ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
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ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
It was 58 years ago this week that a U.S. Coast Guard version of the B-17 landed a Dow Field. Our office was about 400' off to one side o the main runway and aircraft were usually around 100' altitude when on final. This particular B-17 was returning from Internation Ice Patrol duty. It was the last active duty Flying Fort I saw.
Last edited by Joe Gopan on Fri Apr 15, 2016 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
The Experimental Aircraft Association ( EAA ) still has one flying ( Aluminum Overcast ) and take it on tour around the country every summer to put on display at various airports.
Keep an eye out. They might come to your area.
For a slight fee, you can go inside and for moderate fee, you can even take a ride.
Keep an eye out. They might come to your area.
For a slight fee, you can go inside and for moderate fee, you can even take a ride.
Mike Wolford
CJ-2A
VEP GPW
Comm./Inst. SEL
AOPA ( 50 yrs)
EAA ( 49 yrs)
4th Inf. Div. - 5th Inf. Div. - 2nd Armor Div. - CIB
CJ-2A
VEP GPW
Comm./Inst. SEL
AOPA ( 50 yrs)
EAA ( 49 yrs)
4th Inf. Div. - 5th Inf. Div. - 2nd Armor Div. - CIB
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
I was referring to those B-17's still in active US Military service. There were others at that time in use by South American air forces, the French had one or two for aerial survey (not military) and there was an unmarked black one that may have lasted into the 60's in Vietnam.
The currently operational B-17's are something to be cherished and a flight in one is something you will not forget. My wife and I flew in Sentimental Journey for our 35th anniversary. I got to spend some time with Carl Clark in Nine-0-Nine. Carl was a WWII Pathfinder Pilot and still current in the B-17 50 years later. If you want to experience fun and 100% positive attitude by all involved, take a warbird ride.
The currently operational B-17's are something to be cherished and a flight in one is something you will not forget. My wife and I flew in Sentimental Journey for our 35th anniversary. I got to spend some time with Carl Clark in Nine-0-Nine. Carl was a WWII Pathfinder Pilot and still current in the B-17 50 years later. If you want to experience fun and 100% positive attitude by all involved, take a warbird ride.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
The California Dept of Forestry was still flying the fortresses in 1984 to put out fires. I saw them flying in 1984 while home on leave in Redding. I went to the airport and took pictures of two of them. I remember as a kid hearing the roar of the radial engines overhead as they were on their way to a fire. B-17s, and A-26s. Jesse.
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
One of the pilots who flew the last Coast Guard B-17 (PB-1G) passed away last month, Coast Guard Captain Lester Slate from Exeter Maine was 92 and had a long colorful career flying every fixed and rotary wing type the USCG had from WWII thru the 70's and even did a parachute jump in 2012 at the age of 90. Captain Slate was a gentleman with many colorful tales of his USCG adventures.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Dang,,How old is you?Ben Dover wrote:It was 58 years ago this week that a U.S. Coast Guard version of the B-17 landed a Dow Field. Our office was about 400' off to one side o the main runway and aircraft were usually around 100' altitude when on final. This particular B-17 was returning from Internation Ice Patrol duty. It was the last active Flying Fort I saw.
1945 Willys MB
DOD 3-10-45
HN 20691353
SN 424804
My Restoration thread <a href=http://g503.com/forums/viewtopi ... >Here</a>
DOD 3-10-45
HN 20691353
SN 424804
My Restoration thread <a href=http://g503.com/forums/viewtopi ... >Here</a>
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Jesse,
Do you have any pictures of the 2 California Dept of Forestry B17's you can post?
Regards
Steve
Do you have any pictures of the 2 California Dept of Forestry B17's you can post?
Regards
Steve
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Jess/Steve
After one heavy use of fire retardant in Northern California (mid 1970's), the Dispatch Office asked me and a friend to mix retardant all day one SundayMonday to replenish the nearly empty tanks. Part of that two day effort was an opportunity, to sit in the right seat during taxing, filling B-17 (the tail number) at the Redding, California Service Center. What a thrill, especially watching those props just out side the co-pilot seat, gave a new perspective on what our fathers did.
After one heavy use of fire retardant in Northern California (mid 1970's), the Dispatch Office asked me and a friend to mix retardant all day one SundayMonday to replenish the nearly empty tanks. Part of that two day effort was an opportunity, to sit in the right seat during taxing, filling B-17 (the tail number) at the Redding, California Service Center. What a thrill, especially watching those props just out side the co-pilot seat, gave a new perspective on what our fathers did.
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Jim,
Must have been awesome experience! Do you have any pics you can share?
Regards
Steve
Must have been awesome experience! Do you have any pics you can share?
Regards
Steve
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
I havent visited this page in a while. Ill post the pictures I have.
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Hi Jesse,
Can you post your pics, very interested to see them.
Many thanks
Steve
Can you post your pics, very interested to see them.
Many thanks
Steve
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
There is excellent air to air video of a B17 in flight over the Superstition Mountains and Sagauro Lake in Arizona. The aircraft is shown taking off from Falcon Field, Mesa and the video is set to the theme music from John Adams.
Google, 'Vimeo, WW2 Bombers over Arizona Landscape' or look for it on youtube. A B25 Mitchell is also shown.
David
Google, 'Vimeo, WW2 Bombers over Arizona Landscape' or look for it on youtube. A B25 Mitchell is also shown.
David
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
Hi Moto,
Can you post a video link or website address?
Regards
Steve
Can you post a video link or website address?
Regards
Steve
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Re: ONE OF THE LAST ACTIVE FLYING FORTRESSES
I don't know how to do that Steve but I can tell you where to find a link.
Go to the MLU Forum. (Maple Leaf Up)
From the index select 'World War 2 Military History & Equipment'.
Select 'Going to have a little fun on a B17 today'.
Scroll down to the last post on the thread and there is a link.
Perhaps you know how to place a link here?
David
Go to the MLU Forum. (Maple Leaf Up)
From the index select 'World War 2 Military History & Equipment'.
Select 'Going to have a little fun on a B17 today'.
Scroll down to the last post on the thread and there is a link.
Perhaps you know how to place a link here?
David
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