Two Rare WWII Bombers Are Landing in Bentonville and You Can Fly in One
The B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade are touching down at Bentonville Municipal Airport on Thursday afternoon for a four-day stop at Legends Air Center.
THE DEETS
📅 Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
🕙 Ground Tours: Friday–Saturday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Rides: Friday–Sunday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Legends Air Center, 2205 SW I St, Bentonville, AR 72712
🎟️ Ground tours: $15 per person | $30 for a family of 4 | ✈️ B-17 rides: $475–$850 | B-25 rides: $375–$590
🔗 More info and Tickets
About the Aircraft
The B-17 Flying Fortress is a heavy bomber known for its ability to sustain heavy damage and still return from missions. It carries a full armament configuration and earned a significant reputation during World War II operations.
The B-25 Mitchell was developed by North American Aviation and used primarily as a low-altitude strafe and skip bomber. Nearly 10,000 were produced during the war. Maid in the Shade is one of only 34 B-25s still airworthy today.
Ground tours run Friday and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and give you a close-up look at both aircraft on the ground. It’s a solid option for history enthusiasts who want to see the planes without going up in one.
Ride Pricing
Both aircraft are available for flights Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
B-17 rides are $475 per waist compartment seat (6 available) or $850 per Bombardier/Navigator seat (2 available).
B-25 rides are $375 per radio compartment seat (4 available) or $590 per jump seat (3 available).
Before You Book
A few things to know before purchasing a ride ticket. All passengers must be 12 or older. Minors ages 12–17 must have a guardian present on the day of the flight and a Minor Hold Harmless agreement completed in advance. Passengers must be able to board and exit the aircraft without assistance. Close-toed shoes are required and no sandals or flip-flops are permitted. Flight suits are provided but optional if you’re wearing long pants. No vaping devices are allowed on board.
Flights require a minimum number of passengers and may be cancelled due to weather, mechanical issues, or crew availability. All flights take off from and land at the same airport.
Head to Legends Air Center this week and see them up close or book a seat before they leave on May 3.
