RV-8 with B-17

[Ron RV8]

The Commemorative Air Force's B-17 came to visit. I took advantage of the photo op... Video shows some of the action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhqGrlk2eXM

No I didn't get to do any formation, but did snag a ride... To make it RV related there is a shot of our -8 with the bomber...

For more info click on "show more" in youtube.

Enjoy!

[vlittle]

Did you notice that the crew weight limit was 1200 lbs for ten crew? These guys were just kids and scrawny kids at that when they set off on missions. I Wanted a tour but I'm twice the normal size the aircraft is designed for!

[BillFear]

Thanks for posting the video. I walked thru the Fort at Sun n Fun last year. Could not believe how small it was inside. Was watching a documentary last night where they said you were much safer to be a foot soldier in the early days of the war in Germany than a crewmember in one of these.

Great respect for the courage of those young men!

[flyboy1963]

folks should know that Ron had to go thru the drama of dusting off his plane, opening the hangar door, and pushing his -8 almost SIXTY FEET for this photo op.

....and then he goes for a RIDE, while I'm sweating my @*&# off working the gate, setting up fencing, making signs, running ice and water and pop and....

...well, it was all worth it, a great event, and thanks to the CAF Arizona wing, hopefully not the last!

( gotta get some formation pics next time Ron...maybe with your -8... inverted ....over the B-17? need a backseater????

[Ron RV8]

Sorry Perry... I really did not expect a flight... I also did not expect it to affect me as emotionally as it has. Great respect for the "kids" that did this...


After my 7+ "volunteer" shifts I was out letting down the taxiway tape and heard my name being called way off in the distance. Turned out I got the last "volunteer" seat on the last flight (which really was not expected to go).

Too bad you weren't there, sign-up was just beside the ice chest... you might have beat me to it...

Great signs, many compliments by the crew...

(Oh by the way - I don't think I want to be upside down "over" the B-17. Great idea though.... Seems that without an inverted system in the -8, more than a few seconds negative and the engine quits. Drat!)