EAA's B-17 Part of Huge D.C. Flyover in May

February 19, 2015 – EAA’s B-17 bomber Aluminum Overcast will be part of the biggest flyover in the nation’s capital in decades when the “Arsenal of Democracy” event takes place in Washington, D.C., on May 8. This unprecedented event will commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day that marked the end of the World War II conflict in the European Theater.

Many members of the EAA Warbirds of America will also be participating in the flyover, which will feature 15 historically sequenced warbird formations representing the major battles of WWII, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the end of the war. This flyover is also part of the year-long “Spirit of ’45” festivities throughout the country to mark 70 years since the end of the war.

“We are honored to have our B-17 participate in this flyover, which will be seen by thousands of people in Washington that day and by millions around the world via television and online video,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety, who is responsible for EAA’s air operations. “Our B-17 makes annual tours to honor the people who sacrificed during the war and to present the nation’s flying history. It is fitting that this aircraft also participates in this unprecedented event that has the same goal.”

Many of the aircraft flying in this salute will also attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 on July 20-26, which is the nation’s largest annual warbirds gathering. At Oshkosh, attendees will not only see the airplanes fly, but can get up-close to them and hear from the veterans and aircraft owners themselves during the popular Warbirds in Review program.

“We fully support all events that recognize these aircraft and, more importantly, the people of The Greatest Generation who built, flew, and maintained them,” said Bill Fischer, executive director of the Warbirds of America. “In addition, we encourage the owners of all warbirds aircraft to participate in the Spirit of ’45 activities throughout the year, whether it’s participating in their hometowns or here at Oshkosh.”

The Spirit of ’45 activities will peak on August 15, when all warbird owners are encouraged to fly in honor of the end of all WWII hostilities. EAA and Warbirds of America will continue to release information on ways to be involved in the coming months and especially during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.