Liberty Belle News

Statement from Liberty Foundation Chief Pilot:

2011-06-15T11:11:00.001-07:00

June 14, 2011 - First, let me start off by sincerely thanking everyone for the outpouring of support that we are receiving. I am sorry that I have not yet had the opportunity to return the many phone calls, text or e-mails that I am receiving offering to help. Again, thank you for all of the kind words that we are receiving and for incredible offers to help emotionally, financially and/or with the recovery process. I hope this statement will help fill in a few details that everyone is wondering about that led to the loss of our “Liberty Belle”.

Yesterday (June 13, 2011) morning, both our P-40 and B-17 were scheduled to fly from Aurora, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana. We were in Aurora for the weekend as a part of our scheduled tour. Over the course of the previous week, we completed a scheduled 25-hour inspection on the B-17 which was completed by Saturday. On Saturday, the weather stayed below the required ceiling to give any passenger flights, however the B-17 flew in the morning on a routine training proficiency flight, performing several patterns. Following the flight, other maintenance issues arose that required us to cancel our Sunday flying schedule for repairs. The maintenance performed has not been, in any way, associated to the chain of events that led to Monday’s fateful flight, but is being considered in the preliminary investigation. However, due to the media’s sensational (mis)reporting, there is a large amount of misinformation that continues to lead the news.

Here is what we do know… Flying in the left seat of the B-17 was Capt. John Hess. John has been flying our Liberty Belle since 2005 and one of our most experienced B-17 pilots. He is an active Delta Air Lines Captain with over 14,000 hours of flying experience and flys a variety of vintage WWII aircraft. In the right seat was Bud Sittig. While Bud is new to the Liberty Foundation this year, he is also incredibly experienced with over 14,000 hours of flying time in vintage and hi-performance aircraft. He is a retired Captain with Delta Air Lines.

The news misidentified the P-40 as flying chase during the accident. I was flying our P-40, however I had departed 20 minutes prior to the B-17’s takeoff on the short flight to Indianapolis to setup for the B-17’s arrival. The aircraft flying chase was a T-6 Texan flown by owner Cullen Underwood. Cullen is one of our rated B-17 Captains and an experienced aviator tagging along as a support ship.

The takeoff of both aircraft was uneventful and proceeded on-course southeast. Prior to exiting Aurora’s airport traffic area, the B-17 crew and passengers began investigating an acrid smell and started a turn back to the airport. Almost immediately thereafter, Cullen spotted flames coming from the left wing and reported over the radio that they were on fire.

As all pilots know, there are few emergency situations that are more critical than having an in-flight fire. While an in-flight fire is extremely rare, it can (and sometimes does) indiscriminately affect aircraft of any age or type. In-flight fires have led to the loss of not only aircraft, but often can result in catastrophic loss of life. It requires an immediate action on the flight crew, as the integrity of aircraft structure, systems and critical components are in question.

Directly below the B-17 was a farmer’s field and the decision was made to land immediately. Approximately 1 minute and 40 seconds from the radio report of the fire, the B-17 was down safely on the field. Within that 1:40 time frame, the crew shutdown and feathered the number 2 engine, activated the engine’s fire suppression system, lowered the landing gear and performed an on-speed landing. Bringing the B-17 to a quick stop, the crew and passengers quickly and safely exited the aircraft. Overhead in the T-6, Cullen professionally coordinated and directed the firefighting equipment which was dispatched by Aurora Tower to the landing location.

Unlike the sensational photos that you have all seen of the completely burned B-17 on the news, you will see from photos taken by our crew that our Liberty Belle was undamaged by the forced landing and at the time of landing, the wing fire damage was relatively small. The crew actually unloaded bags, then had the horrible task of watching the aircraft slowly burn while waiting for the fire trucks to arrive. There were high hopes that the fire would be extinguished quickly and the damage would be repairable. Those hopes were diminished as the fire trucks deemed the field too soft to cross due to the area’s recent rainfall. So while standing by our burning B-17 and watching the fire trucks parked at the field’s edge, they sadly watched the wing fire spread to the aircraft’s fuel cells and of course, you all have seen the end result. There is no doubt that had the fire equipment been able to reach our aircraft, the fire would have been quickly extinguished and our Liberty Belle would have been repaired to continue her worthwhile mission.

