“Aluminum Overcast,” the Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored B-17 bomber, will descend upon Shreveport Downtown Airport in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 29-30 for one of nearly 70 tour stops scheduled for its 2011 “Salute to Veterans” national tour. The tour stop is hosted by local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 343 (www.eaachapter343.org). 

For advance bookings, call 1-800-359-6217. 

Advance bookings for flights are $399 for EAA members and $439 for nonmembers, with walk-up flights costing $425 for EAA members, $465 for nonmembers. Self-guided ground tours will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. at $5 for adults and $15 per family, with active-duty military or veterans admitted for free. 

The national B-17 tours have taken place each spring and fall since 1994. Since EAA began the tours of the aircraft known as “The Flying Fortress,” tens of thousands of people have experienced this unique airplane through its visits and aircraft ground tours. Thousands of aviation enthusiasts have actually flown in the renowned bomber, which is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best-known aircraft types of the World War II era. 

“The national tour EAA undertakes each year has become the nation’s most popular way to learn about this unique aircraft in an up-close way,” said Rod Hightower, EAA president. “EAA is dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through these B-17 tours. We take great pride in saluting all our nation’s veterans as the airplane makes its way throughout our country, showcasing a living link to history for all generations to enjoy.”

At each stop, flight “missions” are available in the airplane, which allow people to fly in this spectacular aircraft. The airplane’s crew is available at each stop to answer questions.

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