This B-17 is the only one in the world that is still flying. It flew over the house while I was planting some flowers in the backyard. I loved the sound of the engines, workhorse in WWII over Europe.
I believe that plane is the "Aluminum Overcast" owned by the "Experimental Aircraft Association", Oshkosh, Wisconsin. And it is one of ten currently listed flyable B-17s in the US. There are also one each flyable in France and the UK plus several being restored by various groups.
Thanks Robertjeri, I just passed on the information that I read in the paper. Can't trust those critters on anything it seems. Sorry for the mis-information. I appreciate your correction. It was exciting to see in flying anyway.
duaneweir wrote:
Thanks Robertjeri, I just passed on the information that I read in the paper. Can't trust those critters on anything it seems. Sorry for the mis-information. I appreciate your correction. It was exciting to see in flying anyway.
No problem, I see the media mess up this stuff all the time.
Retired History Teacher, lots of practice doing research. I knew that more than one was flying not too long ago and checked to see which one was in the picture. The "Madras Maiden", another B-17G is also on tour this year.
I did a little more research and found out that in addition to the 12 G models in airworthy condition world wide (10 in the US, one each France and UK) there are two F models airworthy but they don't seem to risk flying them much, in fact one is in storage. And there is a guy in Illinois who is getting an E back to flying condition.
If I may correct you sir.
There is another B17 still flying, based in the UK 'The Sally B'
http://www.sallyb.org.uk/I have seen it many times at air shows around Europe.
This came from the The Commemorative Air Force (CAF),formerly the Confederate Air Force: "...Of the 12,731 B-17s built across the US only 9 are currently in flying condition, including Texas Raiders."
This should be a reliable source. "Texas Raiders" is the name of their flyable B-17 and periodically they offer 30 minute rides at airshows. I visited a couple times when they were based in Harlingen, Texas, but they have since moved to Midland, Texas and finally to Dallas Executive Airport. the CAF operates one of only two flying examples of the historic Boeing B-29 Superfortress, and the only remaining flightworthy Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. Others, such as the B-24/LB-30 Liberator; the Bell P-63 Kingcobra fighter; the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero; and the Douglas SBD Dauntless are one of only two or three of that type left flying today.
"About Texas Raiders and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
Texas Raiders was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force July 12, 1945 and since 1967 has been owned by the CAF, a non-profit, educational association based in Midland, Texas. The Flying Fortress now resides at Hooks Airport in Spring, Texas where maintenance, restoration and operations are conducted by a dedicated volunteer crew. This B-17 has been described as one of the most authentically restored B-17s flying today. Texas Raiders flying schedule can be viewed at
www.B17TexasRaiders.org and regular updates and photos are available at
www.facebook.com/B17TexasRaiders ."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commemorative_Air_Force
Great shot. Slow the shutter speed a bit, and the props will be blurred.
Very nice photo. There are several B17's flying today. My father was a B17 pilot during WWII flying 30 missions with the 91st Bombgroup out of Bassingborne England. My favorite one flying today is the Nine-O-Nine which is a replica of a B17 from my father's Squadron. The Collings Foundation owns that one. I had the opportunity to fly on it a couple of years ago. A wonderful experience.
As was pointed out, there are more than just one. Fortunately, I live within reasonable distance of another one, "Sentimental Journey". Some years ago, during a fund raising dinner put on by the Consolidated Air Force at the home of "Sentimental Journey", I had the pleasure and privilege to meet two crewmembers of "The Memphis Belle".
Oh yeah, we regularly see "Sentimental Journey" flying around the Phoenix area.
--Bob
duaneweir wrote:
This B-17 is the only one in the world that is still flying. It flew over the house while I was planting some flowers in the backyard. I loved the sound of the engines, workhorse in WWII over Europe.
Nice you were able to get a shot of it while it flew over your house
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.