Honoring WWII USAF

The Collings Foundation is a non-profit group that has four restored, flyable World War II aircraft that tour the US to generate remembrances for the members of the USAF who served, and died, in World War II.

The Boeing B-17, North American B-25 Mitchell, Consolidated B-24 bombers and the North American P-51 fighter will be at Seattle’s Boeing Field June 20-22. Ground tours, and flight-rides, are available for donations.

We’ve had the opportunity previously to ride in Collings’ B-24 (and before that, in the Commemorative Air Force’s B-17). These were thrilling experiences that provide the open-air roar of four piston engines. Merely taking a ground tour provides an amazing experience of just how small and cramped these bombers are–at a time when they were considered giants of the skies.

Check out the Collings Foundation website for the full tour schedule. For those of us in Seattle, take advantage of the ground tours, which are $12/adults, $6/children. The flight-rides are considerably more expensive (credit cards accepted) but well worth the trip and the donations are tax deductible.

Photos may be seen here.

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