Kids & Family

WW II Era B-17 Bomber to Again Visit Local Airport

As in years past, the refurbished B-17 bomber named "Aluminum Overcast" will visit Trenton-Mercer Airport in August. Tours of the plane - as well as flights aboard the historic aircraft - will be offered.

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration.

A bit of U.S. flying history will dip into Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) when the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) World War II vintage B-17 will be on display and offer flights to the public. The awesome aircraft will be at TTN on Tuesday, Aug. 14, and Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, and will be displayed at Ronson Aviation, which is on the grounds of the airport.

“This military artifact is an amazing sight, and this is a great opportunity to get a personal look at one of the most notable aircraft types of World War II,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Young and old will marvel at this historic aircraft, and having our historic facility as a backdrop is an added benefit.”

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The tour will feature a refurbished World War II-era B-17 bomber. Individuals may walk through the bomber, one of the most famous and recognizable of World War II. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the aircraft. Tours will be conducted on both days from 2 to 5 p.m., and flights in the aircraft will also be available.

This beautifully restored B-17G Flying Fortress, named “Aluminum Overcast,” is one of only 13 still flying, according to the EAA. The group describes the aircraft as “an icon of the Allied strategic bombing effort that helped turn the tide of battle in World War II. Unlike reading a history book, you can actually fly a mission back in time and feel the might of this magnificent machine, just as those brave young men did more than 60 years ago.”

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Walking Tours are $10 per person, $20 per family (adults/children up to 17 who are immediate family members). Children age 8 and younger can tour for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tours are free to all active military personnel and veterans. Flight Experience is $449 per person scheduled in advance and $475 per person at the door. EAA members receive discounted rates. Flights are approximately 45 minutes and are usually conducted in the hours before walking tours. 

For more information, or to make flight reservations, call the EAA at (800) 359-6217. For facility information or for directions, contact Ronson Aviation at (609) 771-9500. 


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