The EAA Aviation Museum’s Eagle Hangar welcomed a noteworthy addition on Thursday, May 23, as the B-17 Aluminum Overcast was displayed for the first time in 30 years. This marks the beginning of its future preservation and restoration plans. In April 2021 the Experimental Aircraft Association’s B-17G, Aluminum Overcast (44-85740, N5017N), was grounded after a wing-attach issue was found. At that time the airplane was in Punta Gorda, Florida since April 2021. In February 2023 members and a volunteer crew spent several weeks disassembling the historic WWII-era bomber and loaded the components onto a number of flatbed trucks for the journey back home to Oshkosh.
“The B-17 Aluminum Overcast has one of the most enthusiastic fan bases of any aircraft in EAA’s collection,” said Chris Henry, EAA Aviation Museum Manager. “Bringing the airplane to the Eagle Hangar offers an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the airplane while we explore all the options available for the airplane’s future.”
The B-17, measuring over 74 feet in length and weighing more than 36,000 pounds, is a true heavyweight among World War II aircraft. Primarily used as a bomber during the war, the B-17 also served in roles such as transport, antisubmarine, and search-and-rescue. Of the more than 12,000 units produced, only a few remain on display or are airworthy today.
EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 18, 1945. After being sold as surplus the following year, it was utilized for various purposes including cargo hauling, aerial mapping, and pest control. In 1978, a group of investors named “B-17s Around the World” acquired the aircraft with the intent of restoring it to its military configuration. However, economic challenges led the group to donate the plane to EAA in 1983. The B-17 was displayed at the EAA Aviation Museum until 1993, when preparations began for its first national tour in 1994. The Aluminum Overcast is painted in the colors of the 398th Bomb Group, which flew numerous missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. Veterans of the 398th contributed to the aircraft’s restoration.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
My grandfather was B17 pilot, and I have what is left of his stuff including his flight log. He used the same one from ww2 to record his cessna flights in the 80s when he got back into flying. I would love to find a home for hist stuff to possibly be displayed.
Can you contact the National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force with a list of items? 912-748-8888
Try the National WW2 Museum in New Orleans . They have many such memorabilia. Your grandfather’s logs and other would be in the best hands possible. The museum is dedicated to WW2.
There is a ww2 history library- archive in Eldarado Kansas, don’t have contact info but should have a website, best option I can think of, pa was a prop. Mech. For B29s had some pixof them and B17s all the pixels gone now sis got them
I flew TWICE on Aluminum Overcast out of Torrance CA!! (Zamperini field). I am renewing my EAA membership Monday morning!!
Is the B17 hanger open for the public to view this remarkable aircraft.