On June 30 The Museum of Flight’s rare, Boeing B-17F returned to a place in the sun. The aircraft has been undergoing restoration for 20 years, and was last on extended display at the Seattle museum in 1999.
It now can be seen on the lawn in front of the museum’s east entrance. Its restoration complete, the former bomber is regarded as one of the most authentic B-17s in the world, according to museum officials. Limited tours of the aircraft for museum visitors began on July 2.
On July 16, the museum hosts “Heroes of the Homefront – A Celebration of the B-17,” a day of special activities including B-17 tours, big band music, swing dancing, World War II aircraft fly-bys and displays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event culminates with an evening Hangar Dance from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring big band music by The Harry James Orchestra directed by Fred Radke. Standard admission fees apply for activities 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hangar Dance tickets are $17 presale, $25 at the door. To purchase Hangar Dance tickets, visit MuseumOfFlightstore.org.
