B-17 or B-24 ride opinions

TowJoe

TowJoe

You really Schruted that one
The Collings Wings of Freedom tour is coming to town and I am finally in a position where I can afford to go for a ride in one of these magnificent airplanes to fulfill a lifelong dream. Anyone gone before?
 
TowJoe said:
The Collings Wings of Freedom tour is coming to town and I am finally in a position where I can afford to go for a ride in one of these magnificent airplanes to fulfill a lifelong dream. Anyone gone before?
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Yes. Do, if you can afford it. I can't think of a better cause... and they're good people.

When I was a 17-year-old broke-ass private pilot, I hung around all day long when they were in town, just enjoying being there. At the end of the day, when they were getting ready to go up for their sunset flight, they took me aside and said "hey... want to go for a ride?" ...

I was a -very- happy little fox. The B-17 is one of my favorite airplanes, and it was in no small way a dream come true. I even talked with the flight crew afterwards about how to get involved with flying for them. Sadly, I never kept in touch.

-Fox
 
I had a ride on the Colling's B-17 in 2010 ish. I was working at the FBO, and there were a couple of spare seats. Fantastic flight and opportunity of a lifetime. Not only that, you are contributing to keeping these historical aircraft flying!
 
My wife got to fly right seat in the B17 "Liberty Bell" when she was 20, rubs it in my face to end the competitive aviation...conversations.
 
Do the B-24. We have stories from folks who got the fly in the B-17. Wanna see your story on the B-24.

That being said tho, either one is a epic win. Oh, have that phone and or camera ready to snippety snap pics, please.

Thank you, :)
 
my grandpa was a B-24 waist gunner and radio man (was a pilot but then health issues). 51 missions in the South Pacific.

we always asked if he wanted a ride in the Collings foundation plane....he declined every time saying; "I've spent enough time in that beautiful bird"

he past away 15 years ago, I was only 12 and still remember
 
I fly both the 17 and the 24 for Collings. Both are fantastic to fly in. From a riders standpoint the experience in the 24 is better I think. The 17 is more iconic and it is amazing too. You can't go wrong with either! Which stop are you getting a ride at?
 
Do it. Dooooo itttttt.

You might mention you're a pilot. I've done a few rides (T-6, Skyraider, and B-25) and it seemed to open doors. The Skyraider flight was less "let's go see the area" and more "let's go see what the old girl will do".
 
Inverted said:
I fly both the 17 and the 24 for Collings. Both are fantastic to fly in. From a riders standpoint the experience in the 24 is better I think. The 17 is more iconic and it is amazing too. You can't go wrong with either! Which stop are you getting a ride at?
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Thanks for the info! Tampa, are you going to be there?
 
Inverted said:
I fly both the 17 and the 24 for Collings. Both are fantastic to fly in. From a riders standpoint the experience in the 24 is better I think. The 17 is more iconic and it is amazing too. You can't go wrong with either! Which stop are you getting a ride at?
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No kidding? The guy that taught me to fly used to fly the 17 and 24 for them. This goes back to the late 80's, early 90's, would you happen to know a FedEx pilot with the initials GY?
To the original poster, I'd have to agree, the 24 is a slightly better experience. Either way, do your best to spend a moment up in the nose, best view in the house!
Jets are for kids!
 
Ive never been on the 24, but I have ridden on the 25 a few times and that thing ROCKS. Louder than a ted nugent concert and it HAULS. I would definitely get on the 24.

Chose to hop on the dc3 instead of the 17. Why is a nearly 100 year old plane more comfortable than the CRJ I fly lol?
 
TWP said:
Chose to hop on the dc3 instead of the 17. Why is a nearly 100 year old plane more comfortable than the CRJ I fly lol?
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There's a poster at FlightSafety CVG in which someone from Bombardier compares the importance of the RJ2 to the importance of the DC-3.

:confused:
 
Inverted said:
I fly both the 17 and the 24 for Collings. Both are fantastic to fly in. From a riders standpoint the experience in the 24 is better I think. The 17 is more iconic and it is amazing too. You can't go wrong with either! Which stop are you getting a ride at?
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Take the B24! Or do the B17 now and wait until the OTHER B24 from the Commemorative Air Force comes around this Summer. ;)

Either way you can't go wrong and it will be a very memorable, moving experience and you will be supporting that airplane's continued operation.
 
tlewis95 said:
Take the B24! Or do the B17 now and wait until the OTHER B24 from the Commemorative Air Force comes around this Summer. ;)

Either way you can't go wrong and it will be a very memorable, moving experience and you will be supporting that airplane's continued operation.
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People like getting rides in LB-30s? :stir:
 
If you get the chance the EAA Ford Tri-Motor is awesome as well. Rides are pretty cheap compared to the war birds and they are flown single pilot so for a little extra you can ride up front. :cool:
 
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