Tue, Jul 23, 2024
While at EAA AirVenture 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, ventured out to visit the warbirds and was attracted to a large four engine aircraft that is a variation of the World War II Consolidated B-24. It turns out to be the world’s only flyable PB4Y-2, Privateer, which is a U.S. Navy version of the B-24.
To get the full scoop about the airplane, Tom talked with Boyd Gallaher, who is the pilot of the aircraft. Gallaher first became acquainted with this airplane in the late 1970s when it was being operated as a fire suppression aircraft. He described it as being like an, “Old knuckleheaded Harley that makes noise, rattles, and shakes.”
Gallaher offers some great information about the background of the aircraft in this video. The aircraft started out with the Navy but never saw action in World War II. It then moved on to the Coast Guard, but spent most of his life in the fire suppression business.
Tom asked specific questions about the flying qualities of the aircraft and Gallaher provides some great background about the flying and handling characteristics. Watch the video and you’ll find out why Gallaher said, “You have to be a monkey to get in it and a gorilla to fly it.”
Aero-TV is a production of the Internationally syndicated Aero-News Network. Seen worldwide by hundreds of thousands of aviators and aviation adherents, Aero-TV has produced over 2000 aviation and feature programs, including several hundred episodes of our daily aviation news program, AIRBORNE, hosted by Bri Cross. Parent company, Aero-News Network, has the most aggressive and intensive editorial profile of any aviation news organization and has published nearly 200,000 news and feature stories since its inception -- having pioneered the online 24/7 aviation new-media model that so many have emulated.
More News
The Airplane Made An Uncommanded Right Yaw And Roll, And He Was Unable To Maintain Control Of The Airplane On November 11, 2025, about 1750 central standard time, a Cirrus SR20, N8>[...]
Aero Linx: Florida Antique Biplane Association "Biplanes.....outrageous fun since 1903." That quote really defines what the Florida Antique Biplane Association (FABA) is all about.>[...]
Wind Shear Escape An unplanned abortive maneuver initiated by the pilot in command (PIC) as a result of onboard cockpit systems. Wind shear escapes are characterized by maximum thr>[...]
“Working closely with the Polish Armed Forces, we’re focused on disciplined execution to help enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and keep up with the strong de>[...]
Also: Bell 505 on SAF, NYPA Gets Flak For BizAv 'Abuse', FAA Venezuela Caution, Horizon Update Textron Aviation has confirmed it will be ending production of the Beechcraft Bonanza>[...]
NTSB Prelim: Cirrus Design Corp SR20
See All