In October at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, historic WWII aircraft will visit the Atlanta area.

These aircraft include the world's only operational B-29 Superfortress, plus B-24 Liberator, SBD Dauntless and P-51 Mustang.

Back in the early 1970s, the B-29 was rescued from the wrecking ball by a dedicated group of aviation enthusiasts from the American Airpower Heritage Museum. Their efforts have resulted in the preservation of this B-29 as well as other historic aircraft.

Morris Brunton of Marietta used to fly B-29s on weather reconnaissance missions in the Pacific. These missions also involved penetrating typhoons to determine their size and wind speed. Morris remembers "the immense power of the B-29. The cockpit was a huge greenhouse of windows thus adding to the feeling of its large size. Little did I know that the first time I entered the cockpit of a B-29 that it would be my 'office' for five years."

Larry Bowers of Atlanta served on a B-24 flying missions on B-24s over Europe. On his 19th mission, he was shot down and became of POW. Bowers remembers, "we used to fly at around 22,000 feet. The noise and the cold were unbelievable! The temperature in the aircraft went down to 40 degrees below zero. On some of the missions, we had to endure the wind, cold and noise for almost 13 hours! The performance of the B-24 always gave us confidence that we would return home from these missions."

These historic aircraft can be seen at Peachtree Dekalb Airport from Friday, Oct. 27 through Wednesday, Nov. 1.

For access to aircraft, park at 57th Fighter Group Restaurant, 3289 Clairmont Road. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $5. Children under 13, $3. Cockpit tours available for additional charge.

WWII bi-plane rides available Friday through Sunday.

Sponsored by the Dixie Wing of the American Airpower Heritage Museum. For information phone 770-951-0070.

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