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Second World War bomber dropping in Penticton

Maid in the Shade will be dropping into Penticton Regional Airport
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The Second World War aircraft Maid in the Shade B-25 bomber in flight during its 2014 visit to Penticton. The aircraft is returning, scheduled to land at Penticton Regional Airport at 10 a.m. Monday. Western News file photo

Back by popular demand.

For those who missed the aviation opportunity of a lifetime in 2014, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, Maid in the Shade, will be dropping into Penticton Regional Airport next week.

The authentically-restored aircraft, which served in the Second World War, is one of just a handful of its type in the world still flying.

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour is part of a swing through Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest by the Arizona-based Commemorative Air Force (CAF) aircraft.

The goal is to give people a close-up history lesson and also as a tribute to all those who served their countries.

Read More: Flying Through Memories

This is the third time the Penticton Flying Club has been graced by a CAF visit. The last time it was a B-17 bomber in 2015.

“It’s an extremely rare chance to fly in a real World War 2, radial-driven bomber,” said Tim Singer, vice president of the flying club and one of the organizers. “The Okanagan seems to be about aviation-friendly people out here who like to take in this stuff. When the B-17 was here they were flying for six days and sold out every flight completely.”

Corey Paul, CAF marketing and communications manager concurred: “We had a wonderful reception the last time we were in Penticton so we thought it was time to come back and make a visit.”

Throughout the week the B-25 will be open for tours and for three days, June 30 to July 2, people will have an opportunity to purchase a flight.

Flights can be arranged through the Penticton Flying Club Facebook site.

The plane is scheduled to arrive Monday at 10 a.m.