Memories take flight in B-17

George Glaittli flew 33 missions over Europe as the pilot of a B-17 bomber during World War II, and on Thursday, more than 60 years after his last mission, he climbed aboard a B-17 and flew again.

Glaittli was a passenger on a flight of Aluminum Overcast, a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress that landed at the Ogden-Hinckley Airport Thursday as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's national Keep it Flying tour.

"It's just like home," Glaittli said. "The thrill for me is when you throw those four throttles forward and you just feel it. Oh, it just invigorates me."

Ogden is one of almost 60 cities the plane will visit as part of this year's tour, and the bomber will be there until Monday. Flights and ground tours will be available to the public Friday and Saturday. Former Sen. Jake Garn and members of the media were also on Thursday's flight.

"The biggest reason for the tour is that this is a piece of history, and we want to let people know about it," said Nick Hirsch, a member of the plane's crew. "You can fly on a piece of history."

A flight in a B-17 is far different from a flight in a modern airliner. Instead of flight attendants, cushioned seats and in-flight meals, there are machine guns, narrow passageways and bombs. The plane's four 750-horsepower engines drone loudly, and wind hisses through openings.

Hirsch said the plane generates a lot of interest everywhere it goes and often attracts World War II veterans who flew B-17s, who show up to reminisce. In some cities, so many people buy flights that the plane makes 12 flights per day, a 10-hour process, he said.

For Glaittli, the flight was a trip into the past. "It was a fun ride. It takes me back, but it reminds me I'm not as agile as I used to be," he said, referring to the narrow passages and low ceilings in the plane.

The B-17 played a significant role in World War II because of its ability to fly great distances and drop bombs from high altitudes. With a wingspan of nearly 140 feet and a length of 74 feet, it earned the nickname Flying Fortress and gained a reputation for durability.

"I'm telling you, this is an old airplane, but it's a fantastic, safe airplane," Glaittli said. "One of these planes would have to be shot up pretty bad before it had to go home."

Aluminum Overcast was built in 1945, but the war ended before it could see action. It was sold for $750 and used for mapping and spraying until a preservation group bought it in 1978. It was donated to the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1981 with the provision that it be maintained in flying condition.

The plane was displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., until 1994, when it made its first national tour. The tour is paid for by grants, donations and funds generated by selling flights to the public.

Flights on the plane sell for $385 for members of the EAA and $425 for nonmembers. Flights begin at 9:30 a.m., and the last flight takes place at 1:15 p.m. Ground tours cost $6 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 8 and World War II veterans may tour the plane on the ground for free. For more information, visit www.b17.org.

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E-mail: dfelix@desnews.com