Coming May 17 through 19, a classic collection of aircraft from World War II will be landing at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria. Santa Maria is included in a 110-city tour giving citizens the chance to view aircraft that brought an Allied victory in World War II.
“The Wings of Freedom” tour will land at the Santa Maria Airport on May 17 at 2 p.m., and will be on display at the ramp at Radisson Hotel. A donation of $12 for adults—and $6 for children younger than 12—will bring an in-depth look at the aircraft. And, for those who want to fulfill their childhood dream, a 30-minute flight in either the B-17 or B-24 can be experienced for $425.
The B-17 is one of only nine that are still functional, so this may be the only chance to soar through the clouds on the bird in which Jimmy Stewart—star of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, among other classic films—taught flying lessons, and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry flew in World War II.
“The Wings of Freedom” tour will also showcase an extremely rare bird: the P-51, one of the greatest fighters in history. You can be the first on your block to get “stick-time” on this relic. A half-hour of flight will cost about $2,200; it’s $3,200 for a full hour.
The Collings Foundation, a nonprofit, is dedicated to presenting “living history,” a way of teaching about the past through direct participation. All donations for admission and aircraft flights are tax-deductible. Anyone interested in flying should call 1-800-568-8924 for reservations or more information. Anyone interested in learning about the aircraft can visit collingsfoundation.org.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 13-20, 2010.