Let me go on the record by thanking the flight crew for their professionalism. Their actions were nothing short of heroic and their quick thinking, actions and experience led to a “successful” outcome to this serious in-flight emergency. John and Bud (and Cullen) did a remarkable job under extreme circumstances and performed spectacularly. While the leading news stories have repeatedly reported the “crash” of our B-17, fact is they made a successful forced landing and the aircraft was ultimately consumed by fire. Airplanes are replaceable but people are not and while the aircraft’s loss is tragic, it was a successful result.

This leads me into discussing the exceptional safety record of the Boeing B-17 and to hopefully squash the naysayers who preach we should not be flying these types of aircraft. Since we first flew the “Liberty Belle” in December of 2004, we have flown over 20,000 passengers throughout the country and if you count our historic trip to Europe in 2008, worldwide. Of the other touring B-17s, some of which that have been touring for over 20 years, they have safely flown hundreds of thousands of people. The aircraft’s safety record is spectacular and I am certain the overall cause of our issue, which is under investigation, will not tarnish that safety record. In fact, as many of you know, other B-17 have suffered significant damage (although not as bad as ours!), only to be re-built to fly again. From a passenger carrying standpoint, I can think of few aircraft that offer the same level of safety as the 4-engine “Flying Fortress”. As mentioned earlier, in-flight fires are extremely rare and certainly could affect any powered aircraft under certain circumstances. I would put my children today in any of the other touring B-17s to go fly. I suggest to anyone that was thinking of doing so when a B-17 visits your area to do so without giving our loss any thought.

There is wild speculation going on as to the cause of our fire and the affect to other operators. Please let the investigation run its course and report the findings. The NTSB and FAA were quickly on the scene and we are working closely with them to aid in the investigation. As soon as we receive some additional information, we will release it via the website.

The ultimate question remains, where does the Liberty Foundation go from here? After the investigation and recovery, we will determine our options. We are still committed to the restoration and flying of World War II aircraft. Again, we appreciate the support and people offering to help get us back flying.

Please check back for updates. I will close by thanking everyone that made our tour so successful. From the first day of the B-17’s restoration, thank you for all of you who labored to get her flying over the initial restoration years and to everyone that has worked on her out on tour since. Thank you to the crewmembers, tour coordinators and volunteers who gave up weekends and countless hours to support her on the road. And finally, thank you to the passengers, donors and media patrons that flew aboard and everyone who supported our cause. Hopefully, this will not be the end of the story, but a new beginning.

Regards,
Ray Fowler
The Liberty Foundation, Chief Pilot

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the skies over Chicago

2011-06-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Chicago this weekend (6/11 - 6/12).

Chicago, IL
Aurora Municipal Airport(ARR)
Lumanair Aviation FBO
43W 752 Route 30
Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle soars into Minneapolis

2011-05-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Kansas City this weekend (6/4 - 6/5).

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
St. Paul Downtown Airport(STP)
Signature Flight Support FBO
515 Eaton Street
St. Paul, MN 55107

CBS Minnesota
Star Tribune
Minnesota Public Radio

Check out our website for specific details: www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle roars into Omaha and Des Moines

2011-05-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Omaha (5/28) and Des Moines (5/29) area this weekend.

May 28 - Omaha, NE (Council Bluffs), IA (Council Bluffs Municipal Airport)
May 29 - Des Moines, IA (Des Moines International Airport)

The Des Moines Register
Des Moines Register - Photos
The Daily Nonpareil

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

The Liberty Foundation on Warbird Radio!

2011-05-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our own Ray Fowler was on Warbird Radio this past tuesday. Discussions included our new P-40 that has joined the tour this year.

