History Followed a B-17 today! FLIGHT PICS ADDED!!

I'm charging the battery on my 40 now and then heading to the airport!

 

I got a ride in a P-51 back in the 1980's, it is a real thrill. the pilot did a barrel roll over my house and a hot run (250+ mph) over a local airstrip after getting permission. The memories are still as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

Anyone having the opportunity to fly in one of these birds should seriously consider spending the cash to do so. It helps pay to keep them flying and will give you stories to tell forever. Remember, most of these planes are already over 70 years old, at some point the owners or government will not let them take off.

 

That same B-17 comes to Wiley Post airport in Okc also. Very cool!

 

When I flew in the one from the Collings Foundation you had to sit on the floor above the bomb bay and strap yourself in. Once the plane was airborne you could unbuckle and roam around the interior. They would not let anyone in the tailgunner's position and of course no one was in the ball turret. The view from the bombadier's seat was unreal.

 

Very cool, Tom -- please post pics of your flight!!

Malcolm

 

At 80 years old, I can remember during WWII, going to sleep at night listening to the chatter of the 50 cal. guns as they test fired each Mustang & B-25 off the assembly lines at North American Aviation facility in El Segundo,Ca.
At that time we lived just 2 miles from the wartime camoflaged plant.

Yep, I feel very fortunate to be able to go for a FREE ride next year, thanks to my son that has it all set up with the pilot currently.

 

the rides here were $425 unless you wanted the bombers seat, it was $850, and it was taken every time it went in the air.

 

heres a couple more, looks to be very confined.

 

very cool I'm heading out to the boneyard in September have a friend over on Davis air base going to give me a tour. thanks for sharing

 

When I went up you got to move around and sit in every seat except pilot and co-pilot. Well worth the cost of the ticket. Bob

 

I droped the bucks and took the flight, It was awesome, no regrets. They also let me bring my 40 down and take pics with the planes

These are from the nose gun.

 

Cool shots. Congrats on the ride.

 

Another plane that some flyovers and parked by the B-17

 

From the top during flight!

 

Ok, some with my 40






Me in my HAMB shirt!

 

Flight crew and passengers

 

Great pix thanks for sharing.

 

lucky basturd...

 

Hey Larry, you can go tomorrow!

 

X2 ya bastid.......

 

I have been up in the the 9-0-9, B17 and the B25, Miss Barbie III, what a trip. These kids and that's what they were, the average age of a flight crew was about 20 years old had brass balls. The B25 crew told me that the best way to convert aviation fuel into noise was the B25. When they started the B25 it was popping and making all kinds of noise until they throttled up, my wife who was on the flight line just shook her head and said "thats the last time I'm going to see him". God bless all the guy's who fought for our freedom!!!

 

AWESOME. Im envious. I love those old planes. The small plane you took a pic of is an AT-6 Texan. I took a flight in one of those a few years ago. Way cool. Made me want my liscence real bad. Wife says no dice till the kids are grown.

Thanks for the pics

 

Awesome pics Toast! Thanks for sharing.

 

They did have Stromberg carbs, so that's traditional!

 

awesome pics, thanks

 

I won a ride on one when I was working in Palm Springs. But the day they called me,my mom passed away. So,I missed my ride! Bittersweet...
Looks like fun.

 

Was at a VW meet many years ago. There were even a Kubel and Schwimwagen present. Happened to be a B17 anniversary at Paine field and 7 B17s flew over in formation, talk about an imaginary history lesson, yet nothing like the real deal.

Thanks for posting.

 

I'm glad you went on the flight Toast and you have one sharp 40.

 

Yes it is owned locally by a friend of another Hamber. As it turns out, this B-17 was bought by a local Doctor and then Donated to the EEA. I love all the stories this post has brought up. For me, today was one of the best days in recent memory. Awesome experience