HYANNIS – Three mighty “war birds” that helped America fight the Second World War return to Barnstable Airport on Wednesday, September 17.
Two heavy bombers—a B-24J Liberator and a B-17 Flying Fortress—are scheduled to land at the airport between 1:30 and 2 p.m., Wednesday, accompanied by a P-51 Mustang fighter.
The three aircraft will park on the airport’s east ramp, near Route 28 and Mary Dunn Way.
Public admission will be exclusively through the airport gate on Mary Dunn Way. There will be free parking.
The restored aircraft will be open for tours from 2 to 5 p.m. that day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, September 18, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday, September 19.
Adult visitors may explore the aircraft—inside and out—for $12; children 12 and younger will be charged $6.
World War II veterans are invited to tour the aircraft at no charge.
Funds go to the non-profit Collings Foundation of Stow, Mass. which keeps the aircraft flying.
Thirty-minute flights aboard the heavy bombers may be scheduled for $450 per person. Flights in the P-51C Mustang begin at $2,200 for a half hour.
“During this 70th anniversary year of D-Day, the Allies’ invasion to liberate Europe during World War II, it is of special significance that the “war birds” return to Hyannis,” said Airport Manager Roland “Bud” Breault. “The bombers were the backbone of the American war effort and were renowned for efficiently destroying enemy war-making facilities at key points during the war.”
The B-24J Liberator and the P-51C full dual control Mustang are the only examples of their types still flying, according to the Collings Foundation.
The Wings of Freedom Tour visits an average of 120 cities in 35 states each year.
