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You can fly on a WWII B-17 this weekend

This weekend is your chance to get an up-close look at the classic bomber.
Restored B-17 in Renton

Boeing designed the B-17 bomber, considered by many as the most iconic airplane of World War II. Yet, Boeing couldn't build them all, thousands were also built by Douglas Aircraft and other companies.

One of the most recent planes to be restored to airworthiness is the Madras Maiden, a so called "G" model built late in the war by Lockheed Vega and now based in eastern Oregon.

The airplane will be both taking paying passengers on flights and on display at the Renton Municipal Airport this Saturday and Sunday. Passengers should go to Pro Flight Aviation at 750 Perimeter Road.

The plane used for the Renton flights was restored and is operated by The Liberty Foundation.

These restored WWII bombers can cost upward of $5,000 an hour to operate. Cost for a 45 minute flight is $450 for non-members, $410 for members of the foundation, with flights starting at 10:00 a.m. and running until 2:00 p.m. Ground tours of the airplane on the ground run until 5:00 pm. Donations are encouraged to tour the plane.

The Madras Maiden was built in Burbank California in October of 1944 but, according to the foundation, spent its military career as a research and development aircraft, including being equipped with a "Mickey" radar. Later surplussed, and like many other larger WWII aircraft, it had a variety of post-military jobs including hauling fruit between the Caribbean and Florida and becoming a fire ant sprayer in the south.

The airplane has been owned by a succession of aviation museums and is now restored to its combat ready condition.

As the members of the "greatest generation" pass on, there is more work underway to restore more B-17s to flying status. This is now the second season for the Madras Maiden and is expected to make 40 stops nationwide between now and the fall. The Liberty Foundation is currently working to restore two additional B-17s to flying condition.

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