On Sunday I got to fulfill a dream I never imagined would have been possible. I got the opportunity to ride on a B-17!!! I HIGHLY suggest that any of you that have ever considered this to get your money together and reserve a seat. I'm still learnin how to get the video on the internet, but soon as I can I will. I could write 10 pages on this but I'll try to keep it simple...the ride is about 15-20 minutes in the air, you can go anywhere on the plane except the cockpit and the tail gunners position (oh and the ball turret..no way anyone I know would fit anyways!!). You can go from waist gunners thru bomb bay to top turret to nose. Its a tight fit and you gotta share w/ 10 other passengers, but everyone was obliging and you get a turn throughout. I got to ride on the floor of the radio operators room, and though there is not really much vis from there, but as soon as your off the ground you take seatbelts off and are free to roam. I was quite content there tho, because the rear facing radiomans gun is removed and there is a 2ft by 4 ft hole there that you can literally stand up and stick ur head out.....AWESOME veiw of the huge tail right there....I spent the majority of my time there as you get an unobstructed veiw of the wings, top turret, and the whole tail!!! Up in the nose it is very complete including a Nordin(sp?) bombsight that they encourage you look through. You get a great view, including the engines, and even the little bubble up top so u can look back at the cockpit and wave to the lucky pilots. I got some great footage although half of it is the floor since I took a few moments to enjoy the ride w/ my own eyes....
This is a RARE opportunity that may not always be available. The FAA and rising fuel costs may end this in the near future so I suggest you do it now! I missed the opportunity 5 years ago and beat myself up about it until it came back around.
Look up "The Collings Foundation" for info....Both planes are in Ocala, Fl now and will be heading west from there! $425 dollars tax- deductable donation for a once in a lifetime ride...You will NOT regret doin this...sorry to ramble...can you tell I was excited?
