A local aviation group is looking forward to “overcast” skies during this weekend's “My Waterloo Days” festival, even if weather forecasters predict otherwise.

The Aluminum Overcast, a World War II Boeing B-17 Bomber aircraft, is visiting the Cedar Valley as part of a nationwide tour. The traveling museum will be stationed at the Waterloo Regional Airport from June 12-14, 2015.

Members of the John Livingston Chapter 227 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) have worked for months planning for the historic plane's arrival.

“This planning effort is a combination of volunteer efforts by fellow member of Chapter 227, along with staff from both Livingston Aviation and the Waterloo Airport,” said Warren Brecheisen, President of the local EAA chapter.

A press release issued through the City of Waterloo, describes the plane as "a living history of American Heritage and a tribute to all of the men and women who have served to defend our Country."

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According to event organizers, the B-17 bomber visiting Waterloo is a real World War II aircraft and not a replica.

“This is the same aircraft that landed at Waterloo for a brief one-day stop last year when it was well received by the public,” Brecheisen said. “As an EAA Chapter, we were pleased when the EAA Headquarters Office reached out to us to inquire whether our local EAA Chapter would like to showcase the aircraft for a few days – well, how could we turn it down?”

Planning for the arrival of Aluminum Overcast has been on-going since early 2015.

While the plane is stationed in the Cedar Valley, the general public will get a rare chance to experience one of the few remaining B-17's still in existence. The historic aircraft is scheduled to make only 13 stops on its 2015 nationwide tour with Waterloo being the only stop in Iowa.

Starting Friday, June 12, and continuing over the weekend, ground tours will be available to the public for $10 per individual and $20 per family. Children under eight-years-old will be admitted free, along with all active military persons and veterans. A souvenir trailer will be on-site for those that want to memorialize the event

For those seeking a true adventure, rides will be for sale as well. Flights can be booked in advance at www.b17.org or at the door.

The plane's scheduled visit to the Cedar Valley coincides with the annual “My Waterloo Days” festival, which runs June 11-14. EAA Chapter 227 officials are encouraging area residents to view the aircraft, experience the sights and sounds, and take a look at aviation history.

For more information, contact Chris Roberts at 319-240-8128, via email at chrisr@cfu.net or via the Chapter’s website at: www.eaa227.com.

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