Aviation enthusiasts have the opportunity to take to the sky in a B25 when it arrives in Jefferson City beginning next month.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), an organization of members with aviation backgrounds and interests, is bringing the aircraft to the Jefferson City Flying Service June 30-July 2 as part of a tour. EAA's local Chapter 429 will offer ground tours and flights for those registered to participate.
The B25 is a medium bomber first introduced by the U.S. during World War II. The twin-engine, twin-tailed craft was used by each branch of the military, according to the EAA website. The aircraft boasts a 67-foot 7-inch wingspan and is nearly 53 feet in length, and is capable of a maximum speed of 272 miles per hour. Around 10,000 were built, according to an infographic from EAA.
This particular aircraft had been on display for decades in the EAA museum but has been restored for another mission, according to the website: "To honor our World War II veterans as well as inspire a new generation of aviation enthusiasts."
The fully-restored "Berlin Express" will be making its way across a handful of states and various airports; Jefferson City is the only Missouri location on the flight plan.
Ear protection is recommended for those taking the tour, and ear plugs will be provided on-site, the website said.
"It's really neat to have it come here this year," said Phil Bos, the local chapter's secretary and treasurer. "There's a ground tour that you can just go through the airplane and look through it without going up in the air."
He said the B25 would be located on the north ramp at Jefferson City Memorial Airport near the hangars.
Flight rides are scheduled on the hour from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. the weekend of June 30-July 2, with ground tours set for 2-5 p.m. each day.
Bos said other planes were likely to make an appearance for visitors to check out.
Those interested can register online at www.eaa.org/flights/flytheb25.aspx and can call 1-800-359-6217 with any questions. Flights are $425 for EAA members and $475 for non-members; a one-year EAA membership is included with non-member ticket purchases. Ground tours will be $10 per person and $20 per family, and will be free for veterans and those up to 17 years old.
EAA offers opportunities for flight, construction, repair and rebuilding, and introductions to forms of aviation like drones, aircraft models and more. Learn more about the local chapter online at chapters.eaa.org/eaa429.