Ever want to fly in a B-17 but never had the chance?

[jharkin]

... This guy just decided to build his own.


And no, its no model, the pilot rides IN it!

http://theballybomber.com/

 

[stoveguy2esw]

WOW! thats beyond kool!

 

[Jags]

Holy thousands of hours, Batman. WOW! That is like a lifetime achievement.

 

[begreen]

He's gonna need a very tiny tail gunner.

 

[Delta-T]

He's gonna need a very tiny tail gunner.

a monkey comes to mind...we could all use one...and this is exactly the situation that justifies it.

 

[Jags]

a monkey comes to mind...we could all use one...and this is exactly the situation that justifies it.

I know. That is what I keep telling people.

 

[fossil]

I wonder if it's been flown yet. I looked through most of the zillions of pics on the website, and didn't see one of this beautiful aircraft off the ground.

 

[begreen]

From the pics it looks like they fired up the engines, but I didn't see any air shots either.

 

[jharkin]

Yes I don't believe its flown yet. They have to get it inspected by the FAA for an experimental aircraft airworthiness cert. First. The pilot will probably have to carry a multiengine rating also.

 

[Delta-T]

even if it wont fly, i bet it would do a heck of a number on that corn field.

 

[jharkin]

For the encore, he should build a 1/3 scale B-36.

 

[jeff_t]

If you ever wanted to fly in a B-17, they used to do it out of Willow Run airport here in Michigan. Not sure if they still do, but a guy I used to work with got a flight as a birthday gift from his wife. He was still grinning when he came back in to work. I know somebody still flies one out of there, because I saw it go over today.

Not quite as cool as building your own, but still cool.