Rare WWII aircraft touch down in Erie, offer flights

Two of the rarest World War II vintage aircraft touched down in Erie on Monday ahead of a 6-day event at the Erie International Airport.

“Sentimental Journey” — a B-17 Flying Fortress — and “Maid in the Shade” — a B-25J Mitchell — landed in Erie around 10 a.m. Monday morning.

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The two World War II-era bombers are here for an exhibition that starts Tuesday, June 30 and runs through Sunday, July 5.

Tuesday through Thursday, the planes will be available for public tours. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, crews will be offering flights on the aircraft.

“We get a lot of folks that had parents, grandparents that flew in these aircraft during the war, so it really brings back a lot of memories. A lot of discussions with families. And we still — there’s not too many left — but we still get a handful of World War II veterans that actually flew in these airplanes,” said Marty Poet, ground coordinator with the Commemorative Air Force.

If you would like to book a flight on one of the vintage aircraft, visit the Commemorative Air Force website here.

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