January 25, 2013 - Bill Harrison had a dream. Back in the early 1980s as member of a group of owners of a B-17G Flying Fortress, the time came to pass the iconic bomber along to another organization who could keep it flying.
Bill and his group donated the B-17 Aluminum Overcast to EAA in 1983 with the vision that it would fly for many years to come. EAA has owned and operated Aluminum Overcast since then, sharing the B-17’s storied career with aviation enthusiasts across the country.
On a 2012 tour stop in Denver, Colorado, a freak hail storm pummeled the B-17, turning the usually smooth skin of Aluminum Overcast to a dent-riddled, pock-marked mess. The B-17 was in dire need of a face lift and insurance would only cover a portion of the anticipated restoration costs.
To date, the EAA Warbirds of America Board members have contributed over $2,000 to the project. Over the next few winters, EAA aircraft maintenance staff will make the necessary repairs to support Bill Harrison’s dream – to “keep it flying”.
We congratulate the EAA Warbirds of America Board and all the other supporters who have contributed to this worthy cause. For more information, visit www.eaa.org/b17repair.
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