B-17 ride in Galveston

Just got back form a B-17 ride at the Lone Star Flight Museum in
Galveston. It was a Christmas present from my thoughtful wife, Susan. I'd
mentioned that they were selling rides to the public a few months back, and
she arranged one for me as a surprise.

For a lifelong fan of WWII aviation, it was the ride of a lifetime. The
sound of the four Wright Cyclones was like a symphony of power. The swoops
and curces of the aluminum body work was like art deco compared to the
designs of today. There were four other passengers on the flight, and after
takeoff we were allowed to roam pretty freely. I started off in the radio
compartment in the waist. As I headed forward, I couldn't believe how narrow
the walkway through the bomb bay was - if I hadn't lost 20 pounds lately, I
flat would not have been able to get through it. As it was, I was afraid
that I'd get stuck, but, fortune favors the brave - I managed to squeeze
through. The entire plane was a lot smaller inside than movies or TV would
make you think - at 5'11'', I could only stand up in a couple of spots.

Got all the way forward into the bombardier's compartment. Looking out at
Galveston, I imagined it was Schweinfurt and I was looking for the ball
bearing factories. Up there with me was a youngish guy, and an 80-ish
fellow. During the pax safety briefing, the pilot had asked if anyone had
ever been on a B-17 before. This elderly gent raised his hand, a twinkle in
his eye. The pilot smiled and asked "how many times", seeing what was
coming...the old timer said, "35 missions worth". He'd been a B-17 crew
member and had toured Germany extensively from the air, during the 40s,
courtesy of the 8th Air Force. The crew treated him like the hero he was,
and I felt fortunate to be able to hear his first hand stories while
actually flying on the plane with him. When the other guy up there with us
said he felt lucky to have gotten to take the ride, the old timer replied
that he felt lucky just to be alive. It was good to see him enjoying the
flight just as much if not more than us newbies.

Soon enough the ride was over - seeing the numbers float up from the
bombardier's perch was a treat. We flared and floated in soft as a feather
for a bit, then the gear thumped home with authority and we taxied back to
the museum.

It was a bit pricey, at $400.00 - but, if you're a fan of that period of
aviation, you'd agree it was money well spent. With only a handful still
flying, it's an opportunity I was glad to have.
--
Lee K. Gleason N5ZMR
Control-G Consultants