Imagine local, aging bomber pilots, who had experienced war time missions over Germany or in the Pacific during WW II, hearing and then viewing an airborne B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ and a B-24 ‘Liberator’ as they droned over Cumberland five decades later. That scene was realized as the two bombers, refurbished to a pristine war time condition by the Collings Foundation, did in fact visit the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport five times in the last ten years. One can only imagine the nostalgic feelings that undoubtedly overcame those veterans who contributed to the Allied victory and so much to our freedom, now taken too easily for granted. Among the intense feelings generated by this observation would be a remembrance of contemporaries who did not return.
A 1993 view of the B-17 and B-24 on display at Cumberland.
An overhead view of the Collings Foundation’s bombers during their 1993 visit.
The Collings Foundation is a non-profit educational organization which was founded in 1979 under the leadership and direction of Bob Collings. The purpose of the foundation is to organize and support ‘Living History’ events that enable Americans to learn more of their heritage through direct participation. The original focus was on ground based transport related events, but in the mid 1980’s was broadened to include aviation related events such as air shows, barnstorming, historical reunions and joint museum displays. It was from that focus that the restoration of the B-17G and B-24J was accomplished. Numerous other aircraft from various ages have been renovated to flying status through the efforts of the foundation with the assistance of able volunteers as well as financial support from corporate and individual sponsors. Those aircraft include a Bleriot, Fokker DR-1, PT-17 Stearman, T-6G Texan, TBM-3 Torpedo Bomber, Fiesler Storch, A-26 Invader, and a B-25 Mitchell. The latest aircraft restored to flying status is the F4D Phantom II, and is the only jet fighter of its type under civilian control. The history of the acquisition of these various airframes and the intensive work in their restoration could be detailed in another long and interesting tale.
The home base of the Foundation is at Stow, Massachusetts, where static displays of historical artifacts are available for visitor viewing. But the B-17G and B-24J can be seen touring the country, when not undergoing maintenance or repair at a Florida base. The on-going maintenance and parts replacement is extremely challenging and is accomplished only through the dedicated efforts of those who assist the Foundation. Corporate assistance aids greatly and individual donors, many of whom formerly served as crew members during WW II, support the efforts. The $2,000 per hour operating cost of each aircraft is offset by the donations received during the tour and by individuals willing to pay a fee to get a ‘dawn patrol’ flight onboard the renovated bombers.
The two bombers were initially planned to be a part of the static display at the Massachusetts site. However, Bob Collings and his workers recognized that restoring the two relics to flying capability would greatly increase the chances for the public to see the aircraft. In over ten years of touring at well over 1,200 stops around the country the bombers have attracted an estimated three to four million people annually.
In the 1992 visit of the two bombers, Jon Rising, the young pilot who has flown around the United States for several years, was among the air crew flying into Cumberland. Jon truly enjoys this activity, having been the pilot, or aircraft commander, on both the B-17 and the B-24. He has an intimate knowledge of both craft and frequently assists in needed maintenance.
During the 1992 stop, Lynn Blue, Jon’s girl friend, joined him on the Collings Foundation tour. Lynn served as an integral part of the air crew, graciously assisting in all their activities. Jon wanted to borrow a local small private aircraft to fly his friend around the area. He approached one individual and was turned down when the aircraft owner had doubts about Jon’s experience in light aircraft. I had served as the visit coordinator for the event and Jon made an overture to me in that regard. Rationalizing that if Jon Rising could handle both the B-17 and B-24, he could handle my little old 65 hp Aeronca Champ. Jon and Lynn thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of flying my small craft around our area.
As a payback Jon offered me a place onboard the B-17 when both aircraft were being flown from Cumberland to their next destination. Having previously had the gracious and wonderful opportunity to fly on board the B-17 on a previous visit, I deferred but was able to have my son, Mark, make the journey in the B-24. That journey is one Mark will remember for a lifetime. Jon Rising also, as a gesture of good will when departing in the B-17, put on an additional aerial display by making a second low pass over the large local gathering at the Cumberland Airport, saluting the appreciative crowd with a rocking of the B-17’s wings.
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Wings Over Cumberland 