I read with some delight in the latest issue of Flypast, that Don Brooks, owner of the World’s most recently-restored airworthy B-17, has the dream of bringing his Flying Fortress, Liberty Belle (‘297849’), over to the UK.
While details in the article are basic, it does highlight the obvious need for some form of sponsorship (for fuel etc). This idea is of course at present, only a dream, bt numerous questions jumped into my head when I read about it:
How much would it cost to get the B-17 over here?
How are people able to help raise money for it/sponsor the idea?
What would its flying schedule be here, e.g would it participate at Legends etc?
I understand that none of these can really be answered as yet, I guess I’m just overcome with excitement at the idea of seeing another airworthy B-17 over here!
PS: I am airing on the side of caution as I remember all too well my disappointment when it was decided that the Canadian Lanc would not after all, visit the UK!
By: Dave Homewood - 29th November 2005 at 08:43
Having followed this forum for about two years I have noticed that in your summer you Poms have about 6 airshows every weekend around the country. Surely there are enough events to go around for the two aircraft?
If a B17 aircraft owner wants to take his plane to the UK, or anywhere else, good on him I say. Don’t try to shut him out, accomodate him and make him welcome. It may lead to other types following then.
He’d certainly be hailed a hero if he came the other way to Australasia for a trip. But no, England gets all the luck, yet again.
What an opportunity this owner has presented. Now support it somehow. You as an individual may have no say whether he does get the B17 to the UK or not. But if you work for a large comapny you could try to find some sponsorship for him through it. And bottom line, make the most of it if he does make the trip. Support the airshows that both B17’s are booked at by attending and spending, and all will win. Simple.
Ian’s right – if the airshow circuit welcomes Pink Lady so regularly why not a different B17 with an equally open operator who wishes to share his aircraft with your country.?
All I can say is some Brits don’t know how lucky they are to see the aircraft they see every year, and so seem very blaze’ about such possibilities.
By: Yak 11 Fan - 29th November 2005 at 08:22
However the last thing Elly and her team need is competition in an increasingly difficult situation right now.
Same for all operators of historic aircraft surely?
By: 92fis - 29th November 2005 at 00:39
If they want to bring it let them. I would have thought most people would be glad to see as many B-17’s as possible fly together.
By: Moggy C - 29th November 2005 at 00:08
Bringing another B-17 to the UK???
Why?
One can only guess that the owners / operators, want, just once, for the bird to return to the major B17 combat zone of WW2?
Certainly wouldn’t be for profit.
Moggy
By: LesB - 28th November 2005 at 23:41
Bringing another B-17 to the UK???
Why?
By: Merlinmagic - 28th November 2005 at 21:57
If it was funded by ‘external to the UK’ sources then I say welcome it with open arms. However the last thing Elly and her team need is competition in an increasingly difficult situation right now.
By: Arabella-Cox - 28th November 2005 at 21:43
Slight correction here, the article referring to the plan to bring this wonderful airplane to the UK was in Todays Pilot, and written by Steve Bridgewater. I did post this a couple of weeks ago
That may be, but there is also an article in the new Flypast, written by Jarrod Cotter which mentions the possibility.
By: EN830 - 28th November 2005 at 20:31
What would so different or special about this one flying with Sally B, compared to the French one, Pink Lady.
By: bentwingbomber - 28th November 2005 at 20:15
Oh God.
I can see the headines now.
‘Rival B17 forces grounding of sally B’
I seem to remember when ‘thunderbird’ was over here its then owner was thinking of operating it.
A certain other operator went into one.
Funny how some things never change……….
By: Agent K - 28th November 2005 at 19:23
Slight correction here, the article referring to the plan to bring this wonderful airplane to the UK was in Todays Pilot, and written by Steve Bridgewater. I did post this a couple of weeks ago
By: cas - 28th November 2005 at 17:25
TWO B17`s available for show bookings !!!!!
oh dear I can hear B17 Ltd crying already 🙁
Sign In
November 28, 2005 at 10:14 am