Ghost Plane 15

A 1945 Boeing B17G, one of about 8600 of this model built for use during WWII(just over 12100 B17's were produced by three different manufacturers during the war years) . This particular venerable old bird travels throughout the United States offering 35 minute flights for a reasonable fee. Named Aluminum Overcast, she is operated by the Experimental Aviation Association out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Go here for more details...[link]

For my birthday (which isn't until July) this year, my wife bought me a seat on this wonderful old bomber. We went up yesterday (Memorial Day) because she is in Seattle on that weekend. What could be more fitting?

The B17G had a service ceiling of over 35,600 feet and a cruising speed of 260 mph with a top speed of 300 mph. For the long bomb runs over the target area, the plane was required to be flown at a constant speed in a straight line...perfectly "fat" for anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter interception.