Fully Restored Wwii Aircraft Drop In For Visit

Vintage World War II bombers, the B-17 and the B-24, will make a rare appearance in Spokane this weekend. The Massachusetts-based Collings Foundation is bringing the restored aircraft to Spokane and the planes will be on display Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Spokane International Airport.

The bombers were restored to mint condition, complete with machine guns, and the B-24 is the only combat-ready aircraft of its kind still flying. Thousands of the planes were produced during the war, but few remain.

Spectators can sign up for a one-hour flight on one of the planes while they are here; the cost is $300 per person, which is tax deductible since the Collings Foundation is a non-profit institution.

The ride is like nothing most people have experienced, says local volunteer Scott Sanderson. “I took one ride and I was hooked,” says Sanderson. “It’s not like flying on an airliner.”

The planes will be on display 3-6 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday. A tour of both aircraft is $7, $3 for children younger than 12.

Those interested in booking a flight should call Sanderson at 448-4709.