Historic WWII warbirds on display at Paine Field

From the Snohomistcountybusinessjournal: Historic WWII warbirds on display at Paine Field
EVERETT -- Airplane enthusiasts and history buffs have a chance to see two of the most famous aircraft of World War II at Paine Field as B-17 Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey" and B-25 Mitchell "Maid in the Shade" from the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum will be on display at Paine Field Airport with rides and tours through Aug. 21 at the Flying Heritage Museum.

The restored WWII bombers will give the public an up-close and personal look of aviation history. The public is invited to tour these airplanes. There's even the opportunity for some lucky individuals to actually take a flight in the bombers and experience flying in these aircraft first-hand. A portion of the flight cost is tax-deductible. Only a handful of these rare birds remain in the world today and even fewer provide the opportunity to experience flight just as the flight crews did during WW II.

B-17 tours are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under 5. B-17 flights are available for $425 per person. You can make a reservation on the B-17 by calling
602-448-9415 or by visiting the plane.

B-25 flights are for $395 per person. You can make a reservation on the B-25 by calling
480-322-5503 or by visiting the plane.

The aircraft are on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday before leaving Monday morning for Salem, Ore.

The Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum maintains and flies several WWII aircraft at Falcon Field airport in Mesa, Ariz. The WWII bombers are maintained and operated as a flying museum and memorial to veterans.

Volunteer members of the Commemorative Air Force restored "Sentimental Journey" to its original 1944 configuration. It is the most fully restored B-17 flying today and is one of only eight B-17 Flying Fortresses still flying.

"Maid in the Shade" flew 18 combat missions from Corsica during WWII. The restoration to bring “Maid in the Shade” back to flying condition took 28 years and was completed May 2009.