CLARKSVILLE, TN – On July 13, aviation history blasts out of the museums and into the skies as the Commemorative Air Force thunders into Clarksville, led by the B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raider.
Accompanying the big bomber will be two other vintage World War II aircraft, all arriving for three days of tours and warbird flights at Clarksville Regional Airport, July 13-15.
The B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raider is one of only four remaining that are actively flying today. This aircraft was the first Flying Fortress to be restored solely for the sake of education and used as a flying museum. It is accurately restored to WWII configuration, bristling with machine guns and featuring period-specific equipment.
Hosted by the Clarksville Regional Airport, other visiting aircraft will include the popular SNJ / T6 Texan advanced trainer, in which thousands of airmen learned to fly for combat, as well as the twin engine Navy JRB transport Little Raider, where the whole family can fly together. All the aircraft are notable for their historic importance and level of restoration.
The public is invited to enjoy on-board tours with the aircraft crew at Clarksville Regional Airport or to take the ultimate Living History Flight Experience and see Clarksville and Fort Campbell from the sky.
A limited number of flights are available on the warbirds. Flights on the B-17 start at $495; flights on the T6 are $380 and seats on the Navy transport start at only $100. Tours of the aircraft will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, excluding flying times.
Admission for cockpit tours of the aircraft is $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $20 for a family of up to five.
“I hope all of the Clarksville community and local United States military veterans and family members are able to participate in this unique experience and see some WWII history firsthand,” said Toni Chambers, accounts and marketing manager for Clarksville Regional Airport.
Those who wish to fly can call 855-FLY-A-B17 (1-855-359-2217) or reserve online. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.