Commemorative Air Force’s Sentimental Journey becomes first Flying Fortress to take to the air following airworthiness directive

The Commemorative Air Force’s Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress 44-83514/N9323Z Sentimental Journey was cleared by the US Federal Aviation Administration to fly again on 9 June following inspections to comply with an FAA airworthiness directive relating to the type’s terminal fitting-to-spar chord joints. It thus became the first of the B-17s grounded as a result of the AD, which was published on 17 May and took effect on 1 June, to take to the air again.

The FAA issued the directive following discovery in 2021 that the port wing of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s B-17G Aluminum Overcast had moved by 2in at one of its attachment points. It mandated different forms of compliance, and caused both Sentimental Journey and the Yankee Air Force’s aircraft Ye Olde Pub to be temporarily grounded while inspections were carried out, together with the British-based and registered B-17 Preservation’s Sally B. Upon the conclusion of this process on Sentimental Journey, the aircraft — which is based with the CAF’s Airbase Arizona in Mesa — departed for Rock Springs, Wyoming, where it joined its operator’s 2023 Flying Legends of Victory Tour.

News that Sentimental Journey has been allowed to fly again raises hopes for a similarly speedy return to flight for the other B-17s which have been undergoing inspection. At Duxford, B-17 Preservation reported at the end of May that the process with regard to Sally B was looking “very positive”. We will bring further updates as they arrive.