`Flying museum' bombers go on display at 3 S. Florida airports
By Ken Kaye
Staff Writer
Posted February 15 2002
Two vintage World War II bombers, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator, will thunder over South Florida and be on display at three local airports in the coming week.
"They're flying museums," said Jim Reynolds, spokesman for the Broward County Aviation Department. "This is a rare opportunity to see the two most famous bombers during the war."
The planes are on display at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport in south Miami-Dade County today and Saturday; at Boca Raton Airport Sunday through noon Wednesday and at Pompano Beach Air Park from 3 p.m. Wednesday through Feb. 22. There is a $7 donation for adults and $3 for children 12 and under to tour the interior of the planes.
The four-engine, heavy bombers, which make an annual trek to South Florida and draw hundreds of aviation, history and military buffs, were restored by the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization based in Stow, Mass.
B-24 Liberators flew more missions and dropped more bombs during World War II than any other aircraft. B-17s were known for being effective high-altitude bombers.
As part of the planes' visit, there will be a "Gathering of Eagles," a forum for war veterans to recount their experiences, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Anthony Aviation, 1410 NE 10th St., Pompano Beach.
"It's just an open mike night, where we let guys talk." Reynolds said. "We encourage them to wear their uniforms."
For a tax-deductible donation of $350 per person, you can ride on one of the bombers during their "Dawn & Dusk Patrol" flights. For reservations, call 978-562-9182.
Ray D'avila, of Fort Lauderdale, who served as a flight engineer on B-26 Marauders, said the planes are an important part of American history.
"These days, the younger generations don't even know what a B-17 or B-24 is," he said. "It's our job to keep them aware they're still around."
Ken Kaye can be reached at
kkaye@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7911.
