PORT ANGELES — The first things you notice upon climbing into a B-17G Flying Fortress are the seats.
The ones to the World War II bomber’s rear consist of well-worn cushions on the floor, with equally well-worn seat backs.
The pilots actually have chairs, but still the same well-worn seat cushions and backs.
The next thing you notice are the machine guns with full ammunition mounted at the windows on either side of fuselage, and at other windows throughout the plane.
Next you notice exposed rudder cables, oxygen tanks and masks, and vintage radio equipment.
Finally, the cache of 500-pound bombs next to the catwalk leading to the pilots area begins to give you the idea this aircraft did not fly the friendly skies in its heyday.
Once the plane’s four engines rumble to life, you appreciate how quiet contemporary aircraft are by comparison.
When the beheamoth lifts into the sky, you understand why modern airlines insist you remain seated with your seat belts fastened.
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