twining540 Posted November 14, 2015 Share #1 Posted November 14, 2015 Wasn't sure what topic this would fit under, so mods please move if needed. I am part of a local EAA chapter that helps out with the B17 Aluminum Overcast when it comes into Grand Rapids MI. During its last visit it was leaving Grand Rapids MI bound for Wisconsin with some empty seats. Long story short, we took a trip on it to Wisconsin. Half way over Lake Michigan the pilot got out of the seat and pointed at me and directed me to the pilots seat. I was able to take control of the plane for about 5min(with the co-pilots hands on the other controls of course). One left bank turn and one right bank turn, talk about a smooth ride! Anyways I had to share this with you guys as I don't have many friends around here that care much for this stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted November 14, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted November 14, 2015 Share #3 Posted November 14, 2015 Very cool! I've always wanted to fly in a B17, let alone fly one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted November 14, 2015 Share #4 Posted November 14, 2015 Well that's an experience fewer and fewer people will get to have as time passes. Congratulations. Beautiful plane. I used to go to airshows in my area and always thought the neatest thing was to watch the B-17(s) start up their engines. What a rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted November 14, 2015 I found myself thinking of those that flew these in combat and what it was like, a very humbling experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted November 14, 2015 Share #6 Posted November 14, 2015 So totally jealous now. Nice indeed and I'm sure you had a blast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardheaded Posted November 14, 2015 Share #7 Posted November 14, 2015 Wow! That's really awesome!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graybeard Posted November 14, 2015 Share #8 Posted November 14, 2015 Way cool. I'm still saving up for the ride for the next time Sentimental Journey comes to town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted November 14, 2015 Share #9 Posted November 14, 2015 The ultimate War Bird and the ultimate ride....good for you, lucky guy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Posted November 14, 2015 Share #10 Posted November 14, 2015 Outstanding! What a wonderful experience ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Keith Posted November 14, 2015 Share #11 Posted November 14, 2015 Very Very Cool! I can see why your excited about it. Thanks for letting us share in your thrill. You must have a grin a mile wide! BKW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandomatic Posted November 14, 2015 Share #12 Posted November 14, 2015 So what else is on your bucket list???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted November 14, 2015 Share #13 Posted November 14, 2015 Very cool! Congrats! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted November 14, 2015 Share #14 Posted November 14, 2015 You dog you. You lucky dog! Wow what I would give to fly a B17! Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted November 14, 2015 Well as far as my bucket list goes, I was just helping with the restoration of a late war B25 Mitchell at the EAA hanger in Oshkosh.The intension is to restore it to flight status, tour the US, and give rides. I think getting a ride in the B25 would complete my list. What am I talking about, my list ended with wheels up on the 17 with me in it! Thanks for the comments! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandomatic Posted November 14, 2015 Share #16 Posted November 14, 2015 You sound like you've got your priorities pretty darned straight. I sure wish there was a warbird project a bit closer to me, that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor996 Posted November 14, 2015 Share #17 Posted November 14, 2015 wow, I'm jealous- I got to fly in a B-24 and that's a huge thrill........taking the controls of a B-17...........what a thrill that had to be- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottG Posted November 14, 2015 Share #18 Posted November 14, 2015 Very cool and a great experience. I worked for years at the Yankee Air Museum where we have the B-17 Yankee Lady, the B-25 Yankee Warrior, and the C-47 Yankee Doodle Dandy. All are awesome rides and readily available for those that have an extra $450.00. I would add that rides in the C-47 are significantly less $$ as more can ride. Scott. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted November 14, 2015 Share #19 Posted November 14, 2015 Congrats...what a rush it must have been.The sound of vintage aircraft engines and the exaust smell always gives me goose bumps.Cant imagine having hands on the stick.Well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovmilinsig Posted November 14, 2015 Share #20 Posted November 14, 2015 Good for you ! Must have been an experience ! Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdk0911 Posted November 14, 2015 Share #21 Posted November 14, 2015 what a trill - such a cool bird and then have a chance behind the wheel - wow!! well we care for this stuff!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jweitkamp Posted November 15, 2015 Share #22 Posted November 15, 2015 My late wife gave me a B17 fight as a birthday present on 29 May 2004, the 50th anniversary of my dad being shot down over Leipzig. I flew with ghosts that day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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