B-17 Aluminum Overcast
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
The evening sun highlights thousands of rivets on Aluminum Overcast. The bomber was purchased from military surplus for $750 in 1946.
EAA member and volunteer pilot Sam Bass flies Aluminum Overcast around storm clouds to its next tour stop in Ogden, Utah.
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
Aluminum Overcast comes in for a landing. The aircraft requires a runway that is at least 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.
EAA’s B-17 has flown more than 1 million miles since it was built in 1945. Here it flies over the Mississippi River on its way back to Oshkosh, Wis.
B-17 Aluminum Overcast
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. -- "Aluminum Overcast," the Experimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17 bomber, will descend upon North Little Rock Municipal Airport December 6-7 for one of nearly 70 tour stops scheduled for its 2011 "Salute to Veterans" national tour.
The tour stop is hosted by local EAA Chapter 165. The B17 bomber will be stopping at 8318 Remount Road in North Little Rock today and tomorrow.
EAA is offering historic flight experiences in its beautifully restored aircraft.
Pricing
Pre-book - for EAA members $399, for non-members $439
Walk-up - for EAA members $425, for non-members $465
To book a flight, please call 1-800-359-6217.
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, there will be self-guided ground tours daily from 2-5 pm. Cost $5 per adult, $15 per family. Active Military or Veterans free.
One of only 14 Fortress's still flying, this aircraft is an icon of the Allied strategic bombing effort that helped turn the tide of battle in World War II. Unlike reading a history book, you can actually fly a mission back in time and feel the might of this magnificent machine, just as those brave young men did more than 60 years ago.
The national B-17 tours have taken place each spring and fall since 1994. Since EAA began the tours of the aircraft known as "The Flying Fortress," tens of thousands of people have experienced this unique airplane through its visits and aircraft ground tours.
Thousands of aviation enthusiasts have actually flown in the renowned bomber, which is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best-known aircraft types of the World War II era.
"The national tour EAA undertakes each year has become the nation's most popular way to learn about this unique aircraft in an up-close way," said Rod Hightower, EAA president. "EAA is dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through these B-17 tours. We take great pride in saluting all our nation's veterans as the airplane makes its way throughout our country, showcasing a living link to history for all generations to enjoy."
At each stop, flight "missions" are available in the airplane, which allow people to fly in this spectacular aircraft. The airplane's crew is available at each stop to answer questions.
Through the past decade of national tours, EAA's B-17 has created many emotional reunions for veterans who participated in B-17 operations during World War II. For most, it was their first experience in a Flying Fortress since that era.
Even though more than six decades have passed since their wartime experience, the veterans' outpouring of emotion and memories have created a unique link to the original purpose of this aircraft. The veterans have often shared their stories, while also recalling and honoring their long-ago comrades, during the B-17's visits to their communities.
EAA's "Aluminum Overcast" was built in 1945, but was delivered to the Army Air Corps too late to see active service in World War II. It was purchased as war surplus for $750 by a private individual, and served in mapping and spraying operations in many countries until a preservation group purchased it in 1978.
The B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 1981 with the provision of the aircraft being maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., for a decade, the airplane made its national tour debut in the spring of 1994. EAA now fully owns the aircraft and operates the national tour.
Members of the EAA Warbirds of America who are experienced in World War II airplane operations fly the airplane, which is painted in the colors of the 398th Bomb Group.
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 160,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to HUwww.eaa.orgUH. For continual news updates, connect with HUwww.twitter.com/EAAupdateUH.
(Source: EAA Communications press release)