MARION – The local Chapter 277 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will be bringing another rare aircraft to Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion.

Drew Stephani, Communications Specialist for the EAA, says the North American B-25 Mitchell – better known as the “Berlin Express” – will be at the airport June 23 through the 25. He says the plane is a twin-engine, twin-tailed medium bomber that was used by all three major branches of the military during World War II. This is also the only plane named after an individual – U.S. Army General Billy Mitchell, who was an air power advocate.

Stephani says this is the first time for this particular plane to be brought to Marion. He says EAA brought to Marion the Liberty Aviation Museum’s Ford Tri-Motor in October 2018 and its B-17 came to town in June 2019.

Stephani says you’ll be able to ride in the plane, but you’re going to have to buy a ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online at FlytheB25.org or call 1-800-359-6217.

The entire flight experience lasts about an hour with you being in the air for nearly 20 minutes usually according to Stephani.