Historic B-17 Flying Fortress takes to the skies in Sugar Grove

Visitors to the Aurora Airport in Sugar Grove were treated to a rare sight during the Labor Day weekend - one of the few remaining airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress planes took to the skies for 30-minute tours.

Nicknamed "Aluminum Overcast," it was one of several vintage and historic airplanes that attendees could see, but the only one used for flying tours Monday.

Other rare World War II aircraft at the airport included the Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, the Grumman F8F Bearcat fighter, the North American T-6 and SNJ aircraft and the Boeing and Stearman PT-17 trainers.

World War II combat veterans and B-17 crewmen spoke with attendees about their personal war history.

Curious patrons could pay $10 to tour the "Aluminum Overcast" while it was on the ground or up to $475 for a flying tour in the 69-year-old plane.

According to the EAA's website the B-17 Flying Fortress weighs 34,000 pounds but flew at nearly twice that weight during wartime after being outfitted with gear, bombs, 1,700 gallons of fuel and a 10-person crew.

Between 1935 and May 1945, 12,732 B-17s were produced. Of these aircraft, 4,735 were lost during combat missions. Now, fewer than 15 aircraft are still able to fly.