Vintage Aircraft Should Not Remain Grounded

January 26, 2020 4:40pm

I have flown on the Collings Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine-O-Nine,” B-24J Liberator "Witchcraft," B-25J Mitchell "Tondelayo," P-51C Mustang "Betty Jane," and P-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts."

I have also flown on the Commemorative Air Force's B-29 Superfortress "Fifi," and both Liberty Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortresses "Liberty Belle," and "Memphis Belle."

Tours such as the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour bring history alive. While static displays in museums have their value, there is no comparison to walking though the aircraft, hearing the engines, seeing them fly, or actually taking a flight as a passenger.

These flying museums pay tribute to the heroic airmen who risked or gave their lives while flying these magnificent warbirds in pursuit of American victory over its enemies.

The crash of the "Nine-O-Nine" should not be used as an excuse to ground similar aircraft. The B-17 went down on October 2nd; I would have gladly flown in another vintage aircraft the next day.

The value of flying these historic planes far outweighs their risks.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/26/historical-plane-flights-grounded-while-investigation-continues-deadly-b-17-bomber-crash.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2HbotWzEHvOQIP3eao9yvPNP_cdZz5czevKxnfc-JEjpJDQqzkLGXMY8Q#Echobox=1580048779