SEATTLE, May 12, 2009
--The Seattle-born Boeing B-17 bomber played an important role in World War II and aviation history. "Aluminum Overcast," the Experimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17, returns to the Seattle skies and the Museum of Flight from Wednesday, May 20 - Monday, May 25. The Museum is hosting this historic aircraft during its Memorial Day weekend stop in Seattle along a national "Salute to the Veterans" tour.
The aircraft arrives for media flights on Monday, May 18.The EAA has flown this classic "Flying Fortress" on annual tours around the country since 1994, offering ground tours and rides to the public at each stop. For flight reservations or more information, please call the EAA at 1-800-359-6217 or visit www.b17.org.
Aluminum Overcast was built in 1945, but it was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps too late to see active service in World War II. Sold as military surplus for $750, the airplane served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control. Now, Aluminum Overcast carries the wartime colors of the 398th Bomb Group, serving as a living tribute to World War II aviation.
There were over twelve thousand B-17's produced between 1935 and 1945, with almost five thousand lost in combat. The EAA's Aluminum Overcast is one of only 14 B-17s that still fly today.
Media Alert
A limited number of free seats are available for media flights on Monday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Local veterans will also be guests onboard the media flights. Please contact the Museum's media contacts for reservations and information about the veterans.
