The Target: Spokane World War Ii Bombers Will Drop In At Spokane International Airport

FOR THE RECORD CORRECTION: The cost to tour the visiting World War II bombers at Spokane Airways Flight Center this week is $7 for adults. The admission was wrong in Sunday’s IN Life section. Correction published on June 20, 1995.

Crank up the big band music and rent a copy of “Twelve O’Clock High.”

A pair of heavyweight blasts from the past will roar into Spokane this week with a payload of nostalgia.

The famed four-engine visitors, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator, are touring to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. They are expected here Tuesday.

Owned and operated by the Collings Foundation, the restored vintage war birds have a proud, storied heritage. Mass-produced at the time, the durable American bombers, and the crews that flew them, played key roles in winning the war.

To veterans and World War II buffs alike, they are something special.

The B-17 and B-24 coming to Spokane have been restored as replicas of two specific planes that saw ferocious combat in the skies over Europe.

They will be at the Spokane Airways Flight Center (drive toward Spokane International Airport, turn left on Spotted Road and follow signs).

The cost is $12 for adults, $3 for children under 12. For more information, call Spokane Airways at 747-2017.

Before coming to Spokane on a similar tour last year, the planes were grounded by a dispute with federal aviation regulators. But a Collings Foundation spokesman said everything has been straightened out.

To find out about going for a flight in one of the historic aircraft in exchange for a donation to the foundation, call Scott Sanderson at 448-4709.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Plane preview The following is a schedule for viewing the vintage World War II aircraft. Tuesday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.