Wings of Freedom Tour

Sarasota, Florida: The Wings of Freedom Tour made a stop on the Suncoast, spending just under a week between the Venice Municipal Airport and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The three warbirds owned by the Collings Foundation helped educate visitors about World War II aviation.

The three warbirds that visited the Suncoast were the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine”, the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” and the P-51 Mustang “Betty Jane”.

The “Nine O Nine” flew 140 bombing missions during World War II as a member of the 323rd Bombing Group.

“Witchcraft” was a heavy bomber that flew 130 combat missions in World War II.

“Betty Jane” was a P-51 Mustang that served as a combat fighter jet during World War II. The P-51 Mustang owned by Collings Foundation is a rare P-51, featuring a two seat razorback configuration.

The tour’s first stop on the Suncoast was at the Venice Municipal Airport as part of the Venice Warbird Weekend. Following the weekend, the warbirds made the short journey north to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport for a few days before continuing their tour.

The Wings of Freedom Tour is operated by the Collings Foundation. The Collings Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1979 to serve as a living history museum to educate people of the golden age of flight. Their fleet of over twenty aircraft span from the early days of flight through the war age (WWII, Korean and Vietnam). Their aircraft travel the country appearing in airshows as well as the Wings of Freedom Tour.

Click on the photo above to view photos of the Wings of Freedom Tour.