You can listen to the entire show by clicking here Warbird Radio - Episode 299.

B-17 Liberty Belle Journeys into Kansas City

2011-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Kansas City this weekend (5/21 - 5/22).

Kansas City, MO
Charles B Wheeler Airport (MKC)
Signature Flight Support FBO
10 Richards Road
Kansas City, MO 64116

WWII B-17 Flies over Kansas City - Kansas City Star
Photos - Kansas City Star
The Olathe News
B-17 Bomber and Rare P-40 take flight over Kansas City - NBC
History lesson takes flight - Kansas City Post
WWII-era aircraft dreams take flight - The Examiner
Liberty Foundation supports veterans - Leavenworth Times

Check out our website for specific details: www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle climbs into Denver

2011-05-10T07:56:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Denver this weekend (5/14 - 5/15).

Denver, CO
Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC)
Denver AirCenter FBO
11705 Airport Way
Broomfield, CO 80021

Check out our website for specific details: www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle lands in Salt Lake City

2011-05-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Salt Lake City this weekend (5/7 - 5/8).

Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake Jet Center FBO
369 North 2370 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Check out our website for specific details: www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the skies over Seattle

2011-04-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Seattle this weekend (4/30 - 5/1).

Boeing Field
The Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle Journeys into Portland

2011-04-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Portland this weekend (4/23 - 4/24).

Portland-Hillsboro Airport
Aero Air FBO
2050 NE 25th Ave

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle swoops into Santa Rosa and Sacramento

2011-04-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Santa Rosa (4/16) and Sacramento (4/17) area this weekend.

April 16 - Santa Rosa, CA (Sonoma County Airport)
April 17 - Sacramento, CA (Mather Field Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle soars into San Francisco

2011-04-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting San Francisco this weekend (4/9 - 4/10).

Hayward Executive Airport
APP Jet Center FBO
21889 Sky West Drive

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle roars into Bakersfield and Fresno

2011-03-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Bakersfield (4/2) and Fresno (4/3) area this weekend.

April 2 - Bakersfield, CA (Meadows Field Airport)
April 3 - Fresno, CA (Fresno-Yosemite International Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle Cruise into Burbank

2011-03-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Burbank this weekend (3/26 - 3/27).

Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport
Atlantic Aviation FBO
10750 Sherman Way

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle Journeys into Houston

2011-03-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Houston this weekend (3/19 - 3/20).

David Wayne Hooks Airport
Gill Aviation FBO
20803 Stuebner Airline Road

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle extends visit to Atlanta an extra weekend.

2011-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Atlanta this weekend (3/5 - 3/6).

Peachtree-Dekalb Airport
Epps Aviation FBO
1 Aviation Way

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

2011 Tour season kicks off in Atlanta

2011-02-23T15:12:00.001-08:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 and P-40 will be visiting Atlanta this weekend (2/26 - 2/27).

Peachtree-Dekalb Airport
Epps Aviation FBO
1 Aviation Way

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle spending the week in St. Simons, Valdosta (Sat) and Apalachicola (Sun)

2010-11-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

We will be in St. Simons this week (11/8 - 11/12), Moody AFB Airshow on Saturday, and Apalachicola, FL on Sunday.

November 8-12 - St. Simons Island, GA
Nov 8-10 Ground Tours 3pm to 7pm
Nov 11-12 B-17 Flights

November 13 - Valdosta, GA (Moody AFB Airshow)
November 14 - Apalachicola, FL (Visit in honor and memory of Cleve Randolph)

The Florida Times/Union
The Golden Isles Council of the Navy League
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
Oyster Radio

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle Journeys into Tampa

2010-11-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Tampa, FL this weekend (11/6 and 11/7).

Vandenberg Airport
Leading Edge Aviation FBO
6582 Eureka Springs Road

Things to do in Tampa

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle roars into Fort Lauderdale

2010-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Fort Lauderdale this weekend (10/30 - 10/31).

