Monday, October 5, 2020
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky today announced it is hosting a rare World War Two bomber on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 30 to November 1, 2020. The B-17G Yankee Lady is a four-engine heavy bombardment aircraft, commonly called a Flying Fortress. The Michigan based plane is making the stop in Lexington as part of its World War Two Salute to Victory southern tour. The B-17 Flying Fortress will be at The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4029 Airport Rd. Lexington, KY 40510 on the grounds of the Blue Grass Airport.
“As a community that saw many of its young men go into battle in World War Two, we are honored to have this rare US Army Air Forces aircraft visit,” said Jerald Landreth of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. “There may be only ten airworthy Boeing B-17s left in existence, so it’s quite a thrill for us to have an award-winning example make an appearance at our museum,” Landreth said the B-17 is the type of four-engine heavy bomber that initiated strategic daylight bombing in World War II. Its purpose was to fly high and deep into enemy territory, striking high-value targets such as munitions factories, oil refineries and military installations.
According to Landreth, 12,731 of these stout aircraft were built between 1936 and 1945. With a crew of ten and defensive armaments of up to 13 fifty caliber machine guns, the B-17 became known as the Flying Fortress. More than 5,000 were shot down over Europe during the historic air war. “This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War Two and I encourage everyone to come out and see this award-winning, historic aircraft,” said Dave Callanan, B-17 Public Affairs Executive.
“Touring the plane or even better, flying on it, will give you a deep appreciation of what our World War Two airmen did for us. It is an unforgettable experience.” The B-17 Yankee Lady expects to arrive at the Blue Grass Airport by 10:00AM on Friday, October 30. The plane will be parked at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and will stay through Sunday, offering tours and Air Adventure rides.
Advance sale of Air Adventure rides on the B-17 are available now.
Rides are scheduled (Subject to weather or mechanical issues):
- Friday – Oct. 30th – 5:00 and 6:00 pm (Tours noon to 5:00 pm)
- Saturday – Oct. 31st – 10:00 and 11:00 am (Tours noon to 5:00 pm)
- Sunday – Nov. 1st – 12:00 and 1:00 pm (Tours 2:00 to 5:00 pm)
An Air Adventure ride is a 30- minute experience and costs $475.00. To order a B-17 Air Adventure, visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org and click on “Fly With Us.” More flights will be added as necessary. “It is impossible to keep planes like the Yankee Lady B-17 operating without community support at home and everywhere we fly,” said Callanan. “We appreciate the support of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky for helping make this mission possible.”
About The Aviation Museum of Kentucky: Established 25 years ago, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky features a wide range of displays covering 20,000 square feet of space. Included are aviation history exhibits, restoration projects and military and classic aircraft. The Museum also has a library, archives, and Gift Shop. For more information, call 859-231-1219.
About Yankee Air Museum: Established in 1981, the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Yankee Air Museum dedicates itself to educating individuals through the history of American aeronautics, aerospace industry and its associated technologies while inspiring generations through personal experiences to instill pride in our national accomplishments. Yankee Air Museum, located at 47884 D Street, Belleville, Michigan, on the grounds of historic Willow Run Airport. Visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org to discover more or call 734-483-4030.
NOTICE: FACE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED IN THE HANGARS, ON THE RAMP AND THE B-17 TOUR. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By visiting The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
