The B-17G WWII Bomber, “Sentimental Journey” will be on display until Sunday, August 16, at the Victoria Flying Club.
The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona, is a non-profit organization, and a flying museum staffed by volunteers, sending their aircraft on tour every summer to reconnect the public with our living history and show our veterans we haven’t forgotten their sacrifices.
“Sentimental Journey” will be at the Victoria Flying Club 10 August through 16 August on display from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM for the public to tour through the aircraft, enjoy a flight, breathe in the history and talk with volunteers to learn about the unique role these aircraft served in military history.
The B-17 was first rolled out in 1935 at the Boeing plant in Seattle, WA. One local reporter exclaimed, “It’s a regular fortress.”. Thus the B-17 became known as the Flying Fortress. She flew in both the European and Asian theatres during WWII. Her crew of 10 men experienced bone-chilling temperatures in an unpressurized plane. Temperatures often dropped to -60 degrees. Of the 12,731 B-17’s made only half survived through WWII. Today only about 50 still exist worldwide and only about 10 still fly. Airbase Arizona is fortunate to be the proud owners of one them.
A unique opportunity that we able to offer the public are rides, an experience of a lifetime, putting folks right in the seat of history! These Living History Flight Experiences ($530 CDN radio room/Waist Gunner or $1160 CDN Navigator/Bombardier) serve to keep our aircraft flying and spreading the word across the country of our history. Cockpit tours are $6.50 per person or $12.50 per family. Children under five are free.
Victoria Flying Club President, Ramona Reynolds, shares the excitement of the B-17 visit. “All of us at the Victoria Flying Club welcome everyone to join us in experiencing this magnificent piece of aviation history. The B-17 holds a special place in the hearts of many men and women, and their families, who served in the Air Force during WWII including the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. From August 10-16, this is going to be the place to be for anyone who loves airplanes and airplane people.”
About the Commemorative Air Force:
The CAF was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States, and aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans. More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes from the past, the CAF’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the CAF Ghost Squadron, recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons from the defining moments in the American military aviation history.
About the Victoria Flying Club:
The Victoria Flying Club, located at the Victoria International Airport, has been training world class professional and recreational pilots since 1946. Local and international students benefit from the highest quality of instruction on a standardized fleet of Cessna 172S Model aircraft. Discovery Flights are available seven days a week for anyone interested in joining the club and learning to fly.
Date: August 10-16, 2015
Location: Victoria Flying Club – 1852 Canso Rd
Website: http://flyvfc.com/news/2015/08/05/b-17-sentimental-journey-at-vfc-august-10-16