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
Banyan Air Services FBO
5360 NW 20th Terrace

Broward Palm Beach News Times
Sun Sentinel
Sun Sentinel - Photos

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle on display at the NAS JAX Airshow (Jacksonville)

2010-10-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be on display at the NAS JAX Airshow in Jacksonville.

October 23-24 - Jacksonville, FL
NAS JAX Airshow
http://airshow.jacksonville.com/

No rides this event.

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the skies over Florida (Pensacola and Tallahassee)

2010-10-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting northern Florida (Pensacola and Tallahassee) this weekend (10/16 and 10/17).

October 16 - Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Regional Airport
Pensacola Aviation FBO
4145 Jerry L Maygarden Road

October 17 - Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee Regional Airport
Million Air FBO
3254 Capitol Circle SW

Pensacola News Journal
Gulf Breeze News
WEAR TV
WTXL TV
WCTV TV

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

New stops just announced - Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale.

2010-10-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

October 23-24th - Jacksonville, FL (NAS JAX Airshow)
October 30-31st - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport)

B-17 Liberty Belle on display at the Little Rock AFB Airshow

2010-10-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be on display at the Little Rock AFB Airshow.

October 9-10 - Little Rock, AR
Little Rock AFB Airshow
http://www.littlerockairshow.com

No rides this event.

New stops just announced - Pensacola (FL), Tallahassee (FL), and Moultrie (GA)

2010-09-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

We have just added three new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

October 16th - Pensacola FL (Pensacola Regional Airport)
October 17th - Tallahassee FL (Tallahassee Regional Airport)
October 19-21 - Moultrie GA (Spence Field)

B-17 Liberty Belle swoops into Tulsa

2010-09-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Tulsa, OK this weekend (10/2 and 10/3).

Jones-Riverside Airport
Roadhouse Aviation FBO
107 Piper Drive

News on 6
Tulsa World
KRMG - Radio

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle Journeys into Albuquerque

2010-09-20T09:56:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Albuquerque, NM this weekend (9/25 - 9/26).

Double Eagle II Airport
Bode Aviation FBO
7401 Paseo Del Volcan NW

The Daily Times
KOB TV

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

New stops just announced - Tulsa and Little Rock

2010-09-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

October 2-3rd - Tulsa, OK (Jones-Riverside Airport)
October 12-13th - Little Rock, AR (Little Rock AFB Airshow)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle on display at the Reno Air Races and Airshow

2010-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be on display at the 47th Annual Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show.

Sept 16-19th
Reno, NV
Reno Air Races
http://www.airrace.org

No rides this event.

B-17 Liberty Belle Soars over Phoenix

2010-09-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Phoenix, AZ this weekend (9/11 - 9/12).

Deer Valley Airport
Atlantic Aviation FBO
732 West Deer Valley Road

Your West Valley
Sonoran News
Your West Valley

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the sky over Texas (Amarillo and Lubbock)

2010-08-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting northern Texas (Amarillo and Lubbock) this weekend (9/4 and 9/5).

September 4 - Amarillo, TX
Amarillo International Airport
Tac Air FBO
10610 American Drive

September 5 - Lubbock, TX
Lubbock International Airport
Lubbock Aero FBO
6304 North Cedar Ave

Borger News Herald
Amarillo Globe-News
KVII - Video
KAMR
KAMR - Video

Plainview Daily Herald
KCBD
KCBD - Video
Magic 93.7 FM
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the sky over Missouri (Springfield and Joplin)

2010-08-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting southwest Missouri (Springfield and Joplin) this weekend (8/28 and 8/29).

August 28 - Springfield, MO
Springfield-Branson National Airport
General Aviation Complex
2801 N. General Aviation Ave

August 29 - Joplin, MO
Joplin Regional Airport
Mizzou Aviation FBO
5497 Dennis Weaver Drive

The Rolla Daily News
News-Leader
Carthage Press
Joplin Globe
KY3 - NBC

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

New stops just announced - Phoenix, Reno, and Albuquerque

2010-08-18T21:02:00.001-07:00

We have just added three new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

September 11 & 12 - Phoenix, AZ (Deer Valley Airport)
September 16-19 - Reno Air Races
September 25-26 - Albuquerque, NM (Double Eagle II Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Liberty Belle soaring over St. Louis

2010-08-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting St. Louis, MO this weekend (8/21 - 8/22).

