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8/18/2012
The Alberta Aviation Museum is preparing for a visit from a "Flying Fortress."
Executive Director Tom Hinderks says it's another rare chance to get up close and personal with a historic warbird.
"August 30th, we're expecting the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing B-17 Flying Fortress commonly known as Sentimental Journey," remarked Hinderks. "It's a beautiful aircraft from the World War II era and it's coming up to help us celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the start of the Lend Lease Flights up the North West Staging Route to Russia and into combat."
Hinderks says it may be your last chance to see a B-17 bomber land at Edmonton's historic City Centre Airport which is being closed down in stages.
The massive plane will be on display at the museum from August 30th to September 4th, and Hinderks says it will dwarf the B-25 you'll see inside the museum.
"It's a heavy bomber. So where our B-25 has a 66 foot wingspan, this has a 104 foot wingspan. The B-25 was a five man crew, while the Fortress - - if I remember correctly - - is an 11 man crew. So it's a much bigger aircraft. Canada operated some in maritime patrol in a limited number as bombers so it ties in there well." (td)
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