Go For Exciting Ride In A Wwii Bomber

Q. A number of friends and I who grew up during the ‘40s are in awe of the piston-driven aircraft of that period. Where one can fly in such World War II bombers as the B-17, B-24, B-25, B-29 or the British Lancaster?

A. Thanks to the efforts of organizations dedicated to preservation, the planes you mention have been kept in flying condition and rides aboard the B-17, B-24 and B-25 are available.

Here is a sampling of groups that make rides available. At most sites, you will find many other planes on display. Note that the length of a flight is variously described as “from startup to shutdown” and “from ground to ground.”

The Experimental Aircraft Association in Wisconsin has a B-17G. Cost of a one-hour ride: $590, which buys membership in the B-17 Historical Society and a flight jacket. Information: EAA Aviation Foundation, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54901; (800) 359-6217.

The Collings Foundation, dedicated to living history through aircraft, has a B-17G and a B-24J. Its pilots fly all over the country. Cost for 45 minutes: a $300 donation. Information: River Hill Farm, Stow, MA 01775; (978) 562-9182, fax (978) 568-8231.

Among the aircraft at the National Warplane Museum, which opens new quarters in mid-July at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in upstate New York, is a B-17G. Cost for 30 minutes: $265 for museum members, $300 for others, who buy a $35 membership. Information: P.O. Box 496, Horseheads, NY 14845; (607) 739-8200, fax (607) 739-8374.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum in California offers a 20-minute flight aboard a B-25J. Cost: A single $525 donation, which covers five passengers, plus a $30 membership fee per passenger. Information: 7000 Merrill Ave., Box 17, Chino, CA 91710; (909) 597-3722, fax (909) 597-4755.

The organization claiming the largest collection of operational World War II planes - including two B-17Gs, one B-24/LB-30, three B-25s and one B-29 - is the Confederate Air Force. Though its name may suggest otherwise, it has units in 28 states. Information: P.O. Box 62000, Midland, TX 79711; (915) 563-1000, fax (915) 563-8046.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario, whose collection includes a B-25 and a Lancaster, has asked for a permit to sell flights. Information: 9280 Airport Road, Hamilton Airport, Mount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0; (905) 679-4183, fax (905) 679-4186. The only other operating Lancaster is at the Royal Air Force Coningsby station in England, and only RAF personnel may fly it.

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