B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" FLIGHT from Napa on 5/8/2007

[Caballingus]

Great video - many thanks for sharing.

[voderick]

Why play music when you have 4 engines to listen to?

:(

[ajofscott]

Who could possibly dislike this video? The luck cameraman has gotten to do what all of us WWII aiviation lovers only get to dream about!

[mustang19ms]

haha the bombs are still in place, how about bombing the cars over there!

[Musicgutbucket]

wow. Be cool if they did something like that in the Lancaster Bomber.

[2ravens2wolves]

love the shots of the props from inside the nose. beautiful plane.

[chrisvonderlinn]

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­ooooooooooooooo cool

[lepivert]

No BF109... clear !

[24preacherboy]

Wonder what the FAA would say about loading those guns and giving a demo?

[dylanlp1999]

@chrysanthos66 i didnt fly because i didnt have enough money for a ticket

[faronthefiddler]

My Uncle Bill was a Bombadier Instructor in Midland, Texas and Florida during the war. He did not make it into combat, as his skill was needed to train other men for the job on the Norton. He said he was lucky, because many of the men he trained never came back. He once told me he felt regret for not going. He is still living in Austin and pushing 100.

[nascarfan154]

Im gonna see it in Olive Branch this weekend and dear lord $500 for one flight? hell i'll just get a tour i mean i'm going there just to take a picture for airliners . net

[dylanlp1999]

ive always wanted to save money to fly in that thing. I came so close once :(

[Wa3ypx]

At the last minute one Christmas eve, my father in law hitched a ride home "in transit" to surprise his mother. They made him ride from Scott field ILL in the only seat left which was the bombadere position. It was so cold when he slid down the ladder to the ground, he just kept on going! He's been gone for a few years but I have pictures of him in the air corps.

[Wa3ypx]

Last week this plane was flying over our town for about three days. I seen it go over a half dozen times and each time the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I got a lump in my throat. God bless America's greatest generation.

[hftfire]

Call to courage...



[jeffly1500]

anyone knows the song at the begin of this movie:)?

[Psyche777able]

It's good to see Napa Airport where I leaned to fly years ago,and fly over my home

town for so many years ago. A great plane makes this very special. Thanks.

[devanoo2]

this all from ladder 49 :)

[Tiger313NL]

That has GOT to be the ride of your life...

[enginedude100]

at 8:17 my great grandfather worked there... he was a radio controller on a b-17

[Robot403]

Beautiful plane, beautiful video. Very sad though, poor sods sent over here to do that.

[Rawsawn]

B-17, the plane that kept on flying... Must have been tough loosing men in those things.

[netdolman]

Breathtaking!

[Dynamo9784]

I was in a B-17 at world war II weekend in reading pa (after I fueled it) Not this one though. It had a Garmin 530 waas in it. I asked the one pilot if it was standard in 1944, and with a laugh he says "how the hell do you think we got to berlin?" These men are great, the planes are great and congrats on making 50,146 people envious from a nice video.

[105Raptor]

i rode in this one at 2007 EAA Airventure, it was so much fun, those things can turn fast lol

[Raptor498]

i took a flight in her yesterday =D

[jeffly1500]

what is the song :)? 5*

[ad356]

i did it once, flew in the "overcast" for an hour. these aircraft tell an incredible story. they are national treasures, every single airworthy warbird should be flown as an active, living, and breathing display of history. the b17 is an awesome aircraft. they are monuments to my grandparents generation of the incredibly brave things they did to protect our country..... they should not be forgotten

[ad356]

i did it once, flew in the "overcast" for an hour. these aircraft tell an incredible story. they are national treasures, every single airworthy warbird should be flown as an active, living, and breathing display of history. the b17 is an awesome aircraft. they are monuments to my grandparents generation of the incredibly brave things they did to protect our country..... they should not be forgotten

[ad356]

i did it once, flew in the "overcast" for an hour. these aircraft tell an incredible story. they are national treasures, every single airworthy warbird should be flown as an active, living, and breathing display of history. the b17 is an awesome aircraft.

[NMK4Y]

there was no GPS at that time I recall

[bradc314]

lol, the GPS wasn't in color in '44!! :-)

[karateslaginnek]

Man those are beautiful planes!

