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B-17 to make tour stop in Janesville

Photo

Photo by Bill Olmsted

The restored WWII B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" will make a return visit to Rock County next week. The public is invited to tour and take flights on one of the few airplanes of it's type to still be airworthy.

JANESVILLE — How much would you pay to ride in a time machine?

The Janesville chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association is hoping it can provide the next best thing with flights on the restored B-17G “Aluminum Overcast.”

The B-17 is a bomber used primarily in Europe during World War II.

Fewer than 100 B-17 airframes still exist and even are still in flying condition, according to the EAA.

The plane seats 10 and tickets are first come, first served. Advance registration is $359 for EAA members and $399 for non-members. Walk-up fees at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday are $385 for members and $425 for non-members.

Passengers should plan to arrive an hour before the assigned flight time. During the 20-minute flight, passengers will be able to move around the cabin and take pictures or video.

Tours ordinarily run from 2 until 5 p.m., according to the EAA Web site.

The Janesville stop is one of 21 in the Salute to Veterans tour. Madison will host the historic aircraft July 24-26.

The annual AirVenture event in Oshkosh will feature the B-17 from July 27 to Aug. 2. The weeklong event also offers workshops and exhibits focusing on individual aspects of air travel.

The Salute to Veterans tour began June 19 and is scheduled to run through September 4.

For more information on dates and B-17 tours, visit www.b17.org.