Flight in a B-17 Flying Fortress

On July 8th and 9th of 2003 there was a most unique sight over Jefferson City. It can be best described by the "Nose Art" on the side of the plane; "Aluminum Overcast."

A full-scale B-17 Flying Fortress of World War II fame arrived at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport and the organizers of the event were very surprised by the huge turnout of the patriotic people in this Jefferson City stop of their tour. We were considered a "secondary stop" but they were pleasantly surprised to see how many participated. 

You could tour the B-17 on the ground for around $6 and if you had signed up in time you could actually fly in the plane for around $350. 

It was amazing to see that plane flying over Jefferson City and even more striking to see how big a B-17 actually is. Those who saw it for the first time had to stop and wonder what it would be like to see a formation of hundreds of these majestic airplanes flying over - and how the Germans must have felt about it. One can only imagine what it must have sounded like - sweet! (unless you lived in Berlin).

We hope to get the official word from Tom soon, but when he first heard about it, he told his wife, Darlene. She immediately looked it up on the EAA's Aluminum Overcast website at http://www.b17.org/ Then she looked at Tom and asked, "So, are you flying with me?!" Now there's a one-of-a-kind woman!! Until we get more of the narrative, Tom and Darlene, have agreed to share some of the wonderful photos they took during their flight on July 8th with us. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger version of the photos at right.

JCRC Club member Brian Nutt also flew in the plane on July 9th and several other members went by to see the static display on the tarmac. We have just added five more photos that Ron Horn took during his tour of the B-17. Including the "Aluminum Overcast" photo at the top of the page. Thanks Ron!

B-17 Flying Fortress "Aluminum Overcast"

Bomb Racks

2 of the 4 Engines

Rear View

Waist Gunner view

She even looks good from the tail!

These photos were taken by Tom & Darlene Copeland during their flight in the EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast Tour when it arrived in Jefferson City .

Hopefully other JCRC members who participated in the event will share their photos and experiences as well.