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

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

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

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.