The sky above the Aurora Municipal Airport in Sugar Grove was filled with some history over the weekend as visitors enjoyed rides aboard a historic B-25 Mitchell bomber, courtesy of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
The association states that the medium bomber used in World War II is a twin-engine, twin-tailed aircraft that was used by every branch of the United States military and was also “the only U.S. military aircraft ever to be named after an individual” – in this case, air power advocate Gen. Billy Mitchell.
Dick Knapinski, director of communications for the association, said the airplane was fully restored to flight status in 2019 and that following a stoppage due to the pandemic the plane is back touring around the country.
“We have had over 1,000 people flying in the airplane once we started touring again, and have had many thousands more come out and see the airplane and tour the inside,” he said. “What’s been nice has been to see some of the remaining World War II veterans visit and see the airplane and tell their stories – the ones that have had the opportunity to fly in the airplane. That has been a tremendous experience.”
Flights for passengers include about 20 minutes in the air, Knapinski said.
During a tour, people have the opportunity to go inside the aircraft. Many find the plane to be much smaller inside than expected, he said.
“There were really some tight quarters and these planes were built for a single purpose,” he said. “Some of the takeaways we have heard from people include not only the stories from vets but from their families – their children and grandchildren who say that grandpa wouldn’t talk much about what he did during the war, but now we have a better understanding.”
The plane had previously been on display at the association’s museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, before officials decided seven years ago to restore it and began raising money for the project before bringing it back for flights in April 2019.
The plane also has a bit of a Hollywood history, appearing in the movie “Catch-22? back in 1970.
The association has owned the plane since 1975 and officials said flights are offered “because this is a part of flying history.”
“We want to take this history around and explain the dedication and sacrifices of the people who flew the airplane in the World War II era and let people see that history right at their local airport,” Knapinski said.
Despite overcast conditions throughout the morning on Sunday, a slew of people came out to see the vintage airplane.
Co-pilot Julie Cruz from San Francisco said she has been flying the B-25 bomber the past two years as well as flying warbirds since 2007.
“We’ve been doing three flights a day here and all total we have done close to 1,000 flights since we started this program,” Cruz said. “People that fly on this – when people come out here, especially those who have had family members that were in the service – it’s very emotional for them to just sit in a seat or stand where a family member stood.”
Cruz said a total of 10,000 of the planes were produced from 1939 to 1943 and that “of the 100 that still exist only 45 are air-worthy right now.”
“Pilots loved this plane in World War II because it handled really well and it was pretty versatile,” she said. “The plane could carry 3,000 pounds of bombs. The only complaint we ever get is about how loud it is. Our passengers get ear plugs.”
Passengers like Mark Kruk of Tinley Park said his desire to fly Sunday was about completing his own goal concerning World War II bombers.
“I’ve flown 12 of these flights already and I’m trying to get 25 bomber missions like they did in World War II,” Kruk said of the number needed for a completed tour.
“I want to duplicate that,” he said. “I love all things historic. I’ve got older cars as well and I’m a history buff.”
Laura Crawford of Yorkville was scheduled for the second tour on Sunday and said she and most of her family have been in World War II reenactments and love history.
“We wear costumes so why not ride history?” she said.
“This is the first time I’ve been in this kind of plane,” she said. “It’s kind of like walking into history.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
