Give dad a flight on WWII Flying Fortress
PITTSBURGH — The Liberty Belle, a restored World War II B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, will take to the skies over Pittsburgh June 14 and 15 for public flights.
The Pittsburgh stop begins a historic journey that will take the Liberty Belle overseas to Europe in July.
Sixty years ago this type of aircraft flew from bases far from home. The B-17's mission today is to educate people about the courageous WWII veterans and to remember those brave aircrew who never made it home.
The "Liberty Belle" is a living museum. It was built near the end of World War II and never saw combat. It has been converted into a vessel that bridges understanding between generations.
Flights will be available to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14 and 15 from the Allegheny County Airport.
The flight experience takes about 45 minutes, with about half an hour in flight. Cost is $395 for Liberty Foundation members and $430 for non-members, because the "Flying Fortress" costs more than $4,500 per flight hour to operate. The nonprofit Liberty Foundation spends more than $1 million annually to keep the Liberty Belle airworthy and out on tour.
Visit the Web site, www.libertyfoundation.org. or call 770-480-9611 or 918-340-0243.
