B-17 KIWS Overflight

[Jeff H.]

I know, pics or it didn't happen . . . 

Saturday, the 23rd at roughly 1:30pm a B-17 overflew KIWS at 1,500 ft.  I was opposite direction on the downwind at the same time.  Crossed by at about mid-field.  No opportunity to snap a pic, but still a very cool experience.  

For what it's worth.  Thought I'd share a nice flying experience.  

[bonal]

Always great to see those majestic birds flying. Once on final into Fresno the tower says Mooney look out your right window. Sure enough a B17 was overtaking us about 100 yards away. Wish I had a camera but at least I had 2 witnesses I'll never forget it.

[Seth]

My grandfather flew I think 43 missions in WWII in B-17G's.  Part of the 401st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force.  Love that airplane.  Love the story.

Thank you for sharing.

In the early 2000s, I was fortunate enough to get a ride in Fuddy Duddy in New York before that B-17 was sold (it's now on the west coast).  

In 2009, I once, at Chicago executive, followed a P-51 on Final, which was very cool.  I was given vectors (IFR) and saw an aircraft pass under me when I was about 5 miles out (which I swore may have been a P-51 Mustang but I was sure was incorrect as it was highly unlikely) and when I was brought into the pattern - a downwind - the tower had me visually pickup traffic on final.  He said something like, traffic on a 1 mile final, and once I had it (realizing it was indeed potentially a P-51), he said "cleared to land #2 behind the Mustang" or something similar - very cool.

The B-17 Nine-O-Nine, B-24 All American, and this P-51 were part of the Collings Foundation and were visiting the airport that day just after Oshkosh.

-Seth

[Jeff H.]

11 hours ago, Seth said:

My grandfather flew I think 43 missions in WWII in B-17G's.  Part of the 401st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force.  Love that airplane.  Love the story.

Thank you for sharing.

In the early 2000s, I was fortunate enough to get a ride in Fuddy Duddy in New York before that B-17 was sold (it's now on the west coast).  

In 2009, I once, at Chicago executive, followed a P-51 on Final, which was very cool.  I was given vectors (IFR) and saw an aircraft pass under me when I was about 5 miles out (which I swore may have been a P-51 Mustang but I was sure was incorrect as it was highly unlikely) and when I was brought into the pattern - a downwind - the tower had me visually pickup traffic on final.  He said something like, traffic on a 1 mile final, and once I had it (realizing it was indeed potentially a P-51), he said "cleared to land #2 behind the Mustang" or something similar - very cool.

The B-17 Nine-O-Nine, B-24 All American, and this P-51 were part of the Collings Foundation and were visiting the airport that day just after Oshkosh.

-Seth

My great uncle flew door gunner on WWII B-17 missions.  We see the planes on the ground or in the air from the ground - my first in flight experience.   Love the flying history.

Thanks for sharing your stories.

[Robert C.]

During a visit to KOXC (Oxford-Waterbury, CT) last year as we were getting ready to depart:

KOXC Twr: "...Mooney 446PC, hold short for landing warbird traffic...."

The P51 peeled off to go fetch and accompany a B-17 that arrived after we had departed.

[bonal]

Guess I will be the one to say. That's a B24 Liberator not a 17 A much under rated bomber that never got its due praise like the 17 did

[Hank]

1 hour ago, bonal said:

Guess I will be the one to say. That's a B24 Liberator not a 17 A much under rated bomber that never got its due praise like the 17 did

Reread his post. The P51 left to get a B17 that landed after Robert left. Makes it hard to get a picture of an event, when it happens after you leave . . .  

[bonal]

19 hours ago, Hank said:

Reread his post. The P51 left to get a B17 that landed after Robert left. Makes it hard to get a picture of an event, when it happens after you leave . . .  

got it,