WW2's 'Most Vital Aircraft' Arrives In Romeoville

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A famous World War II aircraft is visiting the Lewis University Airport July 6-8, tour organizers announced. People of all ages will be given the opportunity to climb aboard the 65,000-pound B-17 bomber Aluminum Overcast and "step back in time to the World War II era," tour organizers said. Funds raised from the tour will cover maintenance and operations costs for the aircraft and help to keep it flying for "many years to come," tour volunteers said.

"Feel the might of this magnificent flying machine as it soars through the sky on your mission flight where you’ll discover why it’s called the Flying Fortress," tour organizers said in a statement. "Stand in the footsteps of the bombardier, the navigator, and the waist gunner and relive history by experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly in one of World War II's most vital and magnificent aircraft."

Flights are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 6-8 at #1 Executive Terminal at George Michas Drive, 1-1/4 miles east of Weber Road on Renwick Road. Flights for Experimental Aircraft Association members are $435, and $475 for non-members. Ground tours will be available from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $10 per person, $20 for families and tickets are free for veterans/active military.

To book tickets for ground tours or flights visit eea.org.

Top image courtesy of B-17 Tour.