Housed at Falcon Field Airport in East Mesa, the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona has one of the best collections of flyable Second World War aircraft in the United States. The organisation's stated mission is to preserve, maintain, and fly these machines — not just display them in a hangar — and the collection includes a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-25 Mitchell, several fighter aircraft, and other period planes in various states of restoration.
The museum is open most days, with the aircraft viewable up close in a large hangar. On weekends there are often outdoor displays, engine run-ups, and talks from veteran pilots and ground crew. Cockpit access to some aircraft is included in admission.
The signature experience is a passenger flight in the B-17 Sentimental Journey. These are bookable separately and sell out quickly when scheduled. If flying wartime aircraft is the sort of thing that appeals to you, check the website for upcoming flight dates well in advance of your visit.