Nathan Benton was overjoyed yesterday afternoon at the Allegheny County Airport.

	Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette John Hess (at window) and Don Brooks of the Liberty Foundation prepare the Liberty Belle, a newly restored World War II B-17 Bomber for a flight over Pittsburgh yesterday. Click photo for larger image.

The 12-year-old from Whitehall was passing through West Mifflin with his family when they heard that the Liberty Belle was coming to town. Nathan rapidly recited facts about the aircraft's history as they watched the plane land.

The Liberty Belle, a B-17 bomber from World War II, flew for the first time in December 2004, after 14 years of restoration. Now, the Liberty Foundation is touring the country with its plane to offer flights to the public.

Don Brooks, whose father flew combat missions in the original Liberty Belle, founded the Liberty Foundation as a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving the nation's aviation heritage. He bought the plane in 2000.

"This plane helps a lot of young people interested in World War II and aviation," he said. "It's good to give young people the chance to see the things they read about in schoolbooks."

Mr. Brooks pilots the plane during public flights, which are available in Pittsburgh on Saturday and Sunday for $430 per person.

He took reporters on a flight yesterday that rattled through the skies above Downtown Pittsburgh.

"The B-17 is the most recognizable bomber in World War II," he said. "We wanted to give people an opportunity to fly in it."

After takeoff, passengers are allowed to stand and explore during the 30-minute flight -- they can sit in a gunner's seat or climb down to the bomb bay, or even look through the open roof for a 360-degree view of the city.

B-17s were nicknamed "Flying Fortresses" when reports of the extensive damage they could withstand took on mythical proportions. Though the Liberty Foundation's Liberty Belle was built at the end of the war and never saw combat, it resembles the original Liberty Belle -- its namesake, which flew countless missions during the war -- down to the 2 million rivets securing the aircraft.

Mr. Brooks even painted it the colors of the original Liberty Belle, with a painting of a woman and a bell on the side.

Many veterans who have flown in the Liberty Belle have been transported back in time. "It's not unusual to see veterans take a step back when they see the plane," said Mr. Brooks. "When veterans come out, people like to hear their stories. That's really what it's about -- honoring the veterans."

Veteran Hugh Bridge of Sheridan Terrace hasn't flown in a B-17 since he was shot down in Germany about 65 years ago.

"It's a nice-looking plane," he said. "It can take a beating."

But memories die hard. After a moment, he said, "I hope it has a parachute so I can bail out again."