World War II B-17 bomber to make stop in Hot Springs

The World War II B-17 bomber Sentimental Journey will fly into Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport as part of its Summer Flying Legends of Victory Tour across the United States and Canada, tour organizers say.

The tour, made possible by the volunteers of the nonprofit Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, features three restored combat aircraft from the era of World War II: C-47/ DC-3 Old Number 30, Sentimental Journey, and B-25 bomber Maid in the Shade.

The warbirds and their crews will follow separate routes across the U.S. and Canada and visit around 50 cities through October to “fulfill their mission of educating all generations about the role of aviation in combat,” a news release said.

“The public will have the opportunity to climb aboard the B-17 Bomber to soak in the breathtaking stories of courage and service by Americans during one of the most important periods in U.S. history. The B-17 is an exceptionally rare aircraft, as it’s one of 10 in the world that is still flying,” the release said.

Nicknamed the Flying Fortress, the B-17 was a strategic weapon in World War II because of its ability to suffer extensive battle damage and still return home, it said.

Tours will be offered from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 25, 29 and 30; and from 9 a.m. to

2 p.m. Sept. 26-28. The cost is $10 per person, or $20 for a family of four.

Rides will be offered Sept. 29 and

30 and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $425 per waist compartment seat and $850 for bombardier/navigator seats in the nose and are limited to eight passengers per flight. Ride reservations required. To reserve your seat, visit http://bit.ly/HotSpringsB17.