In the Fall of 2006 I had the opportunity of flying in one of the most historic aircraft ever built, a Boeing   B-17G. The aircraft is flown and maintained by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The cost of the flight, proceeds from souvenirs and other merchandise goes to keeping this B-17G flying. The EAA has given this particular B-17G the nickname of “Aluminum Overcast”. Aluminum Overcast has been beautifully restored, an the experience is well worth the cost. Anyone wanting to know more about the flight schedule and cost can visit www.b17.org

Enough about the formalities, let me tell you about my experience. The flight was truly a dream come true. Like many modelers, historian and aviation enthusiasts, the B-17 holds a special place in my heart. The historical significance of these aircraft is well documented, so I won’t go into it. My flight originated from Mansfield Municipal airport in Mansfield Texas. When my friends and I arrived for our early morning flight the air was crisp and cool and the sun was just above the horizon. The sunlight gleamed off the bare aluminum skin of the airplane, and the orange glow seemed to light it on fire.

 At 9:00am we climbed aboard, got strapped in and waited for the engines to start. The pilot started one engine then another and another. The noise and vibration steadily increased as each engine was powered up. After a short while we taxied to the runway, paused then began our take-off roll. I was amazed at how smoothly the B-17 lifted into the air. Once airborne the vibrations seemed to disappear. But the noise and smells of the engines were everywhere. We climbed slowly up to 8000 feet and leveled off. The crew told us we were free to get up and explore the airplane. Of course everyone wanted to sit in the bombardier’s position. But one of the most amazing sights was looking at the tail from the flight engineer’s position. The only places we couldn’t explore were the tail gunner’s position and the ball turret.

As I stared down at the green Texas countryside, cut into small squares and planted with hay for the winter, I couldn’t help think about how terrifying it must have been to be in one of these over enemy territory. Everywhere you looked there were patched holes, probably from flak and bullets. The skin of the B-17 seems paper thin; no barrier against 20mm canon fire or hunks of hot spinning shrapnel. I truly gained a new appreciation for the men who served in these big lumbering war wagons.

As we returned to the airport I couldn’t help thinking the flight had passed too quickly. But then again things like this always do. I watched from the waist gunner’s position as we slowly touched down. The main gear chirped as it touched, and then the tail wheel rumbled and barked as it settled on the tarmac. We taxied to the parking space, the pilot shut done the engines one by one, the side crew door came open and suddenly the flight was over. The flight lasted about 40 minutes, and it was truly an experience of a lifetime.