Fathers Day Gift....

[61Bubbletop]

Just thought I would share this with you guys...I am a big WW2 plane buff, so for Fathers Day, my wife got me a seat on a 45 minute flight in a B-17 bomber. I fly on July 5th @ 10:00 AM.....I will take some pics...there are less than 10 of these planes still flying, and this one is perfectly restored with all armament, you get to sit in all the gunner positions etc....should be very cool, the next best thing to riding in Charley's '55!

Now I can check this off of my list of things to do before I die... :unibrow:

1. Get article published in magazine...Check

2. Play hockey against Red Wings Alumni at Joe Louis Arena....Check

3. Drive Nascar around MIS speedway...Check

4. Fly in B17 Bomber....Check



Here are some pics of the plane in all its 5000hp glory....

http://members.cox.net/b17brian/b17/YankeeLady/485829.jpg
http://www.combatcolours.com/images/hangar/yam_yankeelady.jpg
http://members.cox.net/b17brian/b17/YankeeLady/b-17.gif

[jimhamptons]

Sweet! It sure looks like you are going to have a ball! :yes:

[mdprovee]

That is what we did for my father on Fathers day. He loved it, grinned from ear to ear. I am sure you will too.

[McssGmachine]

WOW! I love WW2 aircraft too!

[Ricochet]

"Like you don't fly enough already?? :D

That is way cool Jeff. You'll have to show me pics & tell me more about it at Woodward!!

Brent

[71Nova]

Nice!! Congrats on the gift!! Heres some pictures from the Chino CA planes of fame airshow. 1000's of warbirds!

[71Nova]

Heres a fue other cool pictures. Check out the Bearcats flying with the F18.

[Stuart Adams]

Awesome. I wish I could join you guys at Woodward.

[Ummgawa]

Hey Pivot man...is the wife adopting? That's cool dude, very cool. :bow:

[V8TV]

Who / what is the organization with the B17? I'd love more info!

[Jay Hilliard]

Very cool. Please take PICS!

[Diognes56]

Enjoy :D .

David

[trapin]

That's pretty damn cool, Jeff. :thumbsup:

I love those old WWII planes. My Great Uncle Frank was a belly gunner on one of those things and took schrapnel in his thigh. I think it was a B-17 or another plane similar too it. Anyway, my dad took him down to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see the plane he flew on just before he died and the old guy broke down when he saw it. Hell of war that was.

[69Nova]

Thats so cool. You get to fly in something with so much history and experiences. Take alot of pictures.

[71Nova]

V8TV The B17 in the pictures I put up I believe is owned by the Planes of fame museum at Chino CA airport. They own alot of warbirds. there are more warbirds at Chino than anywhere else in the world. They also have owned several Reno air race teams.

David

[Musclerodz]

Who / what is the organization with the B17? I'd love more info!
The CAF or Confederate Air Force I believe operates the "Yankee Rose". They have a couple of them that tour the country giving rides.

Mike

[61Bubbletop]

Who / what is the organization with the B17? I'd love more info!


The B-17G "Yankee Lady" that I wll be flying in was restored and maintained by the Yankee Air Museum out of Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ironically, also on the grounds is the GM Powertrain Willow Run Plant, which is one that will be manufacturing the new 6 speed autos, as well as serving as our Transmission Engineering headquarters. ( I get to visit often) The plant at that time (40's) was converted over and built B-25 bombers for the war effort. Unfortunately, in 2004 the museum had an electrical fire (it was housed in one of the original wooden hangers) that destroyed countless irreplaceable objects from WW2, several people at the airport who witnessed what was happening rushed into the hanger and got the B17, a B-25 and a C-47 out before they could be damaged, but the rest of the place pretty much burned to the ground. Including a few unflyable aircraft under resto. Quite a tragedy...Today, they are still operating out of a loaned hanger on the grounds, fortunately, in addition to the planes saved in the hanger, many outside on static display were not harmed (including a B-52, that is a BIG plane)...They are a non-profit entity, and donations to rebuild the museum are tax-deductable.

You can read more about the museum here

Yankee Air Museum (http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/)

They have a fantastic airshow in August "Thunder over Michigan"...Mostly WW2 aircraft...I am so glad there are people out there who conserve and cherish these most important relics of our nations history for future generations, like my 5 year old son...they are truly a sight to behold (and hear!) in person. Bless our men and women who kept, and continue to keep, this country free and safe for those future generations :patriot: :bow:

Thunder Over Michigan Show (http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/)



71Nova, Great pictures, Thank you. :thumbsup:


J.T. :captain:

[67Sally]

I paid for a ride in one of these birds (actually I paid to be dropped out of the bomb bay doors so technically I only paid for the take off and not the landing) but it was a no show due to weather. Skydiving is another one of my addictions and dropping out of the bomb bay doors is still on my list of flights that I want to take.
W.

[trapin]

Jeff...did you take any pics? How was it? :unibrow: