The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘Aluminum Overcast’ landing at Lost Nation Airport
A piece of American history will soon be on display in Lake County.
The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5 will be bringing the B-17GVE, serial number 44-85740 and nicknamed “Aluminum Overcast,” to Lost Nation Airport Sept. 6-8 for rides for the public to purchase as part of a national tour. On Sept. 7 and 8, EAA Chapter 5 will prepare a pancake breakfast for purchase. WWII veterans are invited to join for a free breakfast either day.
Lunch concessions will benefit Maple Leaf Community Residences, Inc., a nonprofit housing corporation serving people with special needs from Northeast Ohio. Since EAA began tours of the aircraft in 1994, tens of thousands of people have experienced the unique bomber airplane through its flights and grounds tours.
Known as “The Flying Fortress,” the 65,000-pound, 74-foot-fourinch B-17 bomber is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the bestknown aircraft types of the World War II era, though it was delivered too late to the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1945 to see any action, according to EAA.
Jack Pelton, EAA board chairman, said the organization is dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through the B-17 tours.
“It is more than the flight of a historic aircraft — it is an emotional connection to the men and women who were part of ‘The Greatest Generation’ and the sacrifices they made to benefit us in subsequent generations.”
Go to http://www.B17. org to purchase tickets in advance. This ticket allows people to “Join the Flight” and experience this historical aircraft from the air. Ticket cost in advance is $449 and at the event $475. Members of EAA receive a discounted online purchase.
Ground tours are also available and can only be purchased at the event; tours are $10 while children under 8 are free with a paying adult. The fee for veterans and all active military are complimentary. Group and family rates are available.
Flights will operate 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with ground tours available 2 to 5 p.m., each day.
In addition to Aluminum Overcast, the airport will have WWII vehicles, videos and displays available to see and merchandise to purchase.
Parties interested in displaying WWII vehicles, aircraft or other memorabilia, are encouraged to contact the airport manager, Patty Fulop, at 440-321-9036 or pfulop@lcport.org. Information on EAA Chapter 5 can be found at www.5.eaachapter.org. For more information on EAA, visit www.eaa.org.