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Yankee Lady, the meticulously restored World War II Boeing B-17 heavy bomber will be flying into the Waterloo Air Show and join other historic aircraft on June 28 and June 29, 2014. The four-engine Flying Fortress, flagship of the Yankee Air Museum based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Michigan, will be available for tours and Flight Experience (FLEX) rides on both days.
“We’re really excited that the Yankee Lady will be offering Flight Experience rides,” exclaimed Loretta Lau-Lowerison, executive manager of the Waterloo Air Show. “It’s one thing to look up as all the fantastic planes fly overhead, but it’s a better thing to be on a Flying Fortress looking down at the enthusiastic people wishing they were on board that plane. The fact that Yankee Lady is one of only nine Forts still flying puts an exclamation point on it.”
Lowerison, explained that 12,731 B-17s were built and the significance was its mission to bomb strategic targets in daylight precision raids. Some airstrikes would have up to 1000 planes flying in waves over enemy industrial targets. This campaign, she says, crippled the enemy’s ability to make war and helped liberate Europe.
“We’re working hard to bring significant attractions to the Waterloo Air Show,” continued Lowerison. “This appearance by Yankee Lady is a great addition to our impressive lineup featuring the Canadian Snowbirds.”
“Our Museum is equally proud of our partnership,” said Ray Hunter, chairman of the Yankee Air Museum board of directors. “As friends, we extend our reach and are able to offer the people of Ontario an advanced sensory study of World War II aviation through our FLEX rides.”
He added that the sights, sounds, smells and feelings on board a B-17 FLEX ride are unparalleled, providing an inkling of what WWII airmen endured.
“As a late G-model, our Flying Fortress was originally delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force on July 16, 1945 with natural metal finish,” said Norm Ellickson, B-17 crew chief. “Recently, we washed off the grime that accumulates during the winter maintenance cycle. Then we had the 19 Annual Bomber Buffing and about 300 people came out to help us. This massive effort combining elbow grease with Mothers Aluminum Polish gives the Lady’s skin a mirror-like shine.”
Ellickson said that the same attention to detail is given to the inside and mechanicals of the plane. Since last October the Yankee Lady’s ground crew has worked hard completing the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certified inspection and comprehensive maintenance list of more than 500 items.
“Passenger safety is paramount, but it’s fundamentally important to look cool,” chuckled Ellickson, concluding, “at 69 years old any date the Yankee Lady has is a ‘hot date’ but she’s always ready.”
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Yankee Lady will arrive at the Waterloo Air Show the day before the event opens. Ellickson says the crew will set up and be ready to offer tours and FLEX rides beginning Saturday morning June 28.
“We’ll also be sure Yankee Lady will be available for ground tours,” said Dave Wright, director of the YAM’s FLEX program. “Hopefully she’ll be going out on numerous FLEX flights but will always return throughout daylight hours. When she departs and returns it’s just part of the excitement to see her in action.”
Wright said ground tours cost $5.00 for adults aged 15 and above; $2.00 for kids aged six to 15 and all others are free. A ride is a 45-minute experience with approximately 30 minutes of flight time and costs $450.00. To order a B-17 FLEX ride or to obtain a gift certificate, call Dave Wright at 734-483-4030, extension 236.
