This weekend in north Georgia is all about warbirds. The Flying Legends of Victory Tour stop at PDK offers Atlanta-area aviation fans a rare opportunity to see World War II bombers, fighters, and trainers up close.
This weekend, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) will come alive with activity you don’t often see today. The arrival of a four-engine B-17 Flying Fortress, a twin-engine B-25 Mitchell, and other CAF warbirds will turn the airport into a living history flightline.
The Flying Legends of Victory Tour returns to PDK this week with two of the Commemorative Air Force’s most famous bombers: the B-17G Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade. Both planes, operated by CAF Airbase Arizona, will be in Atlanta from 12–17 May, offering ground tours and flight experiences.
The main event takes place this Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 May, when CAF Airbase Georgia brings five of its own aircraft. Visitors will see a P-51 Mustang, SBD-5 Dauntless, LT-6 Mosquito, PT-19A Fairchild, and T-34 Mentor. This lineup offers a rare look at various aspects of military aviation, from trainers to frontline fighters and bombers.
Aviation fans and history lovers will have a great chance to get close to these planes, hear their engines, smell the oil, and imagine what it was like for crews to fly and maintain them.
From Heavy Bombers to Trainers
The two main attractions will be hard to miss.
The B-17 Sentimental Journey is one of the most recognizable American bombers from World War II. Its wide wings, tall tail, glass nose, and many gun positions bring to mind the daylight bombing missions over Europe. Even when parked, the Flying Fortress stands out. It looks big, powerful, and somehow delicate all at once.
The B-25 Maid in the Shade has a different character. While the B-17 was built for high-altitude bombing, the B-25 became known as a tough and versatile medium bomber. It served in many places and was used for both level bombing and low-level attacks. It’s smaller than the B-17, but its twin engines and unique look always draw attention.
The planes from Georgia add even more variety. The P-51 Mustang is sure to attract a crowd, and it’s easy to see why. Few planes are as closely tied to American airpower in World War II as the P-51. The SBD-5 Dauntless brings Navy and Marine Corps history to life, famous for its dive-bombing missions in the Pacific.
The PT-19A, LT-6, and T-34 highlight another side of history: how pilots learned, advanced, and prepared before flying in combat. Warbird events often focus on the largest or most famous planes, but trainers are important too. Every combat pilot started with planes like these, which helped turn students into aviators.
Living History, Not Just Static History
CAF Airbase Georgia, based at Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (FFC) in Peachtree City, was founded in 1987 and is one of the largest Commemorative Air Force units. The group maintains and flies vintage military planes, helps restore them, and is part of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. Volunteers play a key role in keeping these aircraft flying and sharing them with the public.
This is important because flying warbirds in 2026 is not easy. These planes are old, rare, and need a lot of care. Every flight, from starting the engines to landing, depends on volunteers, skilled mechanics, finding parts, raising money, and making careful choices.
One of the best parts of the Flying Legends of Victory Tour is the access it offers. Visitors can walk through the bombers, talk to the people who keep them flying, and, if seats are available, even ride inside while the planes are still in action.
Of course, flying historic aircraft is never as simple as following a schedule. Weather, maintenance, and other needs can always change plans. But that’s part of what makes weekends like this special. These planes aren’t just museum pieces. They are cared for, flown, shared, and remembered while in action.
For aviation and history fans in Atlanta metro and across north Georgia, the PDK stop is a chance to see history up close, with rivets, exhaust stains, spinning propellers, and real people keeping these stories alive. It’s the kind of weekend to share with kids, family, or friends. These planes were once flown by young crews during wartime. Even now, hearing their engines brings those stories to life right in front of us. If you’re in the area, please support this worthwhile cause!
IF YOU GO:
LOCATION
Doc Manget Memorial Aviation Park
2000 Airport Rd
Atlanta, GA 30341
HOURS
Ground Tours: Thur-Sat: 2p – 6p
Rides: Thur-Sun: 9a-1p
COST
Ground Tours: $15 per person or $30 for a family of 4
Rides (Book here):
| B-17 Bomber | $475 USD per waist compartment seat (6 available) $850 USD per Bombardier/Navigator seat (2 available) |
| B-25 Bomber | $375 USD per radio compartment seat (4 available) $590 USD per jump seat(3 available) |
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.azcaf.org/location/atlanta-ga-tour-stop/
