Once upon a time, back in the 'old days' (1980's), I took flying lessons and earned my private pilot license. After some 200 flying hours I abandoned the license. Nevertheless, I've always been fascinated by aircraft, particularly those in which men and women have demonstrated courage beyond my comprehension by taking them into combat situations. I've spent hours and days in air museums, particularly in Europe, trying to soak in what it must have felt like to add to flying's inherent dangers by going to where people would be shooting at you. I continue to try to imagine myself in that situation. I have not yet succeeded.

On July 11, 2003 I had the opportunity to get inside a restored B-17 called Aluminum Overcast. Some of the photos I took are below.

Preflight Check Back in the early 80's when my ticket was 'current'.	The Aluminum Overcast The plane was completed in 1945 and saw no action.	Ball Turret Right Side Interior This is the view the gunner had of the machine gun to his right.	Ball Turret Left Side Interior	Ball Turret Closeup
Ball Turret Top	Tail Turret	Right Landing Gear	Bomb Racks Starboard This shot was taken from the walkway between the cockpit and the radio shack looking forward.	Outer Bomb Rack Port Side
The Bombardier's Office This is the view from the floor of the cockpit looking forward. The navigator's office is to the left.