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Iconic B-17 bomber takes flight over Boise

The "Madras Maiden" is a restored B-17 bomber operated by the Liberty Foundation, which tours the country, offering up flights and tours of the aircraft.

BOISE - If you looked up at the skies over Boise today you may have seen a blast from the past.

A World War II-era bomber took flight this afternoon and you'll have the chance to for a ride in the iconic plane this weekend.

The "Madras Maiden" is a restored B-17 bomber operated by the Liberty Foundation, which tours the country, offering up flights and tours of the aircraft.

Known as the "Flying Fortress" -- the B-17 was the heavy bomber of the second world war.

At the height of the war, more than 12,000 were built. Today, there are just 13 in the world that still fly.

The plane's pilot, Ray Fowler, says veterans who flew in B-17s during the war often come out and take a flight.

"Sometimes they come out and bring their log books and they tell story after story," said Fowler. "But they are 19 again when they get in this airplane, and they get to go through and they're young again, just for a second."

If you would like to check out this historic plane, or possibly take a flight, you can do so this Saturday and Sunday at the Jackson Jet Center in Boise.

Flights will take place in the morning and ground tours in the afternoon.

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