World War II Planes Exhibit Scheduled for Oct 24-26 at Statesville Airport

By NANCY DAVIS

The Statesville Regional Airport is hosting the Wings of Freedom Tour Oct. 24-26 featuring four World War II vintage aircraft. The planes will be on display for the public to view and tour through the inside of the aircraft.

This is the fourth year that the airport has hosted the flying history tour which has attracted hundreds of visitors from throughout the area and state. According to Statesville Airport Manager John Ferguson, "The community has been very supportive of this event. We have seen the interest continue to grow, but we look forward to repeat visitors, as well as folks coming in for the first time.

“The opportunity to see these beautifully restored planes close up, walk through them and learn about their history is so rare. We are very fortunate to have the planes return for a fourth time,” added Ferguson.

The tour includes a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, North American B-25 Mitchell, and the P-51 Mustang, a rare dual control two-seat WWII fighter.

The times for touring the planes are Oct. 24, 2-4 p.m.; Oct. 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Oct. 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Admission for the walk through tours is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. WWII Veterans can tour the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates are available for school groups.

The planes will also be airborne for special charter flights during their three-day stay. Rides range in costs from $400 to $3,200. These flights can be arranged with Wings of Freedom personnel on site at the airport. For more information on the group rates or special charter flights, call 800-568-8924. All proceeds benefit the Collings Foundation, the sponsoring organization and a non-profit, educational foundational dedicated to organizing living history events throughout the U.S.

For more information about this event, call Ferguson at 704-761-2370.