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Updated: 6:07 AM Oct 27, 2009
WWII Era Planes Fly into Shenandoah Regional Airport
Weyers Cave, Va. History landed at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Monday. Posted: 4:22 PM Oct 26, 2009Reporter: David Johnson Email Address: david.johnson@whsv.com |
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History landed at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Monday.
Historic World War II-era planes are on display, including a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, a B-24J Liberator bomber and a Dual Control P-51C Mustang fighter.
Only nine B-17 bombers in the United States are in flying condition, and the B-24J and the Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the only remaining examples of those planes in flying condition in the world.
The public can take a training course on the P-51C, which includes flying the fighter under the supervision of an instructor. A flight cost $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for an hour.
The B-17 is open to the public. Patrons can enter the plane next to the cockpit and walk over the bomb bay and into the tail.
Pilot Mack McCauley has been flying the B-17, called the Nine-O-Nine, for 11 years.
"It flew 140 missions. It never lost a crew member in combat. It went 128 missions without an abort, and never missed a target. So it's quite a thrill to able to fly something like this," says McCauley.
This is the sixth year the historic planes have been on display at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. They are owned by the Collings Foundation and are part of the National Wings of Freedom Tour.
"It's a real unique opportunity to have something that is such a big part of our nation's history that is up close that folks can go through and tour," says Greg Campbell, executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.
The planes will be on display at the airport through Wednesday.
Latest Comments
David: Greg: While the price seems high, that fee is what helps keep those old birds flying. It's a fantastically expensive venture to keep them maintained. The fees also cover ongoing restorations that keep these famous warbirds in the air for all to see and appreciate.
Greg, Sorry for your luck. I have photos from last years visit if you wish to see them.
So i heard this was for public!! Although I drove 8 hours from NC To let my family see this and found out when i got there is cost! When you address that this is for public it seems that who ever wants to can come check it out! If there was a price YOU NEEDED TO TELL THAT TOO! Thank you!
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