SALISBURY — Chapter 1083 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will be host Nov. 4-7 for the restored B-17 “The Aluminum Overcast” at the Rowan County Airport.
The EAA will be giving rides on this vintage bomber during the week at the Rowan airport.
On Nov. 4, the EAA Tour Team will be holding media flights. World War II Veterans Chapter members will accompany media representative on flights to share some stories on what it was like to fly on these aircraft in the war years.
Other activities for the week include:
• Ground tours from 2-5 p.m. each day. There is no charge to veterans and active duty military.
• Daily flights between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the ramp at Rowan County Airport, weather permitting. People interested in scheduling a specific time should go to http://www.b17.org.
• Ramp activities include daily souvenir trailers traveling with the tour stop committee. Lunches will be served on the ramp with members of the local EAA Chapter 1083 providing meals.
• A special after-hours event, open to the public, will be held Nov. 5. “A Tribute to Veterans” will include a prime rib dinner/dance with the Salisbury Swing Band.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance from EAA Chapter 1083 members or at Rowan County Airport Terminal.
Social hour begins at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
For more information go to www.EAA1083.com, or call 704-213-6937.
The local EAA Chapter 1083 is the area’s General Aviation support organization. It will receive commissions from the proceeds of the rides that go toward the chapter’s civic and social programs.
The chapter specializes in youth and pilot training programs, including the summer youth camp “ASCEND,” which immerses area youth in aviation for a week for both career and recreation purposes.
The chapter also sponsors the “Young Eagle Program,” which gives area kids a free airplane ride in general aviation aircraft.
Close to 3,000 children have been flown by local pilots who donate their time, airplanes and fuel to give free first airplane rides.
The chapter conducts monthly meetings, pilot training and safety seminars for Central North Carolina pilots.