[srt4crazy289]

this aircraft used to be a fire, water bomber

[oldchevy4x4]

Anyone who can stop by & see one of the few remaining Forts needs to do it. It's a living history lesson. If by chance you can swing the cost of a flight, DO IT NOW!!!. You will not be dissapointed, it's the experience of a lifetime!

[Why2bless]

Wow what an awesome video.

[Aeroplnut]

The Sentimental Journey is based at Falcon Field, Mesa, Az. We are in the process of an annual inspection right now. I am building up an engine to replace the #3. Everything new or rebuilt. come by and see the real insides of the plane.

[schymcgee]

EPIC !!!

[nic777morrey]

I just flew on this same one from centennial airport in june!

[PatrickLatini88]

I didn't know that B17s had 2 GNS 430... lol amazing aircraft, great video

[andywakem]

You hear people talk about these machines bringing tears to the eyes and I guess its the fact that they are a symbol of freedom like no other. This is a wonderful video and a fitting tribute to the men that flew them on countless missions. To all the people who keep these beautiful machines in the air YOU are the HEROS now and to the remaining WWII veterans that might read this post THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for all of your sacrifices...You where (and are) an amazing group of patriots.

[sporty751985]

My Grandfather flew one of these during the war, I have a chance take a a flight in the Liberty Belle this up coming Saturday and I am looking forward to it. i just hope i don't brake down crying, for some reason anything related to my Grandfather does that to me. To any & all Veterans reading this Thank you from the bottom of my heart for serving.

[KFDEx]

I like how you used the Ladder 49 intro song. Nice video

[KenTenn2007]

I just walked through Aluminum Overcast

at our local airport 3 hours or so ago. It

is a Beautiful Airplane. I am glad I had

the opportunity to see it. Thanks to the

guys and gals who make this possible.

[Helicopterpilot16]

This huge thing flew over my house!

[RepublicCommando29]

Too bad they don't let you get in the ball turret.

[hftfire]

Reserved for those under five and a half feet tall.. I am 6'4" myself... but you are right it would have been nice to at leaast photograph such tight quarters for the purposes of the film... Glad you enjoyed the clip!

[RepublicCommando29]

Are you saying they will let you in it if you are under 5 1/2 feet tall?

[hftfire]

No... to my knowledge they do not open the turret... remains secure regardless of your height... I also believe 5 1/2 ft may still be too big... never asked the question when I was there... have a good one!

[gangsterper]

Just got a tear in my eye.. =)

[topfuelfan]

For those of us who Love the B-17 it's hard to explain to others what it's all about. Freedom , Sacrifice, Honnor , are just a few words which the B-17 transforms through site, sound and feel into indescribable emotions . To have flown in The B-17 "Liberty Bell" with my father was one of the best memories of my life. As a mechanic I LOVE those radials and no earplugs for me! Great Video and Thanks to all who have a hand in maintaining and sharing the B-17. I know it's for love.

[set972]

i love this aircraft!!!!! this and the dc-3...LOVE THOSE ENGINES!

[WoodstaS]

I got to ride on the B-17 called "Nine-0-Nine" a couple years ago. It was one of the coolest things I think I have ever done. Those old war planes are really special.

[GBJPhotoWorks]

Did that myself, and couldn't agree with you more. It was a highlight of my life, thus far.

[N746ZX]

Great job on the video!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!! Can't wait to see it up at EAA AirVenture this year!!!!!!! 5/5 stars from me!

[lionheart91884]

Good video. I'm going up in the same plane in a couple hours. SOOOOOOOO Excited.

[SR71ace]

My grandpa was one of the people that got to fly THIS B-17. They let people have 15 minutes in it. Probably the funnest 15 minutes of his life.

[Arvak777]

wow what a thrill! wish i could fly/be in the old birds that flew during the war

[inverted56]

good vid

[AtomWofW]

I got 3 Dreams:

See a B17 flying over my House( not so unrealistic cause a small Airport is only a few kilometres away from my House, sometimes they fly about 50 Meters over my House)

FLY in a b17

fly in a He111 at the Place of the Nosegunner maybe, the Glasscockpit is just amazing.

[todaro122]

b17 just flew over my house

[AtomWofW]

lucky guy...

[alamoman444]

i share the same 3.  the German Heinkel 111 had only 1 pilot i think, more room for the bombardier.

