Finding flying warbirds in 2025 has gotten complicated with all the scheduling changes and fleet status updates flying around. As someone who has chased Merlins and radial engines across the country for years, I learned everything there is to know about where to see these living pieces of history before they are gone. Today, I will share it all with you.
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 is where to find them.
The Shrinking Fleet
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Of approximately 15,000 P-51 Mustangs built during the war, fewer than 200 remain. Maybe 100 are actually airworthy. B-17 numbers are grimmer: only 9-10 still fly worldwide. Every warbird flight is increasingly precious as these machines age and parts become literally irreplaceable.
2025’s Best 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 aircraft landing in sequence — justify the trip. Expect 100-plus warbirds including P-51s, B-25s, Corsairs, and rarer types that do not travel to smaller shows.
Thunder Over Michigan (Ypsilanti, MI) – August: The Yankee Air Museum’s showcase 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. Stunning collection.
Reading WWII Weekend (Reading, PA) – June: Possibly the most immersive WWII aviation experience around. Pyrotechnic battle reenactments, massive encampments, and formation flights recreating combat formations.
Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas (Dallas, TX) – November: The CAF’s flagship event concentrating their nationwide fleet, including the famous B-29 “FIFI” — one of only two flying B-29s in the world.
What You Will Actually See in the Air
P-51 Mustang: The most numerous warbird type still flying. Multiple examples at nearly every major show. Listen for that distinctive Merlin 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.
B-25 Mitchell: More numerous than the heavies. The Doolittle Raiders tribute formations at multiple shows honor the Tokyo Raid.
Spitfire/Hurricane: British warbirds are rarer in the US but appear at select shows. The elliptical wing Spitfire silhouette is unmistakable.
F4U Corsair: That bent-wing Navy fighter remains a crowd favorite. Multiple airworthy examples travel the circuit.
Heritage Flights
That’s what makes heritage flights endearing to us warbird fans — a P-51 in formation with an F-22 Raptor represents 70 years of American air power evolution in a single frame. The USAF Heritage Flight Foundation coordinates these pairings at approximately 20 shows annually. The F-35 Heritage Flight Team is the newest addition.
Ride in One
Several organizations offer warbird flights:
- Commemorative Air Force: B-17, B-24, B-29 rides at select events
- Collings Foundation: “Wings of Freedom” tour (check current schedule for operations status)
- Warbird Adventures: P-51, T-6, and other trainers with dual controls
Expect $400-600 for trainer rides, $700-1,500 or more for fighters, and $400-900 for bomber crew positions.
The Urgency Is Real
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 make it happen. This living history will not last forever.
