Popular Tour Stops In 13 States Over Three-Months

It's been 60 years since the end of World War II, and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is commemorating the end of that conflict and honoring those who sacrificed during that time. EAA's salute to the men, women and aircraft of that time includes a national "Allied Victory Tour" by one of the greatest military airplanes ever built, a B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber.

Stops in the eastern and southern United States highlight the schedule for the late summer and fall portion of 2005 tour, which will run through Nov. 20 and include 27 stops in 13 states. EAA pilots will fly the B-17 "Fuddy Duddy," which is usually based at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Elmira, NY.

"EAA's B-17 tour annually brings an authentic piece of flying history to cities throughout the country," said EAA president Tom Poberezny. "As we are now 60 years removed from the end of World War II, the march of time makes opportunities such as this tour even more precious. We want to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed while we still have the chance to do so."

The B-17 tours have taken place each spring and fall since 1994. Since EAA began the tours, tens of thousands of people have experienced this unique airplane through its visits and aircraft ground tours. Thousands of aviation enthusiasts have actually flown in the renowned bomber, which is one of the best-known aircraft types of the World War II era.

At each stop, flight "missions" are available in the airplane, which allow people to take flights in this spectacular aircraft. The airplane's crew is available at each stop to answer questions.

Through the past decade of national tours, EAA's B-17 has created many emotional reunions for veterans who participated in B-17 operations during World War II. For most, it was their first "mission" in a Flying Fortress since that era. Even though more than five decades have passed since their wartime experience, the outpouring of emotion and memories have created a unique link through these veterans. They have often shared their stories, while also recalling and honoring their long-ago comrades, during the B-17's visits to their communities.

"Fuddy Duddy" was built by Douglas Aircraft in 1944 at their Long Beach, CA, plant and delivered to the Pacific Theater. It was converted for use as a VIP transport and in 1946, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower used the aircraft on his tour of the South Pacific. Gen. Douglas MacArthur also used it in the 1950s. The airplane's paint scheme matches that of the original "Fuddy Duddy," a B-17G assigned to the 8th Air Force's 447th Bomb Group, 708th Bomb Squadron, during World War II.

FMI: www.b17.org