Where to See Flying P-51s, B-17s and Spitfires in 2025

Eighty years after WWII ended, the sound of a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine still stops crowds in their tracks. If you want to see – and hear – the legendary warbirds flying in 2025, here’s where they’ll be.

The Flying Heritage

Of approximately 15,000 P-51 Mustangs built during WWII, fewer than 200 remain today, with perhaps 100 in airworthy condition. B-17 Flying Fortress numbers are grimmer: only 9-10 remain flying worldwide. Every warbird flight is increasingly precious as these machines age and parts become irreplaceable.

2025’s Premier Warbird Events

EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh, WI) – July 21-27: The largest concentration of flying warbirds in the world. The mass arrivals alone – dozens of WWII-era aircraft landing in sequence – justify the trip. Expect 100+ warbirds, including P-51s, B-25s, Corsairs, and the rarer types that don’t travel to smaller shows.

Thunder Over Michigan (Ypsilanti, MI) – August: The Yankee Air Museum’s showcase event emphasizes heavy bombers. B-17 “Yankee Lady” is the resident star, with visiting B-24, B-25, and fighter escorts.

Planes of Fame Air Museum (Chino, CA) – May: West coast warbird heaven. The museum’s flying collection includes the world’s only airworthy Japanese N1K2 “George” and regular P-38 Lightning flights.

Reading WWII Weekend (Reading, PA) – June: Perhaps the most immersive WWII aviation experience – pyrotechnic battle reenactments, massive encampments, and formation flights that recreate combat formations.

Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas (Dallas, TX) – November: The CAF’s flagship event concentrates their nationwide fleet, including the famous Boeing B-29 “FIFI” – one of only two flying B-29s in the world.

What You’ll Actually See Flying

P-51 Mustang: The most numerous warbird type still flying. Multiple examples appear at nearly every major show. Listen for the distinctive Merlin engine note – once heard, never forgotten.

B-17 Flying Fortress: The ultimate warbird experience. Several remain active: “Texas Raiders,” “Aluminum Overcast,” “Yankee Lady,” “Sentimental Journey.” Each has its own schedule and home region.

B-25 Mitchell: More numerous than the heavies, several B-25s remain airworthy. The Doolittle Raiders tribute formations at multiple shows honor the famous Tokyo Raid.

Spitfire/Hurricane: British warbirds are rarer in the US but appear at select shows. The distinctive elliptical wing Spitfire silhouette is unmistakable.

F4U Corsair: The bent-wing Navy fighter remains a crowd favorite. Multiple airworthy examples travel the circuit.

Heritage Flights

USAF Heritage Flight Foundation coordinates formations pairing WWII-era aircraft with modern fighters. A P-51 in formation with an F-22 Raptor represents 70 years of American air power evolution in a single frame.

Heritage Flights appear at approximately 20 airshows annually. The F-35 Heritage Flight Team is the newest addition, representing the future flying with the past.

Experiencing Warbirds Up Close

Several organizations offer warbird rides:

• Commemorative Air Force: B-17, B-24, B-29 rides available at select events
• Collings Foundation: Their “Wings of Freedom” tour brings aircraft to regional airports (note: operations status varies, check current schedule)
• Warbird Adventures: P-51, T-6, and other trainers with dual controls

Expect $400-600 for trainer rides, $700-1,500+ for fighter aircraft, and $400-900 for bomber crew positions.

The Urgency Factor

Every year, the flyable warbird fleet shrinks. Accidents, mechanical retirements, and parts scarcity claim aircraft that cannot be replaced. If hearing a Merlin engine live matters to you, 2025 is the year to prioritize these events. This living history won’t last forever.