SEATTLE, May 31, 2016--The Northwest flying season rumbles underway when the World War II-era, Boeing B-17 bomber, Aluminum Overcast, returns to the Museum for rides and ground tours June 10-12. The restored Flying Fortress is operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association, and is on a tour of the country to share the sights, sounds and in-flight experience of one of World War II's most important Allied planes. Fewer than 15 of the famous Boeing bombers are still flying.

Rides will be available June 10-12 at 10 and 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., with ground tours from 2-5 p.m. Pre-booking rides is recommended, and they are reserved through the EAA, not The Museum of Flight, at B17.org and 800-359-6217.

MEDIA FLIGHT ON ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY, JUNE 6
There will be a special flight on June 6 (the 72nd anniversary of World War II's D-Day) at about 2:00 p.m. for members of the press. Several World War II B-17 veterans are scheduled be at the plane for the media flight for interview and photo opportunities. The plane will then be based at the Museum for several days for routine maintenance before it is opened to flights for the public on June 10. Those interested in covering the media flight please contact the EAA at 425-743-7733, or the public relations staff at The Museum of Flight.

Aluminum Overcast
The Experimental Aircraft Association's B-17G-VE, serial number 44-85740 nicknamed Aluminum Overcast was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 18, 1945. Although delivered too late to see action in World War II, the airplane has an interesting history. The first owner purchased the plane as surplus from the military inventory for $750 in 1946. The airplane has flown more than 1 million miles. It has served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control and forest dusting applications.

Since the EAA acquired the aircraft in 1983, it has been restored to its original configuration as a bomber, and carries the colors of the 398th Bomb Group of World War II, which flew hundreds of missions over Nazi held territory during the war. Aluminum Overcast commemorates B-17G #42-102516, which was shot down on its 34th combat mission over Le Manior, France, on August 13, 1944. Veterans of the 398th helped finance the bomber's restoration. Money raised from the EAA flights and tours help continue with the plane's upkeep and restoration.


Museum of Flight Media Releases
Access this and other Museum of Flight news releases online at:
http://www.museumofflight.org/news/
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Founded in 1965, the independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, serving more than 560,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes more than 160 historically significant airplanes and spacecraft, from the first fighter plane (1914) to today's 787 Dreamliner. Attractions also include the original Boeing Company factory, and the world's only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 150,000 individuals are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission for adults is $23 on-site and $21 online. Youth 5 through 17 are $14 on-site and $13 online, youth 4 and under are free. Seniors 65 and over $19 on-site and $18 online. Groups of ten or more: $21 per adult, $13 per youth, Thanks to Wells Fargo, on the first Thursday of every month, admission is free from 5 to 9 p.m. And parking is always free. There is a full lunch menu café in the Museum and a limited menu café in the Aviation Pavilion, both operated by McCormick & Schmick's. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org


2016 Boeing Centennial Exhibits
The Museum of Flight draws upon its unrivaled collection of Boeing aircraft, artifacts, images and documents to present The Boeing Company story during the year of its centennial, 2016. The Museum-wide Boeing recognition will be enhanced with public lectures, films and other presentations that focus on Seattle and popular culture during the past century.

Ted Huetter
Senior Public Relations Manager
206.455.5360


Rachel Dreeben
Associate Manager, Marketing and Communications
206.768.7201