The Wings of Freedom Tour featuring historic World War II aircraft is coming to Gillespie Field in El Cajon for three days next week.
A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, North American B-25 Mitchell and North American P-51 Mustang will be on display Monday to Wednesday, April 18 to April 20, as part of a 110-city nationwide tour.
The B-17 “Nine O Nine” is one of only eight in flying condition in the United States, while the B-24J “Witchcraft” is the only remaining example of a type built by the thousands in San Diego.
The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid on Tokyo launched from an aircraft carrier. P-51 Mustangs in vast fleets escorted American bombers all the way to Berlin, destroying the German air force in the process.
The four aircraft will be on display outside the airport’s terminal building at 1960 Joe Crosson Drive. Hours are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.
Visitors can explore the aircraft inside and out. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Flights in the aircraft are also available; for more information call 800-568-8924.
The event is sponsored by the educational Collings Foundation, which is devoted to organizing “living history” events that allow people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation.
