Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B-17 ‘ALUMINUM OVERCAST’ HEADED TO VAN NUYS DURING EAA’S
2012 NATIONAL ‘SALUTE TO VETERANS’ TOUR‘Mission’ flights, ground tours in historic WWII bomber available April 27-29
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. (April 20, 2012) — “Aluminum Overcast,� the
Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored B-17 bomber, will descend upon Van Nuys Airport in Van
Nuys, California on April 27-29 as part of its 2012 “Salute to Veterans� national tour.
The first portion of EAA’s tour schedule includes eight stops in four states between April 20
and June 10. The year-long tour will continue into the summer, with the airplane back “home� for the
full week of EAA’s annual AirVenture Celebration on July 23-29 in Oshkosh, Wis.
Since EAA began the tours of the aircraft, tens of thousands of people have experienced this
unique airplane through its flights and ground tours. Known as “The Flying Fortress,� the B-17 bomber
is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best-known aircraft types
of the World War II era.
“The national tour EAA undertakes each year has become the nation’s most popular way to
learn about this unique aircraft in an up-close way,� said Rod Hightower, EAA president. “EAA is
dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through these B-17 tours. We take great pride in saluting
all our nation’s veterans as the airplane travels the country, showcasing a living link to history for all
generations to enjoy.�
At each stop, flight “missions� are available, which allow people to experience this spectacular
aircraft from the air. For more information, including rates for flights and ground tours, visit
HUwww.B17.orgUH or contact EAA’s B-17 Tour Office at 800-359-6217. Special pre-book rates on flights
are available for EAA members and non-members.
EAA’s “Aluminum Overcast� was built in 1945, but was delivered to the Army Air Corps too late
to see active service in World War II. The B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 1981
with the provision of the aircraft being maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the
EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., for a decade, the airplane made its national tour debut in
the spring of 1994.
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation
enthusiasts. EAA’s 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of
sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on
EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to HUwww.eaa.orgUH. For continual news
updates, connect with HUwww.twitter.com/EAAupdateUH.

EAA B-17 ‘SALUTE TO VETERANS’ 2012 SPRING TOUR SCHEDULE(as of 3/1/2012 — Schedule subject to change without notice.)
Dates City Airport Code
April 20-22 Torrance, CA Zamperini Field Airport
April 27-29 Van Nuys, CA Van Nuys Airport
May 04-06 Napa, CA Napa County Airport
May 11-13 Hayward, CA Hayward Executive Airport
May 18-20 Hillsboro, OR Portland – Hillsboro Airport
May 24-28 Seattle, WA Boeing Field / King County International Airport
June 01-03 Spokane, WA Felts Field Airport
June 07-10 Denver, CO Centennial Airport

Thanks for the heads up!

Do you know if it's flying in on thursday? My workplace is not too far from the airport. I'd like to go outside and look up and maybe see it.

It is scheduled to fly Friday - Sunday. I will be on one of the Friday flights.

I know it's flying fri-sun, but I'm trying to find out when it's arriving.It really doesn't matter. It'll be flying around for several days.

Rob - Great to hear you will be taking a ride!

Tom - I'll get more information and post it for y'all.

Since the weather is bad, I suspect it won't be up and about until later in the week.

You will definitely hear it over head!

Julieann

Tom - the B-17 has already arrived at VNY. It will fly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To get to the B-17, the entrance is off of Woodley across from the Fly Away. It will be at the Syncro hangar.


Have fun!

Julieann

Thank you for the information, Julieann.

Rob - When you check in for your ride, ask for Anne Marie. She is one of the Tour Managers for the B-17 and also my racing partner. She is expecting you so please identify yourself.

Have a fun and safe flight!

Julieann

PS - Take lots of pictures!