[switchblade51]

i saw a B-17 fly overhead 1 month ago from burbank airport. the sound she makes as well as the sight will just mesmerize you! If you enjoy airplanes you will fall in love with this one!

[schumy90]

Welcome home "Aluminum Overcast" how was you'r flight? :)

beautifull planes...keep'em flying...a shame to see them grounded :(

[michalreddfan22]

i live by an airport that is roughly 15 miles from oshkosh and this always parks there during eaa time while doing tours n stuff i tell you its the best alarm clock ever!! every morning at 9:00 for one week i here this ol gal

[cato58]

I saw this plane fly directly overhead today. What an amazing sight!

[54spiritedwill54]

what a beautiful aircraft, absoutely wonderful video

[TheCottonTop]

I saw one fly over a week ago while I was working outside. I Just looked up when I heard it coming, because I knew it was going to be something out of the ordinary. Nothing like the sound of four radial engines. Nothing sounds like that today.

[TheCottonTop]

Its amazing they could build things like that with out any computers.

People today are so screwed with out them.

[ea1955]

Very nice.Very romantic("propeller" will be always romantic).Nice music too.Got a little replica of it on my desk.Congratulations.

[Saint62781]

Thanks for sharing!

[93team93]

stop the musik

[morerayp]

Best plane that ever flew. Thank you!

[05RedSS]

Nice footage. I've only seen this plane once in person. I've been up in the Liberty Belle B-17. It is a great experience.

[tubist2525]

My thought goes to all those who flew these aircrafts across europe.

thanks for the video and merry xmas to you all, wherever you are

[jcara17]

Outstanding... Probably the finest video I've seen on You Tube! A beautiful reminder of the absolutely amazing B-17.

[cornercarver78]

I saw this B17 flying over my house when I was 11 (about 1997). I was really into WW11 aviation. I went outside to take out the trash and low and behold I saw a four engine aircraft flying straight over me. I was taken back by how much louder it was than other planes i'd seen in the sky, and when it got closer I immediately recognized that it was a b17. I ran inside and told my parents about it. We went to the local airport (in Lawrenceville Ga) and there it was, the aluminum overcast.

[jonesy97]

I flew on it out of Lawrenceville in '06. A childhood fantasy come true. Since I was about 8 yrs old, all I wanted to be was a crew member on a B-17. Took 35 years, but I finally got to. Wow! All WWII aviation lovers must do that some time in their lives.

[Stuka911]

yeah back then they were kids, died at 19 and probibly tasted more life than any of us

[spillerxxxxx]

Maybe it was my Grandpa who shot him ;)...

[goreziad]

could be.

[Eyepice]

My Grandfather died in one in the WWII, his B17 was shot in two. he was a ball turret gunner.

[orcstr8d]

Thank God for men like your Grandfather who knew what true sacrifice is. It takes more courage ( more than many will ever get to discover they don't have) to get onside the ball turret.

[yamahonkawazuki]

aye my uncle was a TG in one. the BYT was the more dangerous place to be. your grandfather had a HUGE set of nads to be in it.

[yamahonkawazuki]

@yamahonkawazuki Cause if in ballturret, and gear fails, and turret is NOT and CANNOT be in the right spot, " flat thou art"

[owenmpk]

@yamahonkawazuki

The ball turret is not occupied during takeoff and landings could be lifted up into the aircraft. This from my father-in-law that flew a full set of missions from England. He disliked the G model with the chin turret because it took 10 knots off the speed of the aircraft.

[ForEmily23]

I'm getting ready to do this very flight in Kansas City in about four hours...I'm very nervous...

I've flown before...the longest flight being from Boston to Paris, but being in the B-17 is a little nervewracking

[hftfire]

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we all did! ...an experience with lasting memories!

[ForEmily23]

it was pretty amazing...sat right up front in the nose...just an awesome experience

[thewwiiguy]

no need to be nervous once you get in the air and feel the way the plane flies (more floats) you couldn't feel safer. you never feel the plane take off or touch down... that is how nice the ride is!!

[t8anderso]

She flys over my house in Benicia when they fly out of Napa. I just love to that roar of those engins. I always look up to see her. What a class act.

[mugwort9]

I've have wanted to ride in a B-17 since watching 12 O'Clock High soooo long ago. The videographer sat in the exact same spot I did for take off & landing & filming from the nose section... B-17's are great, wish I owned one! You can bet I'll be in line the next time she is in town! If you've never ridden in one, do it asap!

