Article Contributed on: 6/3/2009 5:55:52 AM
Folks living near Centennial Airport will see a rare sight starting today, a 4-engined B-17G Flying Fortress.
"Aluminum Overcast" was restored to flight status and is kept flying by the Experimental Aircraft Association.
(EAA)
You can fly in the plane today through June 9th. This week we mark the 45th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion and I can think of no better way to honor and remember those who served in the air, on land and on the sea than taking a flight in this remarkable aircraft.
I flew aboard Aluminum Overcast last fall and you can watch watch a video of my experience by
clicking here. At the end of the video you'll see the enormous cost paid for our freedom, or what's left of it these days.
Should you fly, think about what it was like as an 18 year old kid climbing aboard knowing there was a 50-50 chance of returning alive. Flying at 25-thousand feet in minus-30 degree temperatures, with the Luftwaffe fighting you all the way to and from the target.
If you were lucky enough to return, the seat next to you in the mess very well might be empty, because of a fellow airmen who didn't make it back.
Fly, remember, honor today through the 9th. You won't regret it and the experience will last you a lifetime.