Collings Foundation B-17 Nine O Nine engine startup and takeoff as she departs from a weekend visit to the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field in Everett, Wa.
Thx for posting your footage. The crash was a horrible tragedy. I think it is so important and wonderful to have these old planes flying so generations can get even a small idea of the sacrifices that generation made. However, obviously something more needs to be done to ensure safety. I had the honor of flying on the 909 with my wife’s grandfather who had to jump out of one during WWII. It was a childhood’s dream that came true. RIP to those that died in the accident, nothing is 100% we take risks to live our dreams sometimes but too much failed with that scenario. The plane should have been sound before the flight.
I flew on the "909" May 19th, 2000. One of the greatest times of my life. We flew out of Zamperini Field in Torrance, California. Rumblin' down the runway...loud and glorious. I have a flight-certification document signed by the pilot, co-pilot, operations officer and Louis Zamperini himself. What a day.