[Scribz80]

She'll be at APA in Denver June 3-9 at Signature Flight Support if anyone wants a ride!!

[KENDAWGZEROZERO]

I saw this airplane at the riverside municipal airport(CA)in '05 or '06.Didn't get to ride in it but could have for around 400 bucks.C.A.F.(confederate air force)restore and display old planes like this and take(fly) them to airshows across the country.Dont know if they operate this plane or not.Beautiful,working piece of history.Also interesting is the service history of this plane. Not too many of these left,each with their own story to tell.

[goldiebuilder]

Amazing film, music and not forgetting the star of the show... B17. Thank you very much.

[xmobster5]

song goes good with it!

[bastid357]

The "collings foundation" offers flights aboard b17,b24,and b25 mitchells, great bit of video thanks for posting it, I flew on the b24 liberator last year and it was AMAZING

[djknightmare666]

the film memphis belle inspired me to be a pilot that i am today my dream is to fly a b-17...does any one know how i can get a chance to fly one of these ?

[DogEars93]

I saw that exact B17

It certanly was exallent

[armormaster]

Nice video, thank you for posting this. It would be an honor to get to fly in one of those. That aircraft saved a lot of lives because of the amount of abuse and damage it could take. That's awesome how they still have the fifty cals and they put bombs in there for authenticity. Thanks again, very nice video!

[scenarioL113]

Great Job, Thank you! I had the privilege of boarding a B-17 and a B-24 in Sept 08 on Long Island and there was an old timer at the show also and he was so proud showing his longtime wife the plane he flew over Germany. I love these Fortresses!

[bardasu]

i wish i would have the chance too, but i don't think in Italy is one of a kind plane.

[SJPilot65]

Nice video. Check out "Aircam XVII" for my video of riding in the B-17 Yankee Lady. It was a very memorable experience. I also have a video posted of a B-24 and B-17 leaving a local airport shown in "Aircam XIX". You have to appreciate the dedication of the volunteers that keep these planes flying.

[hftfire]

Thanks for sayin' so... the folks who maintain and fly these planes voluntarily are some of the nicest people on the globe! What an honor to be part of an organization to bring back a time in an earlier life for all to reflect and enjoy! Here's to all who served ...and serve today!

[denbar]

I love the B-17 Thank you

[hftfire]

Anytime... glad you enjoyed it!

[AussieBloke]

going on this on the 4th of June in Denver, was a dream just to be able to climb inside one so the opportunity to go for a fly in one is just incredible!!! thanks for posting this up, gives me some insite as to what to expect for the flight!!

[100thbombgroup]

Well somthing happend to me today?I cried.That does'nt happen often.I spend half my life going to the 8th airfields in England,collecting and reading anything I can regarding 8th during ww2.And then one evening I look on utube and get blown away watching this.

I've never been inside a B17,I will now before its to late.Thanks for spending the time to film,edit and post this on youtube.

You made my day,maybe even my week.

Thanks from a Grateful 8th airforce fan.

[hftfire]

I am honored... so happy you enjoyed my short documentary... but here's to the men who flew these birds... may this legacy continue for years to come in the hearts of folks like me and you!

All my best!

[stranger590]

u gotta love them 1000 horse radials!

[eodfan]

nice vid and keep up the good work.....gorgeues plane u know what i mean

[eodfan]

um yeah quick question i noticed on the modern ww2 aircraft videos the blinking lights on the underbelly and the wings..........original or added due to faa if anyone knows anything just let me know

[1291918]

MY GOD, what a beautiful aircraft, absoutely wonderful video, thank you for posting this hftfire, thank you!

[tembo01]

In eternal gratitude to these young men who died to rid Europe of nazi Germany. I belong to Sally B and several other groups so Lest we forget.

[BabyBorn]

Beautifull bomber...

[bodybager]

I wonder how much it costs to do annuals and overhauls on this aircraft? After that + insurance and fuel, there's not a lot left over for profit, I'm sure

[hftfire]

EAA is a non-profit supported strictly by volunteers as videographed here... I was blessed to ride along and pass on this incredible experience to as many as are able to view this tape... oh, and yes, you're right about the overhauls and annuals... the 'Benefit Dinner' that followed a day of flights went for alot more than admission as you might expect! Good Day!

