WWII-era bombers on display, in the air over Venice airport

VENICE, Fla. (FOX 13) - They're a big part of history that could have been long forgotten, but a group of volunteers with the Collings Foundation is keeping some 75-year-old planes in the skies.

"You come out here, even though it’s been 75 years since these airplanes were built, they still sound, they still smell, operate exactly the way they did," said Mark Henley. 

Henley is a pilot with the Collings Foundation and, for the last 30 years, has toured with a B-17, B-24 and a P-51 Mustang that flew and fought during World War II. 

They're stationed at the Venice Airport. Over the years, they've made their way to more than 110 cities across the country. 

With each stop, they bring a much-needed history lesson. 

"You start talking with the public and you find out how uneducated a lot of people are on exactly what happened," said Henley. 

Henley has made it his mission to keep the past alive. 

"The old saying, 'If you don’t pay attention to history, you’ll end up reliving it.' That’s one of the things we want to make sure we honor; the people who fought during the war, the sacrifices, and keep our thoughts toward that," said Henley. 

These planes flew throughout Europe. They targeted industrial areas in Germany that were producing weapons. Now, visitors come to hear their stories. 

"I thought it was very interesting. It’s just amazing to see when you are inside, what young guys went through to liberate and win the war," said Mike Maretea. 

Mike Maretea has seen them twice - once in Chicago and now in Venice. 

"It's kind of a respect thing and it’s just interesting. Something you don’t usually get to see or go through," he said. 

The Wings of Freedom tour will be on display at the Venice Municipal Airport (VNC). Walk-through tours are available without reservations and cost $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tour dates and times are as follows:

1/31/2019 – 2 p.m. till 4 p.m.
2/1/2019 – 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.
2/2/2019 – 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.
2/3/2019 – 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Flights take place before and after tours. They offer spots on the planes to civilians, which cost between $450 and $3,400. 

A 30-minute flight on the B-17 or B-24 is $450 per person. A 30-minute flight training on the TF-51D is $2,400. A 60-minute flight training on the TF-51D is $3,400. Call 978-562-9182 for flight reservations.

The tour will move to the Tampa Executive Airport from February 4 to February 7.