[CanCOPO]

Prior to its relocation to Salem’s McNary Field, the Lacey Lady was at the mercy of the elements as it sat perched above McLoughlin Boulevard in Milwaukie. After six decades of exposure, the aircraft was caked in layers of corrosion and plagued by birds that had adopted it as a nest.

Today, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, the plane is protected in a climate-controlled hangar where restoration efforts continue.




Restored nose section

Because of generous donations, the Lacey Lady’s nose section glistens like new in front of another restored B-17: the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Aluminum Overcast. Restoring the nose section alone cost $365,000, plus expenses to move the aircraft to Salem. Once restoration is complete, the Lacey Lady will be one of a small handful of airworthy B-17s in the world.