Hi Folks - Hunter here from the Collings Foundation. We are trying a new eNews distribution service. Hope you are able to receive this without many problems. Have any issues with this format let me know. Look forward to keeping in touch with everyone over 2012. Blue skies to all ~
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Wholly Mackerel! Incredible to think we are getting ready to start our 23rd annual Wings of Freedom tour. I can remember Bob Collings saying “..when the tour started we thought about visiting a handful of cities for a year or two”. (That was 22 years ago!)

And here we are – looking forward to another incredible journey across the United States. All made possible by volunteers at each location and on crew. Our mission is to continue to operate the Wings of Freedom tour as a means to engage people in WWII history. The more we experience and understand American history the more we appreciate the tremendous scarifies that were made so people all around the world can be free. Our nation’s prosperity comes from the dedication and perseverance of our people. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have paid it willingly. It is the comprehension of what it takes to be free, and American, that the Collings Foundation seeks to engender, from generation after generation.

So come on out! Shake the hand of a WWII Veteran, tour through and fly in these amazing WWII aircraft, and, most importantly - participate in any way you can. There will be a day in the not so distant future when all our WWII Veterans will leave us. Now is the time to help us keep living history programs like this operating for the good of all. Volunteer – Go Flying – Participate.

Collings Foundation’s version of an Honor Flight
We can give free flights to our WWII Veterans when we have the space available on either the B-17 and/or B-24. There are two ways we go about this:

The first and most preferred option is to have WWII Veterans join the crew as the tour moves from one city to the next. In this case, it is much easier for us to confirm that we will have the space available for the Veteran and companion (or two). Only trick to this option is riders have to find someone to drop them off at one airport and pick them up at the next. Typically, each move is no more than 50 to 75 miles apart. With a little planning, it works out well.

The second option is to have a WWII Veteran fly at location on space availability (part of the standard 30-minute flight experience). Meaning: we take a minimum of six paying passengers and a maximum of 10. If we fall somewhere in the middle at fly time - and he is ready to go - we’ll put him onboard.

If you are a WWII Veteran or know a WWII Veterans who might be interested in flying in a beautifully restored B-17 Flying Fortress or B-24 Liberator contact:
Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing hchaney@collingsfoundation.org
978-562-9182

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I know there are those out there thinking we sound like a skipping record, but – We are working on completing work on our 262 soon and hope to have the 262 ready for mid season. “White 1” is up to around 22 hours of 25-hour Phase1 flight tests. It has been at Sanders Aeronautics for five years now undergoing restoration and flight safety modifications. All systems have been operating very well. Sanders are conducting final work on the brakes and then should have it out on national tour. I will post more information as it comes in.
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The Collings Foundation is offering a very unique two-day program in which you train for and fly a simulated WWII bombing mission! This is WWII Bomber School 101. If you pay attention – you will learn what is needed to properly function in the role of Navigator, Bombardier, Radio Operator and Gunner aboard the world’s only fully restored B-24J Liberator “Witchcraft”. This is a very rare chance to participate in a living history program guaranteed you will never forget.

Last year, Smithsonian’s Air & Space Magazine featured an article on our 2011 B-24 Crew Camp titled “Two Days in the Life of a B-24 Crew”. To view article click here.

Training will take plane in Stockton, California early June. Mr. Taigh Ramey of Vintage Aircraft heads this program. Mr. Ramey, staff, volunteers and reenactors put together and absolutely stellar program! Cost for two-day program is $3,900. Includes accommodations, meals, materials and ammunition. 50% non-refundable deposit required (a lot of planning is involved and we purchase the equipment and materials ahead of time). For more information contact Hunter Chaney via email: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org
Pictures above: Gunner by Chad Slattery, Bomb Drop by Phil Makanna _____________________________________________________________________________

Through a generous donation in 2002, the No. 20 Dyson Racing Ford-powered Riley & Scott Mk III racecar was added to the Collings Foundation’s collection.

This world famous car won the 1997 Rolex 24 endurance race in Daytona. No. 20 will join the display of overall Rolex 24 championship cars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the twice-around-the-clock challenge on January 28th-29th in Daytona, Florida. For more information click here.

The Collings Foundation will have its collection of racecars, military equipment, classic cars and aircraft open to the public for the first time in 2012 during the Wings and Wheels / American Elegance Open House June 16th and 17th. More information regarding this and other Foundation open house events will be listed on our web site in months to come.
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Volunteers from all over the United States make the national Wings of Freedom tour possible. Time to join the ranks! If you are interested in helping out while the tour is in your town contact Hunter Chaney at: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org

We want to hear from you! Have a particular city you would like the Wings of Freedom tour to visit? Please call with your suggestions.
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As of January 31, 2012 our DFC and Plane Sponsor donation levels will increase. DFC level donation will increase to $2,500 and Plane Sponsor donation will increase to $7000. (These levels have not increased since we started the program 25 years ago).

Your contributions and sponsorships is what keep the Wings of Freedom tour and our other living history programs running. Every bit helps! For more information click here or call 800-568-8924. Thanks ~
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ~ COLLINGS FOUNDATION PX STORE
Gifts, books, DVDs and more - for the aviation enthusiast! See our online PX Store. Shopping is very easy and secure. Looking for the ultimate gift for "the person that has everything"? Flight Certificates are a unique and exciting present for anyone. The Wings of Freedom tour visits over 110 cities all over the United States. Once your certificate arrives just check our stop schedule to see when the bombers are near you- then call us to reserve a seat. Check our web site for confirmed schedule and locations). Flight Certificates are a tax deductible donation! We also have a great selection of books, videos, DVD's, T-shirts, polos, toys, calendars, hats and much more.


Limited number of hand signed books- Click here.
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