If you have ever dreamed of flying in a P-51 Mustang, make your way to Georgia, where the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will be providing opportunities to take flight in the restored World War II aircraft during a seven-airport tour that begins in August and runs through November.
The P-51 is one of several CAF Airbase Georgia aircraft making the tour, which make stops in Toccoa, Augusta, Atlanta, Macon, Athens, and Gainesville, before wrapping up at the Mustang’s home base in Peachtree City.
“We’re happy to bring this historic fleet to Augusta,” said CAF Airbase Georgia leader Mark Richards. “The P-51 was an incredible guardian for American bombers over Germany, and our PT-19 helped train the Tuskegee Airmen in Alabama.”
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The CAF Airbase Georgia Warbird Museum based in Peachtree City was founded in 1987. As one of the CAF’s largest flying units, the group maintains and flies seven vintage military aircraft, including a P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair, an SBD Dauntless, and a P-63A Kingcobra.
The airbase is composed of more than 300 volunteers and is a founding partner of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail, launched in 2021 as a curated and interactive network of WWII-related historic sites and museums showcasing Georgia’s contributions.
The CAF, is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to conduct its mission.
Tour Itinerary
August 15: The tour begins at Toccoa Airport (KTOC), also known as R.G. Letourneau Field, as part of an airport open house. The Airbase will also bring its PT-19 for display and rides.
September 12: The next stop is Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS), where the P-51 will be accompanied by three training airplanes in the fleet— the LT-6 Mosquito, PT-19, and T-34.
September 20: The third site will be at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK) in Atlanta as part of Good Neighbor Day. CAF Airbase Georgia plans to take the same group of exciting planes, plus the Dauntless SBD dive bomber, the hero of the Battle of Midway, to that event for rides on Sunday only.
September 26: Next up is Middle Georgia Regional Airport (KMCN) in Macon. All five aircraft are scheduled to appear there.
October 24: Two stops are planned At Gainesville’s Pixel Man Airshow at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (KGVL), which will have the LT-6, PT-19, and T-34. Meanwhile, Athens-Ben Epps Airport (KAHN) will host CAF Airbase Georgia for a day of rides with the P-51 Mustang, Dauntless SBD dive bomber, and LT-6.
November 21-22: The event will be during the Georgia Gun Show at CAF Airbase Georgia’s headquarters adjacent to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (KFFC). Airbase Georgia notes all five aircraft are scheduled to be available for rides.
CAF Airbase Georgia officials noted that additional tour stops may be announced at a later date.
“This tour will offer amazing experiences to people across the state,” Richards said. “It helps fulfill our mission of honoring the Greatest Generation who flew these warbirds, and it helps enable school-age children to connect with the WWII history these planes represent. We also hope this tour will encourage more young people to consider careers in aviation.”