Finally got a ride in the Collings Foundation B-17G! Here's video of the flight including a walk through of the aircraft during flight.


Click on the video link at the top of the video to watch in full 720p HD

Wow!, cool pictures and video Chaz.


Wheels

slick!

Fantastic stuff, thanks for photos and the video. It looks like there's far more space and less things to bump into in the B-17 than the Lancaster How does getting a trip work, do you pay or is it funded by a company?

Chaz,that was great.How lucky are you guys over there?

Here in the UK such trips are impossible,or at least that is my understanding.
To get into the Lanc or the Grace Spitfire it seems you have to have BBC or similar after your name.

It's not for us mere mortals.

My Mum is a true aviation nut (now 76) and in the past she has tried to get a trip in the Spitfire and Lanc (even the Swordfish I think) through her connections when she was an Officer in the ATC but no joy.Not even money opened the way.

I thought about getting her a ride in Lancaster NX611,but as it can only taxi I thought that that wouldn't cut it.

Thanks!

This B-17 is maintained and operated by The Collings Foundation. They tour the U.S. with this B-17, a B-24 and now a TP-51 Mustang (2 seat trainer that they also give rides). They used to tour with a B-25, but apparently maintenance has been rough lately. Coupled with low demand for flights.

Here is the price sheet: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_flightexperiences.htm

2011 tour schedule: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_schedule-wof.htm

And since your payment is considered a "donation" it becomes a tax write off!

Chaz

Great stuff Chaz, I know you had a good time. I sure did when I flew in a B-17, The Liberty Bell, about 4 years ago or so.

This is me, in the drivers seat:

Great stuff, Last year I bought my dad and myself a ride in the B-17 Yankee Lady and I can truly say it was one of the best experiences of my life!

You're very, very lucky out stateside. We don't realy have anything like that over in the UK due to CAA laws, which would be why Chucky had such a hard time / bad experience trying to get a flight for his Mum.

Chucky, 'The Blades' fly passengers if your Mum's feeling sporty
http://www.theblades.biz/pages/being_an_airline.php

I rode in their B-24 a few years back. The B-17 is next on my list.

Very cool, Chaz!

I also flew in the B-24, and while the B-17 would definitely be fun, I feel obligated to always choose the B-24 if it's available because my Dad worked on them in WWII.