Spirit of St Louis Airport
Million Air FBO
549 Bell Ave

FOX 2
St. Charles Community
Edwardsville Intelligencer
The Aero Experience
Tailspin

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle glides into Louisville

2010-08-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Louisville, KY this weekend (8/14 - 8/15).

Clark County Airport
Aircraft Specialists FBO
6005 Propeller Lane

Voice Tribune
News-Enterprise
FOX 41
Courier-Journal
Courier-Journal - Photos

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

New stops just announced - Springfield, Joplin, Amarillo, and Lubbock

2010-08-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

We have just added four new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

August 28 - Springfield, MO (Springfield-Branson National Airport)
August 29 - Joplin, MO (Joplin Regional Airport)
September 4 - Amarillo, TX (Amarillo International Airport)
September 5 - Lubbock, TX (Lubbock International Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle among the gathering of Fortresses and Legends in Michigan

2010-08-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Gathering of Fortresses and Legends - The Largest Gathering of WWII Heavy Bombers in the World.

Thunder over Michigan Air Show
Willow Run Airport (Ypsilanti, MI)
August 6-9, 2010

No rides this event.

HOMETOWNlife.com

New stops just announced - Louisville and St. Louis

2010-07-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

August 14-15 - Louisville, KY (Clark County Airport)
August 21-22 - St. Louis, MO (Spirit of St. Louis Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Happy 75th Anniversary to the B-17

2010-07-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the first B-17 flight. The XB-17 (Model 299) took off from Seattle's Boeing Field on July 28, 1935.

B-17 Liberty Belle roars into Buffalo

2010-07-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Buffalo this weekend (7/31 - 8/1).

Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Prior Aviation FBO
50 North Airport Drive

Buffalo News
Buffalo News - Photos
WGRZ
WNYmedia
WBEN Radio
WIVB TV
Tonawanda News

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the sky over New York (Albany and Syracuse)

2010-07-19T06:49:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting New York (Albany and Syracuse) this weekend (7/24 and 7/25).

July 24 - Albany, NY
Albany International Airport
Million Air FBO
16 Jet Way Drive

July 25 - Syracuse, NY
Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Landmark Aviation FBO
835 Malden Road

CNYcentral
WKTV
WCAX
Spotlight News
The Record
Register Star
Times Union
WXXA - FOX
WSYR
Your News Now - YNN Syracuse
Your News Now - YNN Albany
CNYcentral
The Post-Standard
The Post-Standard - Photos

B-17 Liberty Belle Bomber Takes Flight

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle touring Connecticut (Hartford and Bridgeport)

2010-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Hartford this Saturday and Bridgeport Sunday.

July 17 at Hartford-Brainard Airport (Atlantic Aviation FBO)
July 18 at Sikorsky Memorial Airport (Atlantic Aviation FBO)

Hartford Courant - Photos
Connecticut Post
Norwalk News - The Hour

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

New stops just announced - Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Michigan

2010-07-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

We have just added four new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

July 24 - Albany, NY (Albany International Airport)
July 25 - Syracuse, NY (Syracuse Hancock International Airport)
July 31 - August 1 - Buffalo, NY (Buffalo Niagara International Airport)
August 6-9 - Ypsilanti, MI (Thunder over Michigan - Willow Run Airport)

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle takes to the sky over Boston

2010-07-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Boston, MA this weekend (7/10 and 7/11).

Lawrence Municipal Airport
Falcon Air FBO
492 Sutton Street

Newburyport News
Boston Herald
Boston Herald - Photos

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle swoops into Pittsburgh

2010-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Pittsburgh, PA this weekend (7/3 and 7/4).

