Flying Legends of Victory Tour
May 5 – May 10
Public Tours & Flight Experiences
Aircraft Tours
Tuesday, May 5 – Sunday May 10
Tuesday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday–Sunday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission: $15 per person | $30 per family
Living History Flights
Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 10
Seats are limited and sell out quickly.
Book online at: http://www.FlyingLegendsTour.com
Bessemer Airport Authority Welcomes the Flying Legends of Victory Tour
Historic B-17 “Sentimental Journey” and B-25 “Maid in the Shade” Arrive May 4
Bessemer, Alabama – The Bessemer Airport Authority is honored to announce that the Flying Legends of Victory Tour will arrive at Bessemer National Airport (EKY) on Monday, May 4 at approximately 11:00 AM. This nationally celebrated tour, operated by the Arizona Commemorative
Air Force Museum, brings two of the world’s most iconic World War II aircraft to Alabama for a week of public tours and unforgettable flight experiences.
Piloted by all-volunteer crews of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, the tour features:
• B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” – one of only four B-17s still flying today out of nearly 13,000 originally built.
• B-25J Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” – one of just 34 airworthy B-25s remaining from the almost 10,000 produced.
These rare aircraft are among the finest flying examples of America’s wartime aviation heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to step inside, explore their interiors, and hear the stories of the crews who flew them in combat.
These immersive flights allow passengers to feel the rumble of radial engines, experience the aircraft’s
wartime crew positions, and witness the sky from the same vantage point as America’s Greatest
Generation.
Local Partnership: Birmingham Escadrille CAF
This year’s tour stop in central Alabama is made possible through the leadership and support of the
Birmingham Escadrille, the region’s Commemorative Air Force unit. Their advocacy and coordination were instrumental in securing Bessemer as a featured destination on the 2026 national tour schedule. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to educating, inspiring, and honoring the legacy of American military aviation.
A Historic Moment During America’s 250th Anniversary Year
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this visit offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the aircraft, stories, and people who defended American freedom in its most defining moments. The Flying Legends of Victory Tour brings history to life – right here in Bessemer – through authentic, fully restored warbirds that continue to fly thanks to the dedication of CAF volunteers and supporters.
About the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum operates one of the world’s largest fleets of flying WWII aircraft and conducts the annual Flying Legends of Victory Tour, visiting more than 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Their mission is to educate, inspire, honor, and preserve the legacy of American military aviation. About the Bessemer Airport Authority
The Bessemer Airport Authority oversees the operation, development, and long-term planning of Bessemer National Airport (EKY), a key aviation asset serving the Bessemer–Birmingham region and Central Alabama. EKY is committed to safety, economic development, and expanding aviation opportunities for the community.