GREAT FALLS – If you’re still feeling patriotic after July 4th, the Wings of Freedom tour is coming to the Electric City to offer the public the chance to view or fly World War II aircraft.
Wings of Freedom showcases five major aircraft, including three bombers and two fighter plans.
The tour is organized by the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to teaching the public about history and heritage.
“Over the years, we’ve had opportunities to host these tours of the World War II aircraft, but typically it’s always been one aircraft at a time,” Holman Aviation Director Dwight Holman said.
“And this is a real treat this year to have all five of these aircraft, all at the same time, available for the public to come take a look at,” he added.
The public is welcome to watch the planes arrive at the Great Falls International Airport at 1 p.m. on Friday.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. World War II veterans are admitted for free.
People can explore the insides of the B-17 and B-24 as well as the other aircraft on the ramp. The tours are self-guided and reservations are not needed.
Tour times are as follows:
- Friday, July 5: 2 to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, July 6: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, July 7: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The public also has a chance to experience a flight on the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and B-25 Mitchell.
Flight training (no experience necessary) on the P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk is also available to take the controls and fly the famous fighters of WWII with an experienced instructor for either 30 minutes or an hour.
The Wings of Freedom Tour will also touch down in Kalispell this week. Tours are self-guided and reservations are not needed for walkthrough tours.
The planes will be at Glacier Park International Airport on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Tour times are as follows:
- Wednesday, July 3: 2 to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, July 4: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, July 5: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Click here to book your flight experience. You can also make a reservation by calling 978-562-9182.
