In 1953, Paul Poberezny and a group of friends formed a local aviation club in his home basement in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What began as a group for those interested in building their own airplanes has since expanded its mission to include flying, building and restoring antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircrafts, ultralights, helicopters and contemporary manufactured aircrafts. Nearly 60 years later, the small group of Milwaukee locals has grown into a 160,000 member worldwide organization called the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Now headed by Poberezny's son Tom, who took over for his father in 1989, the EAA is dedicated to providing opportunities to experience and enjoy aviation. The organization's publications, programs and tours have brought affordable aviation education to more than 90 countries. The Young Eagles program has flown more than 1.6 million young people free of charge since July 1992. Its purpose is to introduce children and young adults, ages eight to seventeen, to aviation and to inspire them to learn more. Other programs have included SportAir Workshops, Air Academy, the EAA AirVenture Museum and the 2010 Salute to Veterans Tour featuring Aluminum Overcast, a B-17 bomber.
EAA'S B-17 ALUMINUM OVERCAST
More than 60 years after missions as the heavy bomber of World War II, the B-17 is still flying. From 1935 to 1945, out of the 12,731 built, 4,754 were destroyed in combat. Today, less than twelve are still flying, including EAA's own Flying Fortress, Aluminum Overcast, and they are touring the country offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fly in one.
Each flight is approximately 35 minutes, of which 20-22 minutes will be in the air, where you can tour the aircraft or observe the pilots.
Flight experiences range from $409 to $435 for EAA members, and $449 to $475 for non-members, with affordable payment options. Ground tours will also be offered at $10 a person, with free admission for children under 8.
For the tour schedule and information, call the EAA at 800-359-6217 or visit www.B17.org
Read about our flight aboard the B-17 Aluminum Overcast in our Blog. |
For more information, visit the EAA website
*Howard DGA-15 photo by Jim Koepnick |
