Fly In One Of 10 Airworthy B-17s, SB2C Helldiver And More

A B-17 Texas Raiders Showcase is taking place in Englewood, Colorado through September 9th, 2021. Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight and the Commemorative Airforce presents the showcase of a fleet of iconic WWII aircraft, led by the B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders. The aircraft will fly into Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport and show off for seven days of cockpit tours and warbird flights.

B-17 Texas Raiders media flights will take place on September 3 at 12 p.m. with limited seats available. Additionally, the showcase will feature the SB2C Helldiver, SNJ-5 Texan and SNB Sonoran Beauty, which are from the Commemorative Air Force and notable for their historic importance and restored conditions.

In the US today, there are only 10 airworthy B-17s, and the Texas Raiders are one out of three of those providing public flights today. This specific aircraft was the first that was restored solely for educational purposes and to WWII configurations, which includes machine guns and period specific equipment. 

Alongside the B-17 will be the world’s only airworthy and flying dive bomber SB2C Helldiver, as well as the SNJ / T6 Texan advanced trainer. A WWII-era twin-engine transport, the locally-based 1943 Twin Beech 18 Sonoran Beauty will join the fleet as well.

Event admission is required which includes access to the Exploration of Flight and warbird ground tours. Flights are available for purchase through the Commemorative Air Force and offer a full experience from the engine startup sequence, taxi the runway, a pause on the runway for a full engine start up and flight clearance.

The flight lasts between 20-25 minutes.

FMI: www.explorationofflight.org/event/b-17-texas-raiders-showcase