It’s been over 75 years since the largest air armada the world had ever seen lifted into the skies over Europe, but on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 31, June 1 and 2 history will come alive when three vintage warbirds roar into Douglas, Georgia, led by the most iconic aircraft of WWII: the B-17 Flying Fortress.
Presented by the Commemorative Air Force, the B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders is one of only three remaining that are actively flying in the U.S. today. This aircraft was the first Flying Fortress to be restored solely for the sake of education and use as a flying museum, and is an accurately restored B-17, bristling with machine guns and featuring period-specific equipment. Hosted by Douglas Municipal – Gene Chambers Airport, the visiting aircraft will also include the popular SNJ / T6 Texan advanced trainer in which thousands of airmen trained for combat and a twin-engine Navy transport in which the whole family can fly together. All three warbirds are notable for their historic importance and level of restoration and will offer cockpit tours and flights to the public beginning Tuesday afternoon May 31.
The public is invited to enjoy onboard tours and warbird flights with the aircraft crews at Douglas Municipal – Gene Chambers Airport, 440 Elton D Brooks Blvd, Douglas, Georgia 31535. Admission to the tarmac is $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12, and $20 for a family of up to five and includes access to all the aircraft for cockpit tours. Warbird flights start as low as $100 for the Navy transport and $380 for the advanced trainer. Seats on the B-17 start at $495. Ground tours will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, and from 10:00 to 4:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, excluding flying times. Those who wish to fly can call 855-FLY-A-B17 (1-855-359-2217) or reserve online at B17TexasRaiders.org or see more on Facebook.com/B17TexasRaiders.
The WWII Flight Training Base and Museum, home of the 63rd AAF Flying Detachment along with Barracks #5 will be open to the public as well on those days at no charge. Come out and enjoy some pizza, hot dogs, and other refreshments and shop local artisan booths for something special to take home.