-control TP-51D Mustang fighter aircraft. The planes are on the national “Wings of Freedom Tour” sponsored by the non-profit Collings Foundation, and even casual visitors to the Museum will be able to experience sights and sounds connecting them to aviation of 70 years ago. Ground tours are free for World War II veterans.
The aircraft will be stationed on the Museum’s tarmac at Boeing Field. Tours and rides are availableFriday, June 23, from 2 to 5 p.m., and June 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flights are available on each airplane. For information on flight reservations and costs, call 978-562-9182 or visit http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_flightexperiences.htm
The Collings’ two-seat, dual-control Mustang is one of three original TF-51Ds remaining in the world. After four years of restoration ending last year, the fighter is painted in its original markings as a West Virginia Air Guard, 167th Fighter Squadron P-51 called “Toulouse Nuts.” The Mustang was also awarded Grand Champion at the 2016 Oshkosh AirVenture. The Foundation’s B-24J is the only one of its kind still flying. The Boeing B-17 is one of only about a dozen still flying.
Collings Foundation TF-51D Mustang. All photos courtesy Collings Foundation. (Photo by Britt Dietz)
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Hi Bob and Bobby…
A great service to the memory of those who gave it all for victory!