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Tour
Stop Coordinator Guide
Available
in Microsoft .doc format
If
you are interested in becoming a tour stop coordinator,
please fill out our request form - click
here for the link
P.8
- Flight Experiences and Local Flights
The
Collings Foundation is unique in the fact that it
offers local flights known as "Flight Experiences"
in both the B-17 and B-24 (and B-25 in select locations).
We are allowed to perform these flights based on
an FAA Exemption by which we may allow people to
fly on these historically significant planes for
a donation. Here is a frequently asked question
list for flight experiences that may come in handy:
What
is a Flight Experience?
A Flight Experience on the B-17 Flying Fortress
or the B-24 Liberator is a 30 minute flight aboard
at one of our 125+ locations we stop at per year.
What is the cost?
Each 30-minute Flight Experience requires a $425.00
tax-deductible donation per personfor the B-17 and B-24. The B-25 Flight Experience is a tax-deductible donation of $325.00 or $400.00 depending on seating location. The Collings
Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation.
How many people can the planes hold?
A flight must have a minimum of 6 riders to be dispatched
and a maximum of 8 riders on any flight of the B-24,
9 on the B-17, and 6 on the B-25 (special events
only). A flight cannot be confirmed until the minimum
amount of riders is reached.
How can a person schedule a flight?
Patrons may reserve a flight position in advance,
or request a flight on a walk-up basis at the event.
Because of limited availability we highly recommend
patrons call in advance to book a flight to assure
that there will be a space available.
Patrons should call the Collings Foundation office
at 978-562-9182 to reserve a flight at a given location.
Most flights occur in the early morning before 9
am or later in the afternoon near 5 pm. Flexibility
is key to scheduling a flight as weather and passenger
loads may change. If a patron wishes to call for
a flight while the aircraft are at the location
that they request, they may call the Crew Flight
Coordinator Cell Phone at 978-618-6626 to reserve
a slot. If a rider calls and is given a voice mail
recording, they should leave contact information
and the coordinator will get back to them as soon
as they can. The coordinator travels with the aircraft
and communicates via cell phone. Walk-up requests
are also accomodated.
A person would like to give a flight in the upcoming
year as a gift, how can they do this?
A flight certificate can be purchased from the Collings
Foundation headquarters. These high-quality certificates
are perfect for gifts and special occasions. Flight
certificates can be used for any flight at any location,
however they will still need to call to schedule
a spot on a flight at a location. They should call
the Collings Foundation HQ for more details at 978-562-9182.
What
is the sequence for each flight?
- Upon
Arrival:
Riders should arrive one hour prior to their scheduled
flight time to get acquainted with the aircraft
and crew. They will be asked to fill out a form
and pay at this time as well.
- Preflight:
The flight engineer for the flight will discuss
aircraft safety with all riders beside the aircraft
20 min prior to engine start. All seating and
flight procedures will be discussed at that time.
They will then be taken aboard the aircraft and
seat belted for takeoff. All passengers must be
seated and secured for engine start, taxi, and
takeoff.
- In
Flight:
Once the aircraft is airborne, riders will be
allowed to walk about the aircraft as they like.
They can take this time to visit the various compartments
of the aircraft like the nose, cockpit, waist,
and tail sections. They can explore as much as
they like and are free to take pictures and video.
They will be allowed into the cockpit section
during the flight to observe the pilots, but will
not be allowed to sit at the controls or interfere
with the pilots during the flight.
- Landing:
A signal will be given to for all riders secure
for landing. All passengers must be seated and
secure for landing, taxi, and engine shutdown.
The flight engineer will help them exit the aircraft
after shutdown and securing the aircraft.
What should they bring or wear?
Riders should try not to bring baggage of any type
onboard as space is tight. Cameras and camcorders
are allowed. Smaller snapshot cameras tend to work
best as the tight spaces may be difficult for larger
35 mm cameras and equipment. We are sorry, but the
Collings Foundation is not responsible for the loss
or damage of items such as cameras in flight. Riders
may consider bringing foam ear plugs for hearing
protection as the flight is quite noisy. The aircraft
can be drafty at times, so riders may consider bringing
a light jacket or sweatshirt for the flight. Due
to our security standards, passengers are not permitted
to bring any additional baggage other than a camera
bag. The Collings Foundation reserves the right
to search any items brought on board in the interest
of aircraft safety.
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