Want to Fly a B-17 Bomber? You Can This Weekend at Lawrence Municipal Airport

The local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association will host one the few remaining airworthy WWII B-17 bombers in the world from Friday, May 22, to Monday, May 25, at Lawrence Municiapl Airport, 492 Sutton St., North Andover,

Vistors will have the opportunity to climb aboard Aluminum Overcast, the 65,000-lb. B-17 bomber, and step back in time to the World War II era.

“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,” according to the aircraft association.

People of all ages will appreciate the history associated with this airplane that helped the Allies achieve victory.

Revenues from the B-17 tour help cover maintenance and operations costs for the aircraft and EAA’s ambition to “keep ‘em flying” for many years to come, according to the association.

On Sunday evening, there is a BBQ with guest speaker John Katsaros - B-17 waist-gunner, engineer, photographer and president of the U.S. Air Force’s Escape & Evasion Society.

“A lone B-17 bombed an ME-109 Fighter factory in Germany … then … SHOT DOWN from 25,000’, John’s chute opened seconds before impact. Seriously wounded, captured by the Gestapo with no medical attention for several days, rescued by the French Resistance in a shoot-out, captured again … An amazing story of survival and heroism to send strategic target information back to Britain.”

Ground Tours
2-5 p.m. (unless noted), weather permitting
$10: Individual Rate
$20: Family Rate (adults/children up to 17)
Free: Children under 8 (with paying adult)
Free: Veterans / Active Military

Mission Flights (weather permitting)
Advance
$409: EAA Members
$449: Nonmembers

Walk-Up

$435: EAA Members
$475: Nonmembers

Call 800-359-6217 for more information and reservations.

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