Wings of Freedom Tour

TYLER — The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, North American P-51 Mustang, German Me 262 fighter jet, and Huey Helicopter remains at Tyler’s Historic Aviation Memorial Museum through today. In honor of WWII veterans, the Collings Foundation�s Wings of Freedom Tour brings an extremely rare bomber and fighter aircraft for the local living history display as Part of a 110-city Nationwide Tour.

The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States; the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. The Me 262 is a very rare flying replica aircraft with what’s termed unparalleled authenticity from the original legendary WWII German jet. The legendary Huey is flying in honor of Vietnam veterans. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft; that includes entrance to the museum.

Visitors may also experience what’s termed 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 $425 per person. P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. Flights in the Huey are $80 bench / $100 front. Me 262 flights are available; certain prerequisites are required. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

The Wings of Freedom Tour arrived at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport at 2:00pm on March 15 and will be on display at the museum until the aircraft departs today after 5:00pm. Hours of ground tours and display are 9:00am through 5:00pm. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times.