Is Collings Foundation still flying?
Christopher Anderson
Published Feb 11, 2026
Is Collings Foundation still flying?
World War II Collection The Collings Foundation has recovered and restored many of the true landmark aircraft that built the world aviation history. The world’s only flying B-24J continues soaring through its native skies as part of the annual Wings of Freedom Tour with its sister ship, the B-17 Flying Fortress.
Who owns the Collings Foundation?
Bob Collings
Collings Foundation
| Collings Foundation’s B-24J “Witchcraft”, TP-51C “Betty Jane” & B-17G “Nine-O-Nine” at Marana, Arizona, in April 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Aviation museum, automotive museum |
| Founder | Bob Collings |
| CEO | Rob Collings |
| Website |
How do you fly for Collings Foundation?
Call 1-800-568-8924 or 978-562-9182 Their mission for today is to educate the world about our courageous World War II veterans and to remember those who have left us. These aircraft stand as tributes to their crews and fly on as living history to enlighten future generations.
What happened to the Collings Foundation B-17?
On October 2, 2019, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress owned by the Collings Foundation crashed at Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, United States. Seven of the thirteen people on board were killed, and the other six, as well as one person on the ground, were injured.
How did Robert F Collings make his money?
A successful businessman (he made a fortune manufacturing the first stand-alone electronic cash register in the early 1970s), Collings established the foundation by drawing on his personal wealth.
How many b17s does the Collings Foundation have?
five
It is a veteran of an unknown number of dangerous missions over mainland China hiding from Mig 17s; a survivor of secret Cold War aerial combat! The five CAT B-17Gs were numbered “739”, “357”, “815” and “835” and “639”(Evergreen’s B-17).
How many B-17 are still flying?
The current total of surviving B-17 bombers located in the United States stands at 40: Nine (9) B-17 planes are airworthy, such as “Texas Raiders”, “Sentimental Journey” and “Aluminum Overcast”.
How many b17 were shot down?
Of the 291 attacking Fortresses, 60 were shot down over Germany, five crashed on approach to Britain, and 12 more were scrapped due to damage – a loss of 77 B-17s.
How much does a B-17 cost?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
| B-17 Flying Fortress | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces Royal Air Force |
| Produced | 1936–1945 |
| Number built | 12,731 |
| Unit cost | US$238,329 (1945) US$2.6 million (in 2016 dollars) |
