Four authentic World War II aircraft will land at the Natrona County International Airport at noon Friday for the 19th annual Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour.

Three bombers and one fighter jet will be available for public tours and flights through Sunday evening.

Two of the planes, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and North American P-51 Mustang, are the only remaining aircraft of their kind still flying. The others, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator and a North American B-25 Mitchell, are two of only a handful that are operational.

Hunter Chaney, marketing director for the Collings Foundation, said that local WWII veterans are usually around to share stories and give information about the planes.

"When you're out looking at the planes and talking to veterans, the experience is quite profound," Chaney said.

The tour intends to provide an exciting history lesson to the public and to enable Americans to learn more about their heritage, he said.

"If you listen to something or read something in a classroom, you might remember it, but if you experience it, you won't forget," he said. "We hope that if people better understand what happened during WWII, they'll use it to better themselves in the future."

The aircraft were made in the WWII era and were used either in battle or for training U.S. troops. Chaney said they will continue to fly for as long as there is public support.

"It's something that is really, truly a once in a lifetime experience for people," said Chaney. "It's one of the most memorable history lessons you could ever get."

Reach Riane Menardi at (307) 266-0610 or riane.menardi@trib.com

If you go

* Open Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Walk-through tours cost $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12.

* Bomber flight costs range from $325 to $425.

* Fighter jet flights costs range from $2,200 for 30 minutes to $3,200 for 60 minutes.

* For more information, call (800) 568-8924 or visit www.collingsfoundation.org.