SEATTLE, April 24, 2009
--"Liberty Belle," a newly restored World War II B-17 bomber, is making its first visit to Seattle and The Museum of Flight. The Flying Fortress will arrive Monday, April 27 and be on view at the Museum ramp from April 27 - May 3. On May 2 and 3 rides on the aircraft will be available hourly from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by ground tours of the plane from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Flight experiences last about 45 minutes, with 30 minutes in the air. The aircraft is owned and operated by the Liberty Foundation.
There were over twelve thousand B-17's produced between 1935 and 1945, with almost five thousand lost in combat. The Liberty Foundation's B-17 "Liberty Belle" is one of only 14 B-17s that still fly today. The aircraft was built toward the end of the war and was not flown in combat. It is painted in the colors and nose art of the original "Liberty Belle" B-17 that flew missions with the 390th bomb group of the U.S. 8th Air Force. For costs, reservations and more information: call 918-340-0243 or visit www.libertyfoundation.org
Media flights are available on Monday, April 27 beginning at approximately 11 a.m.