[Andreasu]

Would love to fly with one of this.

[plavins1]

i dont like b 52, but b 17,and 29 i like verry much

[Borstel53]

nice video...nice song(s)...perfect!!

[rottydaddy]

Boy, I sure could've used wide-angle lens on my flight... very well done- really shows the scale of this leviathan.

[hftfire]

The beauty of having a 28 (wide angle) to 200 mm (tele-photo) lens on a digital camera capable of capturing full video as well. Glad you enjoyed it... have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! ...to be politically INcorrect! All my best!

[esmith512]

Thanks for posting this video. I flew on Aluminum Overcast on it's October 30, 2006 flight from Wiley Post (Oklahoma City). The B-17 is one of my all-time favorite planes! (I also flew on Sentimental Journey--twice--on Oct 4 2006. I'm nuts about B-17s, always have been! :-D) I'll post my videos from both on YouTube someday!

[hftfire]

Small world... I was the vendor coordinator at the Paso Robles Air Show in 1999... Sentimental Journey was one of our featured attractions... glad you enjoyed this video... look forward to seeing yours! All my best!

[salemcripple]

How long are the flights?

[hftfire]

As I recall it was about 30 minutes... just enough to really get comfortable wishing you could do this nearly every day.

[salemcripple]

in other words, just long enough to make you want more? lol

[hftfire]

Precisely!

[salemcripple]

isn't it like $400 somthin dollars for a ticket also?

[hftfire]

Yeppers! You can see the amounts 'requested' on the poster I have at the beginning of the video... $350 in advance... $400 the day of! I was blessed to ride along as the designated photographer that particular trip... I was driving a limousine BUS back and forth from the exclusive Hotel in the Napa Valley. Thank you GOD for putting me in the right place at the right time... Glad I am able to share this with you!

[eezee2luv]

Lose the f-ing music!

[henldune]

Soundtrack isn't necessary. Those engines are music to my ears not some lame background music.

[hftfire]

'lame' music is 'Call to Courage'... thought it would be a nice touch... enjoy!

[elli782]

I love the shots inside of the nose.

[oldtilter]

I need engine sounds..loud engine sounds..

[hkarmykid]

good video, i would kill to fly in one

[DogEars93]

I went to see it

it was asome

Although I did not fly in it

It costed 400$ PER PERSON to ride in it.

[guitarjesus9]

so would i!!!!!!!!

[s0015]

lame music.. lets hear the plane ffs

[P51ride]

Thanks to the poster of this video. Because of my reverence for the men who fought and flew I am making it a point to mark any messages as spam for CAM, Dating or other such garbage websites. God bless and keep our soldiers safe.

[buggarthat]

Great video! What is the name of the first song?

[kiminicooper1]

And to think that the original flyers were 18-25 yrs old. Those guys were heros.

[hftfire]

I agree... true heros! My grandfather flew the severely damaged aircraft from Guam back to the States... alot of water to navigate with bailing wire and 1940's aluminum tape! To all the men who flew her with courage and dignity, and all those who passed in this bird to serve a greater cause... my heart goes out to all of them! Past... Present... and FUTURE!

[hftfire]

Glad I was able to produce a video tribute to your grandpa and those who work diligently next to him just so this era in history lives on through the commitment, dedication, and... LIVES of those who take a stand for others to enjoy such an incredible once in a life time experience... by volunteering! My honor to be there for your grandpa now and for years to come.

[redneckwill077]

i havent been to EAA yet, do you know if she is at EAA this year

[hftfire]

Yes, go to 3w's dot b17 dot org This should show you the entire schedule for the remaining flights of the year... and then all supporting information available on-line. In the meantime, TEACH YOUR FAMILY TO BE FIRE SAFE! Please go to 3w's dot fireandlifesafety dot org All my best! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

[redneckwill077]

my grandpa is apart of the crew for the Aluminum Overcast..the pictures and stories are amazing

[tweetingsparrow]

Brilliant. Where exactly is this? I'm down the bottom of the Pacific so not sure of Napa Valley. Will have to go there and and have a fly before I get too old and cark.

[hftfire]

Napa County Airport, Napa, Napa Valley, California... just North and a little East of San Francisco north of the Bay. Enjoy the flight!

[SIMIHIGH2008]

sweet video