Allegheny County Airport
Main Terminal Building
12 Allegheny County Airport

KDKA Radio
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Photos
Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle wends into Columbus

2010-06-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Columbus, OH this weekend (6/26 and 6/27).

Bolton Field Airport
Capitol Jet Center FBO
2000 Norton Road

The Logan Daily News
The Columbus Dispatch
NBC 4i
Chillicothe Gazette
Coshocton Tribune

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle journeys into Cincinnati

2010-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Cincinnati, OH this weekend (6/19 and 6/20).

Lunken Field
Air 10 FBO
358 Wilmer Ave

Cincinnati Enquirer
WCPO - ABC

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle cruises into Dallas

2010-06-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Dallas, TX this weekend (6/12 and 6/13).

Addison Airport
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Claire Chennault

Dallas Morning News
KNTU 88.1 FM

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle soars into OKC

2010-05-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Oklahoma City, OK this weekend (6/5 and 6/6).

Wiley Post Airport
Atlantic Aviation FBO
5901 Philip J. Rhoads Ave

KFOR
NewsOK
NewsOK - Video
NewsOK - Oklahoma State Briefs
KSBI Thunder TV

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle spending Memorial Day weekend in Wichita, KS

2010-05-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Wichita, KS this weekend (5/29 and 5/30).

James Jabara Airport
Midwest Corporate Aviation FBO
3512 North Webb Road

Kansas.com
Wichita Eagle Blogs
KAKE - ABC
Wichita Eagle - Video
Wichita Eagle - Photo Galleries

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle touching down in Colorado Springs

2010-05-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Colorado Springs, CO this weekend (5/22 and 5/23).

Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Cutter Aviation FBO
1360 Aviation Way

KRDO - ABC - Slideshow
Colorado Connection - FOX
KKTV - CBS
Richard Randall - KVOR

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Oklahoma City and Dallas stops just added

2010-05-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

June 5-6 - Oklahoma City, OK (Wiley Post Airport)
June 12-13 - Dallas, TX (Addison Airport)

Conversation with Liberty Belle Chief Pilot Ray Fowler – Warbird Radio

2010-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Warbird Radio LIVE! - The Liberty Foundation - Ep133
P-40 Photos

B-17 Liberty Belle climbing into Denver

2010-05-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Denver, CO this weekend (5/15 and 5/16).

Rocky Mountain Metro Airport
Stevens Aviation FBO
11905 Corporate Way

Denver Post
Broomfield Enterprise
Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 Liberty Belle touring Wyoming (Casper and Cheyenne)

2010-05-03T17:18:00.001-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Casper this Saturday and Cheyenne Sunday.

May 8th at Notrona County International Airport (Atlantic Aviation FBO)
May 9th at Cheyenne Airport (Sky Harbor Air Service FBO)

The Casper Journal
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Casper Star Tribune
KGWN
KCWY

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Colorado Springs and Wichita stops just added

2010-04-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

We have just added two new stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

May 22-23 - Colorado Springs, CO (Colorado Springs Municipal Airport)
May 29-30 - Wichita, KS - (James Jabara Airport)

Liberty Belle soaring over Spokane

2010-04-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle B-17 will be visiting Spokane, WA this weekend (5/1 and 5/2).

Felts Field Airport (Main Terminal)
6105 East Rutter Ave

KUOW
Northwest Public Radio
The Spokesman-Review (Photos)
Dave Erickson 360
The Pacific Northwest Inlander
KXLY

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Tour coming to Seattle's Museum of Flight

2010-04-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Seattle this weekend (4/24 and 4/25).

Boeing Field Airport (Museum of Flight)
9404 East Marginal Way

http://365thingstodoeastside.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/day-24-of-365-things-to-do-around-the-eastside-the-flying-fortress-b-17-bomber-the-liberty-belle/
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/24/1161634/couple-of-c-notes-gets-you-a-ride.html
http://www.westseattleherald.com/2010/04/19/features/slideshow-b-17-flies-over-seattle-public-flights-available-apr-24-25
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Take-a-ride-on-a-B-17-Flying-Fortress-91534164.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36649743/
http://www.museumofflight.org/event/b-17-liberty-belle-aircraft-rides-and-tours
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011628804_libertybelle17m.html
http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/201513.asp
http://avstop.com/news_april_2010/world_war_ii_b-17_bomber_flies_to_the_museum_of_flight_april_19.htm
http://www.westseattleherald.com/2010/04/14/features/liberty-belle-wwii-b-17-bomber-takes-flight-over-seattle
http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/202603.asp

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Spokane, Casper, Cheyenne, and Denver just added.

2010-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

We have just added four stops to the 2010 tour schedule.

May 1-2 - Spokane, WA (Felt Field Airport)
May 8 - Casper, WY (Notrona County International Airport)
May 9 - Cheyenne, WY (Cheyenne Airport)
May 15-16 - Denver, CO (Rocky Mountain Metro Airport)

B-17 "Liberty Belle" roars into Hillsboro/Portland

2010-04-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting the Hillsboro/Portland area this weekend (4/17-4/18).

Portland Hillsboro Airport (Aero Air FBO)
2050 NE 25th Ave

http://www.kxl.com/WWII--Flying-Fortress--Graces-Portland-Skies/6786267
http://hillsboro.katu.com/content/take-ride-history-%E2%80%93-b-17-visits-hillsboro
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/04/b-17_liberty_belle_in_hillsbor_3.html
http://www.katu.com/news/photos/90949419.html
http://dailyme.com/story/2010041400006458/liberty-belle-restored-boeing-b-17-visit.html

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

B-17 on mission of remembrance in Oregon

2010-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Eugene this Saturday and Medford Sunday.
April 10th at Mahlon Sweet Field Airport (Flightcraft FBO)
April 11th at Rogue Valley International Airport (Medford Air Service FBO)

http://www.kval.com/news/entertainment/89477832.html
http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/living/lifestyles/24592257-41/titanic-0404-rail-visit-call.csp
http://www.1150kago.com/Community/PublicServiceAnnouncements/tabid/1635/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/190/Liberty-Belle-WWII-B-17-Bomber-in-Medford-Monday-April-5th.aspx
http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/lifestyle/x998204295/WWII-B-17-bomber-takes-flight-over-Medford
http://kezi.com/page/169062

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

World War Two Flying Fortress Lands in Salt Lake

2010-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle will be visiting Salt Lake City this weekend.

April 3rd and 4th
Salt Lake International Airport
Salt Lake Jet Center FBO

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/World-War-Two-Flying-Fortress-Lands-in-Salt-Lake/AZNQ0P74b0WgXF9nPTLJUg.cspx
http://connect2utah.com/content/fulltext/?cid=81952
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700020517/Belle-of-the-skies---Restored-World-War-II-Boeing-B-17-comes-to-Utah.html?s_cid=rss-30
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700022226/Flying-Fortress-Restored-B-17-Liberty-Belle-pays-tribute-to-WWII-aviation.html
http://blog.patricksmithphotos.com/2010/04/big-plane.html

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

Take a tour - or a flight - aboard a WWII Flying Fortress this weekend (Palm Springs, CA)

2010-03-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

The “Liberty Belle,” one of the few Boeing B-17s still flying, will be soaring over Coachella Valley this weekend as part of a nationwide tour.

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103230308

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

History takes flight over the skies of Tucson in a rare B-17 WWII bomber

2010-03-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

History takes flight over the skies of Tucson in a rare B-17 WWII bomber
The Liberty Belle will be in Tucson, AZ March 19-21st

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=12147195
http://www.dm.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123188680
http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=9054830&nav=menu1456_2

Check out our website for specific details: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

The 2010 Tour season is well underway

2010-03-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Tour season kicked off January 30th in Savannah. We have already visited the following cities:

Savannah, GA
Atlanta, GA
Houston, TX
San Diego, CA
Long Beach, CA
Burbank, CA

Check our website to see where we are going next: http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

The Liberty Belle Puts on a Show

2009-07-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

"Your B-17 was just at Lawrence Airport in MA and I was privileged to check it out up close on Saturday, then again on Sunday, as it flew overhead at an RC plane meet in Tewksbury, MA. It sure seemed like they knew we were there, because they appeared to circle the field twice, before flying on. Do you know if they intended to put on such an awesome show for us, or was that just us thinking we were brothers in flight? At any rate, it was AWESOME hearing those huge round engines rumble overhead."

- Charles A. Enman

Liberty Belle featured at PDK Airport

2009-04-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Liberty Belle was featured on Peachtree Dekalb's website on the opening weekends of the 2009 traveling season. Congrats to Frank who took the photos. Frank told us " I have become one of the Belle's biggest fans! When she visits on a weekend, I'm there both days! Hope to see you there again some time..."

You can see more of Frank's photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gamtnrider/

B-17 Video (updated)

2009-03-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

This vintage video of the Liberty Belle was sent in by Bruce Scott and shows an unforgettable Indiana visit with a WWII veteran pilot. Thanks Bruce for sending this in. Here is the video's description from the man who took it:

It's Jefferson County Airport (now Rocky Mountain Regional Airport) in the greater Denver metro area. The picture of me manning the machine gun at the end was taken about 6 years ago in the B-17 *Nine-O-Nine* at Clark County Airport in Jeffersonville, Indiana (when I lived in Louisville, KY).

Liberty Belle Over Stone Mountain, Georgia

2009-02-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

Jeff Giessen of Duluth, GA sent this photo from flight over Stone Mountain the the Liberty Belle. Jeff said "The ride I took on the Belle was the most fun I've had in years. It was a valentines day present from my wife." What a great present indeed!

Liberty Belle Kicks Off 2009 Tour in Atlanta

2009-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Take a flight in of one of the greatest military aircraft ever built… our fully restored Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress!

The Liberty Foundation’s “Salute to Veterans Tour” kicks off in Atlanta and offers the public the chance of a lifetime to fly in our legendary Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

Our B-17 “Liberty Belle” provides passengers an opportunity to take a step back-in-time and gain respect for the men and women who gave so much to protect our freedoms. Flight participants receive a historical briefing about the significance of the B-17 then take to the air for a scenic tour around the local area. Please see the schedule for more details.

If you do not care to take a flight, please come out to watch the Liberty Belle fly and take a ground tour. The Liberty Foundation relies solely on donations and contributions to help defray the B-17’s high operational expense and maintenance costs. Your support helps keep this spectacular aircraft flying and any amount helps! A portion of all funds raised goes to help Angel Flight of Georgia and for donations received of $500 or more, a random WWII veteran will be selected on tour and flown in the B-17 on your behalf!

The total flight experience takes 45 minutes with half hour of flight time. The cost is $430.00 per passenger, a small price to pay for historic time travel back to WWII. Gift certificates are available and the perfect gift for Valentines Day.

For reservations or information call (918) 340-0243.

Liberty Foundation B-17 Maintenance Fund

2009-02-15T16:55:00.001-08:00

The challenges involved in maintaining a World War II bomber in flying condition increases with each year. Now more than ever, your contributions count to keep this living history museum flying as a tribute to all the men and women who have served our country in times of need.

Insurance costs have risen greatly in recent years (particularly since September 11th) and the cost of an engine overhaul has now topped $50,000 and bear in mind that we may overhaul between one and two engines annually.

The Liberty Foundation B-17 is not supported or sustained by regular city, state of federal grants of any kind. The B-17 relies on Corporate and personal contributions to help defray the operational expense and maintenance costs. Please help to keep this living history museum in the sky honoring our veterans. Your donation will make a difference

The Liberty Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization, and all donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extend allowed by law. Donations can be made for the B-17 Maintenance fund and mailed to:

B-17 Maintenance Fund
11564 east 7th street
Tulsa, OK 74128