The Pattern Is Clear

The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at John Wayne - Orange County Airport at 2:00 PM on May 7, and will be on display at Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne - Orange County Airport until the aircraft departs May 12 after 12:00 PM.

Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 11 and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Monday, May 12. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into John Wayne - Orange County Airport in Santa Ana, CA for a visit from May 7 to May 11. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out – and see the incredible Lyon Air Museum Collection.

The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve.

The B-17 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home.

The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide.