Need a Gift Idea for Father's Day? How About a Ride on a B-17 Bomber from WWII?

WAUKESHA, WI, USA (June 7, 2010) – If you’re looking for the ideal gift this Father’s Day, consider giving dad a once-in-a-lifetime ride on a World War II B-17 bomber. You can deliver the gift the weekend after Father’s Day when “Wings over Waukesha” arrives at Waukesha County Airport June 25 – 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring the B-17 and many other WWII-era and contemporary aircraft.

“If your father or husband is a member of the military, a veteran or a fan of World War II movies, this is the event for him,” said Kurt Stanich, Wings Over Waukesha Event Chairman. “Admission is free and we’ll have lots of great aircraft on display including Flight for Life and Blackhawk helicopters, as well as numerous military and aviation displays, and refreshments, so bring the whole family,” he added.

The “Aluminum Overcast” B-17 bomber, is on tour from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Museum in Oshkosh, and will be available for rides and ground tours. Rides in the B-17 cost from $359 to $425 per person. If that’s too steep for your Father’s Day budget, consider a ground tour, available from 2 – 6 p.m. daily, which is free for active and retired military, $5 for other adults and $15 for families.

“Those who are interested in a B-17 ride are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of the event through our website, as there are limited flights available and they sell out fast!,” Stanich added. “If a B-17 ride is beyond your budget, we encourage you to come out and enjoy free admission, a low-cost family ground tour of the B-17, a tour of all the other aircraft and displays that we will have available at no cost, and a commemorative t-shirt or hat for dad. “ More information about this event is available at: www.wingsoverwaukesha.com.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of B-17 flight this year, several crew members who flew in the B-17 during World War II will also be on site at the event to offer their first-hand accounts of what it was like to fly in the magnificent aircraft. A commemorative poster featuring the “Aluminum Overcast” will also be available for sale at the event, as well as various merchandise featuring the B-17, EAA and Wings Over Waukesha logos and imagery.

Coincidentally, 2010 is also the 75th anniversary of Waukesha County Airport, also known as Crites Field. This event is part of a long and fascinating journey that began when Dale and Dean Crites formed Spring City Flying Service and became the first Waukesha County airport managers in 1935.

“Wings over Waukesha” is a non-profit event generously sponsored by: Delzer Lithograph, Innovative Signs, WS Packaging Group, AirMail Greetings, StrateVantage Communications, Atlantic Aviation, Waukesha County Airport, Action Power Sports, Plane Safe Aircraft Maintenance, SkyCom Avionics and Stein Aircraft Services. Proceeds from the event will benefit the EAA and its Waukesha chapter, as well as the Commemorative Air Force’s Wisconsin Wing, to further their collective efforts to keep WWII-era aircraft flying for years to come, and to provide scholarships to local students who are pursuing aviation careers.