Gallery Update: Forecast Calling for 'Aluminum Overcast'

There was a unique thing happening at Salem-McNary Field today. The Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress known today as "Aluminum Overcast" is on national tour and they're stopping in Salem this week for a few days. The B-17 was hosted by the B-17 Alliance Group at their restoration facility so in addition to the flying B-17 and the regular planespotting, the museum was open during the tour and that allowed opportunities to see sections of the B-17 Alliance's own B-17 called the Lacey Lady, which is being restored in Salem. Here are the links for today:

EAA B-17 Tour

Salem (SLE) 6

B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Facility

Photo Preview:

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (N5017N) "Aluminum Overcast" parked on the ramp.

I've waited years to see this B-17, considering that only about a dozen or so are flying.

View of the nose art.

Nose gunner and Bombardier positions. 

Cockpit

Radio man postion

Inside the ball turret. Tight squeeze! And props to the guys who flew in World War II for their bravery in this position!

With the B-17 Alliance's facility here in Salem, I'm hoping to see more events such as this. With Warbirds Over the West earlier this summer and having this B-17 stop here on tour, the B-17 Alliance Group is doing a great job getting their name out there!

Cirrus SR22T (N713DM) taxiing out for departure.

Cessna 182C Skylane (N8908T) getting ready to taxi. By the way, I figured out to get a little prop blur!

Cessna A185F Skywagon (N2449J) taxiing out for departure.

The main fuselage section of the Lacey Lady.

Wing section and engine mounts.

Ball turret from the Lacey Lady in the museum. Until restoration nears completion, the B-17 Alliance plans to take this ball turret to exhibitions to give children interactive experience by placing them inside and letting them work the controls.