BORDERLAND

WWII bomber open for tours, flights at airport

6/25/2014

A World War II-vintage plane is on display through Friday at Toledo Express Airport, with tours and flights available.

The B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey,” operated by the Arizona Airbase of the Commemorative Air Force in Mesa, Ariz., is at the Grand Aire ramp, 11777 W. Airport Service Rd.

Ground viewing and photography opportunities are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at no charge, while cockpit tours cost $5. Flights cost $425 per person and may be reserved by calling 602-448-9415.

Built in 1943, the bomber is one of the last survivors from its 12,731-member class, built primarily for attacks on Nazi Germany. The plane has been continuously flown, serving as a military reconnaissance plane, nuclear-testing drone “mother ship,” and firefighting plane before it was retired and donated to the Arizona Wing in 1978.