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Originally Posted by V8TV
Who / what is the organization with the B17? I'd love more info!
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The B-17G "Yankee Lady" that I wll be flying in was restored and maintained by the Yankee Air Museum out of Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ironically, also on the grounds is the GM Powertrain Willow Run Plant, which is one that will be manufacturing the new 6 speed autos, as well as serving as our Transmission Engineering headquarters. ( I get to visit often) The plant at that time (40's) was converted over and built B-25 bombers for the war effort. Unfortunately, in 2004 the museum had an electrical fire (it was housed in one of the original wooden hangers) that destroyed countless irreplaceable objects from WW2, several people at the airport who witnessed what was happening rushed into the hanger and got the B17, a B-25 and a C-47 out before they could be damaged, but the rest of the place pretty much burned to the ground. Including a few unflyable aircraft under resto. Quite a tragedy...Today, they are still operating out of a loaned hanger on the grounds, fortunately, in addition to the planes saved in the hanger, many outside on static display were not harmed (including a B-52, that is a BIG plane)...They are a non-profit entity, and donations to rebuild the museum are tax-deductable.
You can read more about the museum here
Yankee Air Museum
They have a fantastic airshow in August "Thunder over Michigan"...Mostly WW2 aircraft...I am so glad there are people out there who conserve and cherish these most important relics of our nations history for future generations, like my 5 year old son...they are truly a sight to behold (and hear!) in person. Bless our men and women who kept, and continue to keep, this country free and safe for those future generations
Thunder Over Michigan Show
71Nova, Great pictures, Thank you.
J.T.
