Fly in a World War II Bomber in Middle River

World War II may have ended more than 60 years ago, but if you're interested, you can have the chance to what it is like to be a fighter pilot during that time.

The Commemorative Air Force, a Texas non-profit that educates the public about historic military aircraft, will bring three WWII planes to Martin State Airport next week in Middle River.

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The event, set for May 21-23, is part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to actually see, and in some cases, fly in an aircraft used in World War II," museum executive director Bob Byrnes said.

Byrnes said the aircraft expected to land at Martin State Airport around 1 p.m. Monday include a B-29 "Fifi,"  a B-24 and a P-51 Mustang.

Tours of the aircraft will be available from 1 to  5 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Byrnes said you can make reservations to ride the plans on the Commemorative Air Force's website.

According to the CAF website, the cost to view the cockpit of the aircraft is $10 per person and $20 per family with children 12 and under being free.

Also, the cost B-24 rides start at $399, while the cost to ride the B-29 and P-51 start at $595 and $1,995, respectively.

CAF spokeswoman Kim Pardon said getting to view the inside and/or actually fly in an authentic WWII bomber is part of the organization's "Living History" program. She added that they get people of all ages interested in their planes, ranging from elementary school children to senior citizens.

"It's really special when we have someone come up to us and tell us they were a World War II veteran who flew one of our planes in combat or when we get a factory worker who told us they helped with the construction," Pardon said. "It helps us let younger people learn about history while older ones can relive it."