| B-17 bomber returns to Blaine July 4th weekend |
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| Tuesday, 23 June 2009 | ||
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by Tim Hennagir Life Editor Only 14 World War II-era Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortresses” are still flying. One of the historic bombers returns to Blaine next week during its national tour.
“Aluminum Overcast” is a B-17G owned and operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The vintage B-17G aircraft will be available for paid public ground tours at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (Janes Field) from July 3 to 5. EAA will offer paid flights in the restored B-17G, which was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 18, 1945, just days after the war in Europe ended. Local EAA chapters assist with the preparation, planning and execution of each stop. Chapter 237 is located at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Chapter members often visit Oshkosh, Wis., in the spring for work parties associated with the aircraft’s upkeep and basing needs. Members also participate in other work parties in preparation for the annual AirVenture show at Oshkosh, one of the world’s largest aviation gatherings. B-17s from the U.S. Eighth Air Force participated in countless missions from bases in England during the war. These missions often lasted for more than eight hours and struck at targets deep within Nazi Germany. Because of their long-range capability, B-17 formations often flew into battle with no fighter escort, relying on their own defensive capabilities to ensure a successful mission. 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 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 World War II. “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 Tom Poberezny, EAA president, in a recent news release. Poberezny said EAA is dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through these B-17 tours. “This year, we also take great pride in saluting all our nation’s veterans as the airplane makes its way throughout our country,” Poberezny said. Aluminum Overcast will be located near the American Air Wings Museum at the airport’s north end, by the control tower. Members of the EAA Warbirds of America who are experienced in World War II airplane operations will fly the airplane, which is painted in the colors of the 398th Bomb Group. The airplane’s crew is available at each stop to answer questions. Ground tours are usually offered from 2 to 5 p.m. daily when Aluminum Overcast makes a visit. Rates are $5 per person ages 18 and up and $15 per family for adults and children ages eight to 17. Children under age eight are free when accompanied by a paying adult and all active military or veterans can tour the plane for free. Flying a “mission” in the B-17G costs $359 for current EAA members and $399 for non-EAA members. The second price includes a free, one-year membership to the organization. For details about Aluminum Overcast’s 2009 stop in Blaine, visit www.b17.org , contact EAA’s B-17 Tour Office at 1-800-359-6217 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tim Hennagir is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
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This aviation enthusiast snapped a quick photo shortly after the B-17G "Aluminum Overcast" landed at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport in July 2007. The historic World War II bomber is scheduled to make a return visit to Blaine July 3 to July 5 as part of its 2009 “Salute to Veterans” national tour. (File Photo by Tim Hennagir)| < Prev | Next > |
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