Warbirds return to Santa Maria

A B-17 Flying Fortress, a P-51 Mustang, and a B-24 Liberator – part of The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom tour – were scheduled to arrive Monday, but rain delayed their flights.

Visitors are welcome to tour the inside of the vintage aircraft and 30-minute flights also are available, organizers said.

Viewing the exterior of planes is free.  Interior tours of the B-17 or B-24 will cost $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 years old.

Flights aboard the B-17 or B-24 cost $425 per person per flight while P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. Reservations can be made through the Collings Foundation at (800) 568-8924. Donations are tax-deductible.

The planes will be parked on the ramp behind the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon today for ground tours and viewing.  They’ll depart at noon.

Posted in Local on Wednesday, May 19, 2010