Vintage bombers swoop into Flathead
By WILLIAM L. SPENCE
The Daily Inter Lake
Two rare World War II bombers will make an appearance in Kalispell this weekend, offering people an opportunity to see - and ride - the vintage planes.
The B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator are stopping here as part of the "Wings of Freedom" tour, presented by the Collings Foundation.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to offering "living history" events. The "Wings of Freedom" tour is intended to honor the nation's veterans and recognize their sacrifices, as well as to educate people about the country's heritage and the role these aircraft played during the war.
Working models of both aircraft are exceedingly rare. The B-17 is one of just nine airworthy Flying Fortresses in the United States, out of 12,000 built during and after the war, according to a foundation press release. The B-24 is the only flying Liberator in the world, out of more than 18,000 built; most were scrapped after the war.
The planes visit an average of 130 communities in 30 states each year, but they've never been to the Flathead before. The reason they're coming here is because Frank Hale, Semitool's chief pilot, is a volunteer pilot for the organization.
The planes will arrive at Glacier Park International Airport at about 3 p.m. on Friday. They'll be on display at the Semitool hangar, near U.S. 93, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The B-24 was built in August 1944, at the Consolidated Aircraft Co. plant in Fort Worth, Texas. It was transferred to the British Royal Air Force in October of '44, seeing combat in the Pacific Theater.
After the war ended, the plane saw service in the Indian Air Force until 1968. It was later restored by Dr. Robert Collings, with much of the work being done by volunteers.
The B-17 was built in 1945, too late for combat service. However, it was later subjected to three different nuclear bomb tests, to measure the effects of the explosions.
After a 13-year radiation "cool-down" period, it was sold for scrap and then restored for service as a fire retardant bomber, a role it played for 20 years. The Collings Foundation acquired the plane in 1986.
A donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child is requested for up-close views and tours through the inside of the aircraft.
People can also take a 30-minute ride aboard one of the planes for $425 per person.
The Collings Foundation relies on donations and contributions to cover its operating costs, which are more than $3,000 per flying hour.
Semitool founder Ray Thompson's restored F4U Corsair will also be available for viewing.