The Wings of Freedom Tour is flying in this weekend! by William T.
18,500 B-24s were produced during WWII
Wanting to experience a piece of history? Then stop by Moffett Airfield from May 17 to May 25 as the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour arrives here in the Bay Area. The group arriving at Moffett Field is consisted of three World War II-era aircraft. The first aircraft is a B-24 "Liberator", a four-engined bomber that was extensively used during the war. This B-24 is only one of three airworthy (able to fly) B-24s in the world and is painted in honor of the B-24 named "Witchcraft." The next aircraft is the Boeing B-17. The B-17 was dubbed the "Flying Fortress" and once you step inside this aircraft, you will see why. This B-17 specimen never actually fought in World War II, but it has been used in thirteen atomic bomb tests. The last aircraft is the P-51 Mustang. The P-51 Mustang appeared late in the war and outran, out-flew and outfought its adversaries. However, this aircraft (nicknamed Betty Jane) is actually a trainer version of the classic fighter and is equipped with an additional set of controls and seats.
Once you arrive at Moffett Field, there are some things you can do. First, you can tour the B-17s and B-24s. Tours are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. If you want a thrill, you can actually fly in a B-17 or B-24 for $425 per person. If you want even more, you can actually fly in "Betty Jane" if you have the necessary pilot's credentials.