Read our most recent newsletter    •    Sign up for emergency alerts

News Releases:

Wings of Freedom tour coming to Georgetown Airport Oct. 29-31

Oct. 16, 4:15 p.m.

From Oct. 29-31, the Georgetown County Airport will house a unique display of vintage aircraft, including the World War II Vintage Boeing B-17, “Flying Fortress.”

The display is part of the national “Wings of Freedom” tour, which — in honor of Word War II veterans — is in the process of bringing extremely rare bomber and fighter aircraft to more than 100 cities across the U.S. this year.

A project of the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit educational group devoted to organizing living history events, the Wings of Freedom Tour will also feature the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” and P-51 Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" fighter.

These exciting aircraft will arrive at the at the Georgetown Airport, 129 Airport Rd., at noon Oct. 29 and will be on display until the aircraft departs after operations on Oct. 31. Hours of ground tours and display are noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30, and 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31.

Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 for up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates are available for school groups.

“This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history,” said Jim Taylor, airport manager.

The B-17 is one of only 9 in flying condition. The B-24 is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The P-51 Mustang was awarded the prestigious Grand Champion for restoration. 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. P-51 flight training is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924. Flight experiences are scheduled before and after ground tour times listed above.

The Collings Foundation’s living history events are designed to allow people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation.

The Wings of Freedom Tour is celebrating its 29th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually.

The tour travels the nation as a flying tribute to the flight crews who originally flew these aircraft, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect, and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. Since the tour’s start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 and P-51 display at locations across the country.

The B-17 and 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 post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 and 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, local veterans and their families are encouraged to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public.

For more information, visit www.collingsfoundation.org.

Sign up for  emergency alerts!

Click here for more Georgetown County news items.

You can also follow us on Facebook!