Liberty Foundation

By Donna Beth Weilenman
Staff Reporter

With four roaring engines, impressive wingspan and so much fire power it was called a “flying fortress,” the Boeing B-17 became the most famous bomber of World War II.

Starting April 20, airplane and military enthusiasts will have an opportunity to ride aboard one of these massive warbirds.

One of the legendary planes that survived World War II is the Memphis Belle, housed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

The first B-17 to complete its tour of duty in World War II, the original Memphis Belle returned from every mission intact, and its crew unharmed.

Hollywood turned the bomber’s story into a movie, portrayed by another B-17 that became a staff transport before seeing duty during the Korean War.

It became a civilian plane and was restored as a B-17F. The plane was hired, repainted in Memphis Belle’s color scheme, and flown to England for filming of the 1990 movie “Memphis Belle,” starring Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz and Harry Connick Jr.

The Liberty Foundation is bringing this movie star plane to Hayward Executive Airport for its 2013 Salute to Veterans tour and the 70th anniversary celebration of the last Memphis Belle mission, Scott Maher, the foundation’s media contact, said.

Members of area news outlets will see the plane Monday. Public flights and viewings will take place April 20 and 21.

The plane already has visited Bakersfield on this first West Coast Tour. It will spend today in Fresno before flying north to Hayward. Afterward, the movie Memphis Belle flies to Mather Field Airport, 10510 Superfortress Ave., Rancho Cordova, for public flights and visits April 27-28.

“As the B-17 flies around town this weekend, its famous silhouette and unique sound will draw a great deal of attention,” Maher said.

The public flights usually take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the plane is available for ground tours after the day’s flights. Those wanting to reserve a flight may call 918-340-0243, Maher said.

Visitors can become members of b_monk798@yahoo.com Liberty Foundation, a registered nonprofit flying museum, for $410, and receive member discounts for family members and friends. Cost to ride the Memphis Bell is $40 for members and $450 for nonmembers.

“While the cost to take a flight sounds expensive, it must be put into perspective when compared to the B-17’s operating cost,” Maher said. “A Flying Fortress cost is over $4,500 per flight hour. The Liberty Foundation spends over $1.5 million annually to keep the B-17 airworthy and out on tour.”

The plane will be at Hayward Executive Airport at App Jet Center FBO, 19990 Skywest Drive, Hayward for public visit April 20-21.

Those interested may visit the Liberty Foundation’s website.

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