Thursday, March 28, 2024

This WWII-era B-17 bomber is taking flight in Victoria this month (UPDATE)

Share

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the B-17 event was cancelled shortly after this article was published.

“Due to additional time necessary to complete repair work currently underway on the B-17 Bomber ‘Sentimental Journey,’ the stop in Victoria, BC 8/13 – 19 has been cancelled,” the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum wrote on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

“All passengers who have booked rides will be refunded. For information on refunds, contact the Ride Program Manager at 480-462-2992.”

EARLIER: Aviation fanatics are in for a treat this month, as the Flying Legends of Victory Tour touches down in Victoria with a rare Boeing B-17 Bomber, the “Sentimental Journey.”

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour is made possible by the volunteers of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, and visits 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada with three restored WWII combat aircraft, including the Sentimental Journey.

The B-17 Bomber was known for its ability to carry out long-range missions and return home safely even after taking a beating, which earned it the nickname “Flying Fortress.”

The Sentimental Journey is one of 13,000 bombers produced from 1936 to 1945, and was manufactured for war service in 1944, carrying out several missions in the Pacific Theatre.

8,000 of the bombers were lost in combat, and there are only eight left that are still airworthy today.

The public is invited to hit the runway and take a tour of the aircraft while hearing the stories of its brave pilots. There are also limited spots available for rides.

Tour dates and times are as follows:

  • Tours: Monday, Friday–Sunday: 2 p.m – 6 p.m; Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m – 6 p.m
  • Rides: Friday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Flying Legends of Victory Tour featuring the B-17 Bomber “Sentimental Journey”

Where: Victoria Flying Club, #101-1852 Canso Road, Sidney

When: Monday, August 13 – Sunday, August 19, 2018

Admission: Standard plane tour: $10/person and $20/family of four | Rides: $425 USD waist gunner/radio operator seats, $850 USD bombardier/navigator seats in nose | Reserve online or call 1-480-462-2992 (press 2)

mm
Myles Sauer
Former staff editor and writer at Victoria Buzz.

Read more

Latest Stories