Soar into History

August 10, 2010 at 12:01a.m.

Flight aboard World War II bomber proves uplifting for Vindy reporter

Youngstown sure looks different from several thousand feet above. Then again, a lot of things look different from the window of a World War II bomber plane.

I had the opportunity to hitch a ride on a B-17 bomber as part of a promotional event for the Experimental Aircraft Association. The group tours the country with the bomber to honor those who have served in the armed forces.

The EAA will spend today and Wednesday at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport to promote its “Salute to Veterans” tour, which is open to the public.

The B-17 ride wasn’t just my first in a plane of its kind. It was my first flight. Ever.

The farthest I’ve ever been is to Florida – about a 15-hour trip crammed in with my parents and three sisters. It’s not that I don’t like flying; I just never had flown.

But I couldn’t have had a better experience, thanks to the crew of the EAA. Here’s a rundown of how things went:

12:19 — Arrive for the 1 p.m. flight. After making my way through the terminal, I was escorted to a desk to check in. The employees seemed to enjoy that I had never graced the air.

12:34 — About a dozen media representatives are standing (mostly) patiently near the runway.

12:49 — EAA Crew Chief Shad Morris gives us a rundown of the aircraft. The B-17G Flying Fortress was used particularly as a bomber but could transport about 60,000 pounds of ammunition and gear, Morris said. The plane could hold a crew of about a dozen. It has a radio room, a bomb chamber and an upper and lower gun port. I sat directly across from a .50-caliber machine gun turret.

This plane, the “Aluminum Overcast,” never saw action in the war, as it was a reserve. But Morris said at one point, thousands of these planes filled the air.

1:14 — For the first time in my life, I board an airplane. Veteran Vindicator photographer Robert Yosay tells me congratulations, but there is no applause or celebration. A little disappointing.

1:27 — The four engines roar to life, and the large propellers go full speed. It may be the loudest noise I’ve ever heard – and don’t forget, I have three sisters.

1:29 — The plane is in the air. It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s an amazing one.

1:37 — The Aluminum Overcast is flying directly over Youngstown. The Home Savings building, Youngstown State University campus and Covelli Centre are clearly identifiable. We’re allowed to walk around the plane, and Yosay snaps a few shots of The Vindicator as we pass. I waved.

1:51 — We circle back and descend upon the airport. The flight was only about 20 minutes, but it felt like forever. The confines are somewhat cramped, but there is enough room to maneuver. I can’t imagine how multiple troops could travel for hours in this plane.

Though my first flight was a great experience, that’s not the story. The real importance of the trip was its purpose.

Morris gave a brief speech before takeoff to remind those in attendance about the plane’s original passengers. These “brave 19-year-old farm kids” and the others of the Greatest Generation “dropped their pitchforks and went to war ... And many of them knew they weren’t coming home.”

My grandfather, John J. Yonkovitch, was a lieutenant commander in the Navy and served during WWII and the Korean War. While he didn’t tell me many stories — he died when I was young — being in that plane can sure make you realize what some of them went through.

“These [planes] were meant to be blown in two and come back home,” Morris said. “... It’s probably the most humbling experience you’ll ever have. When you get inside the airplane, it’s too hot, and when you climb up [in the air] it’s too cold.

“If it ever rains, no matter where you are it’ll drip right down the back of your neck. It gives you a little insight as to what these guys went through, and a little more appreciation.”

Morris and the EAA hope the public will turn out to ride the plane. All proceeds from the rides ($425 for non-EAA members) go toward the group and its continued support of veterans. People are welcome to round-trip flights every 45 minutes beginning at 10:15 a.m.

It’s the ultimate way to say “thank you” to those who served, Morris said.

I have always appreciated the military — and a special, personal thank you to all those who have served — but this was a particularly humbling experience.

Morris said with many WWII veterans dying, there is no better time to pay homage to them.

Even if you have to leave the ground in order to come back down to earth.