COLLINGS BOMBERS TOUR THE WEST

Story and photos by Frank Lorey III

Two familiar World War II bombers, a B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O' Nine" and a B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" are usually out making frequent stops at airshows and general aviation airports throughout the United States.  The vintage bombers are owned by the non-profit Collings Foundation, and the tours usually start in early April, with plans for the planes to stay out until mid-November, when they will return to their base for about eight weeks of maintenance.  The usual plan calls for a western and eastern tour, and the future route is not set very far in advance.

            At each stop, there is an opportunity to go inside and tour the perfectly restored Flying Fortress and Liberator.  Collings Foundation also offers the opportunity of a lifetime--the chance to fly in one of the aircraft.  For a $425 donation, you can become a "flight crew member", and relive the perilous days when these great planes helped to decide the outcome of the war in Europe and the Pacific. 

            Many of those who show up at the airports have already had quite a bit of prior experience with the B-17, B-24, and other bombers, however.  These are the surviving World War II veterans who spent their youth in such aircraft.  Many of the former crewmen go out of their way to talk about their experiences, especially wanting kids to hear what these planes and their crews did during the last World War.  Some are just there to watch and listen and think back on their younger days.

The Collings Foundation “Wings of Freedom” tour recently made a stop in the San Diego area, the historical home of Consolidated Aircraft which manufactured the B-24 Liberator that was part of the tour.  Many flights were sold out, and the lines for the ground tours were long at times, showing the popularity of the both B-17G Flying Fortress and B-24.  Missing was the P-51C Mustang, which was delayed at Fighter Rebuilders in Chino due to some needed maintenance.

The Mustang is a recent addition to the tour, acquired about two years ago from an individual.  It had been converted to fully instrumented dual control, with a rear cockpit located where a fuel tank had been located.  Actual flight instruction is available during half-hour and hour long flights.

“We have been flying it like crazy” commented Jim Goolsby.  He added that “with the controls and instrument panel in back, the glass extended, and other small changes it is now closer to a “D” model.  Mac McCauley, also with Collings, said “it is the only C model with a fully instrumented rear cockpit.  Flights are available with the opportunity to actually fly the Mustang.  Collings also recently acquired an F-4U Corsair, which is limited to flying in airshows on the East Coast.  A total of 22 aircraft are now in the collection, based in Stowe, MA and New Smyrna Beach, FL.  Some of the aircraft are on static display only, while others are undergoing restoration.

You can check the schedule of future tour stops on their website of: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm