Dream Ride

So, Sam and I are standing on the apron at Smyrna Airport admiring the amazing restoration job that the Liberty Foundation has done on their Liberty Belle B-17G Flying Fortress. Sam says, "Hmmm......I wonder if they've got any reservations open?"

I knew he was Jonesing to fly in the B-17, he's been talking about it for years. I told him to check it out and do it. He heads over to the trailer to inquire, then strolls back, next thing I know we're both signed up for the final 4:30 flight of the day, assigned to the two crew seats in the cockpit. What?

We stood around for the next three hours, watching it taxi in, take on another crew of eager passengers, and then take-off for the next thirty minute flight. Everytime it would taxi in and the folks would dis-embark they had the biggest grin you can imagine. Over the next few hours Sam and I got more and more excited.

At 4:00 pm they called us up for a "breifing" and assigned our seating positions, and explained the plan for the flight and what to expect. During taxi, take-off and landing we were to remain in our seat with the seatbelt on. After that we were free to move about the plane and observe the workings of the aircraft, the pilots, and also to get a view from all battle stations.

How was it? It was rough, smelly, drafty, and amazingly loud. And, it was wonderful. Thanks Sam for the dream ride. You're the best.