SEATTLE, April 20, 2010 Aluminum Overcast: The EAA B-17 Bomber Tour and Fly-In
Wednesday, May 26-Monday, May 312010 is the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Boeing B-17. The Seattle-born bomber played an important role in World War II and aviation history. For several days in May, the Museum will be the proud host of the Experimental Aircraft Association's popular B-17, Aluminum Overcast. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1945, Aluminum Overcast was too late to see action in World War II. Sold for $750 as military surplus, the airplane served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control. Now, Aluminum Overcastcarries the wartime colors of the 398th Bomb Group, serving as a living tribute to World War II aviation. Museum visitors can tour, or even fly aboard this historic aircraft. For costs, reservations and more information, please call the EAA at 1-800-359-6217 or visit www.b17.org
Media flights are available May 24 beginning at 1p.m.
Cascade Warbirds Fly-In
Saturday, May 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the Museum for the annual Cascade Warbirds Fly-in. Visitors will enjoy the chance to view a wild variety of beautifully restored vintage military aircraft representing several nations' armed forces from World War II through the Vietnam conflict. Operating under the motto "keep 'em flying," the Cascade Warbirds work to preserve history by maintaining important aircraft. Planes such as a North American T-28 Trojan, DeHavilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, Cessna O-2 Skymaster and a Douglas AD-4 Skyraider will participate in the fly-in. In addition, the pilot/owners of these planes will be on hand to answer questions and share their enthusiasm for these vintage warbirds.
Fire Department Day
Friday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The King County Fire & Life Safety Association is hosting the 10th Annual King County Fire Department Day at the Museum. On this day, kids of all ages can view fire equipment on display and meet the men and women who serve them. Kids (and adults too) will have the opportunity to climb aboard a fire engine, see how tall an aerial ladder extends, talk with firefighters and department personnel, and learn fire and life safety skills through fun activities. The Safety Zone will teach children safety skills, while providing adults with life-saving information. This exciting summer event is fun and educational!
American Heroes Air Show
Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Come to the Museum for a day full of heroes and helicopters. Learn how helicopters play an important role in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, communications, national defense and homeland security. The American Heroes Air Show features static displays, special presentations and entertainment. Representatives from many organizations including local flights schools, Border Patrol, Search & Rescue units and the U.S. Coast Guard will be available to answer questions. See helicopters like the Blackhawk flown by the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as those flown by Airlift Northwest, KING 5 TV and many others. The helicopters will arrive between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Come early to see them land. For more information on the event, visit www.heroes-airshow.com
"Wings of Freedom" World War II Bomber Tour and Fly-In
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 25 - 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join the Museum of Flight as the Collings Foundation's "Wings of Freedom" Tour lands at Boeing Field, providing Museum visitors the unique chance to experience both of the American heavy bombers that helped win World War II. For a nominal fee, visitors can tour the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, the Consolidated B-24J Liberator, or take flight training in the P-51C Mustang. For flight reservations, call 800-568-8924 or visit www.collingsfoundation.org
Media flights are available June 25. Call Museum PR for details.
"The Twenty-Seven Flags"- 4th of July Celebration
Sunday, July 4
Members of Skyway Post 9430 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars honor the Nation's 232nd birthday with a salute to the American flag-all 27 versions that have officially represented the United States over the years. From the first 13 star flag authorized by Congress in 1777 to today's 50 star flag, the presentation of each iteration is accompanied with the story of its symbolism in this moving and educational program for all ages. The program is free with admission to the Museum.
Hydroplane Pilot Panel Discussion
Saturday, July 24, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Just in time for the Seafair races, former hydroplane pilots share their experiences about the fastest sport on water.
Blue Angels Week
Aug. 4 - 8, Museum Parking Lot, Museum-wide
The world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team once again stars in the KeyBank Air Show at Seafair presented by Boeing. The Museum of Flight is again Blue Angels' host venue during the team's entire Seafair stay. Blue Angels family activities will be featured all week, with events inside and outside of the Museum. All Museum programs are free with Museum admission. Museum visitors will be able see the F/A-18 jets up close from Thursday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, August 8. Activities include the team's precise pre-flight walkdowns, thrilling formation takeoffs and the chance to meet some of the Navy's finest pilots as they return from their practice sessions and show performances.
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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.
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