Ground tours and flights on historic aircraft, "Aluminum Overcast,"
May 26-31
 

SEATTLE, May 14, 2010--The Seattle-born Boeing B-17 bomber played an important role in World War II and aviation history. 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the first flight of this iconic airplane. Aluminum Overcast, the Experimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17G Flying Fortress, returns to the Seattle skies and The Museum of Flight for rides and ground tours from Wednesday, May 26 through Monday, May 31. The Museum is hosting this historic aircraft during its Seattle stop along a national "Salute to the Veterans" tour.

 
The aircraft arrives at the Museum tarmac on Monday morning, May 24. Media flights are at 1 and 1:30 p.m.

The EAA has flown this classic bomber on annual tours around the country since 1994, offering ground tours and rides to the public at each stop. Flight experiences last about 40 minutes, with approximately 25 minutes in the air. For flight reservations and 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.
Photo credit: Aluminum Overcast, photo courtesy EAA. 
###
The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the William E. Boeing Red Barn® - the original manufacturing facility of the Boeing Co. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing displays 28 World War I and World War II aircraft from the United States and other countries including Germany, Russia, and Japan. Over 30 aircraft representing the first century of aviation are displayed in the all-glass T.A. Wilson Great Gallery. The evolution of space flight and a look into the future are presented in the exhibit, Space: Exploring the New Frontier. The Airpark includes outdoor displays including the first jet Air Force One, a supersonic Concorde airliner and the prototype Boeing 747 jumbo jet. Interactive displays in The Flight Zone provide educational and entertaining activities for young children. The Museum's aeronautical library and archival holdings are the largest on the West Coast. More than 140,000 students are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs--the most extensive museum-based youth aviation and space education program in the country. The Museum is the only air and space museum in Washington State that is both nationally accredited with the American Association of Museums and a Smithsonian affiliate.
 
The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for active military, $8 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org.
PR and Promotions Manager
206.768.7105
Tara Cashman
PR Assistant
206.768.7128