Wings of Freedom Tour

WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR
THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION
For Immediate Release
The Collings Foundation – Wings of Freedom Tour
Phone 978-562-9182
Fax 978-568-8231
www.collingsfoundation.org
email- hchaney@collingsfoundation.org with questions, comments or need further information.
The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress,
Consolidated B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell and North American P-51 Mustang
Announce Unique Display in Santa Maria at Santa Maria Public Airport
from May 16 to May 18
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, B-25 Mitchell “Tondelayo” Mid Size Bomber,
and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Santa Maria Public Airport in Santa Maria, CA for a visit from May 16 to May 18. 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
8 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51 C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their
type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid. 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. 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. B-25 flights
are $400 per person. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Santa Maria Public Airport in Santa Maria, located at Ramp
behind Radisson Hotel – Airpark Dr.
WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Santa Maria Public Airport at 12:00 PM on May 16 and will be on display
at the ramp behind the Radisson Hotel at Santa Maria Public Airport until the aircraft departs May 18 after 12:00 PM. Hours of
ground tours and display are: 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Monday, May 16; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 17; 9:00
AM through 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the
ground tour times above.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501 c3 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 27th 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-1 7, 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 as 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
fam ilies 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 postwar
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.
For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org or 800-568-8924.