As there are only two B-17s currently flying in the U.S., the opportunity to see a living and breathing Flying Fortress is becoming limited indeed. Fortunately, we have one B-17, the CAF’s Sentimental Journey, that will be making a western tour this year. And, the Erickson Flight Museum’s Ye Olde Pub, has some summer airshow dates that have been announced.

CAF’s Sentimental Journey

First, the Commemorative Air Force’s Airbase Arizona recently announced it’s Flying Legends of Victory tour tentative appearances and dates. The most current information is available at its website, but here is what they have announced as of today:

From the information available, B-17G 44-83514 (N9323Z) flying as Sentimental Journey is scheduled for all those tour stops, joined for some by the CAF B-25 and C-47.

Most of the above dates will offer Living History Flight Experiences with the B-17. Details of arranging flights can be found here.

Erickson’s Ye Olde Pub

First, of note, the Erickson Aircraft Collection facility at Madras, Oregon, has announced that it is closed for public access through August 21, 2025, when it is scheduled to hold its big Airshow of the Cascades. Presumably, much of the reason for its closure to the public has to do with its ongoing work on two disassembled B-17s at the facility, those being B-17G 44-85829 (the old Yankee Lady) and B-17G 44-85718 (the old Thunderbird). More on that covered here.

However, the Erickson Aircraft Collection has committed to a number of airshow appearances of its aircraft collection through the northwest this summer. What follows is a list indicating only those appearances where B-17G 44-8543 (N3701G), Ye Olde Pub, is expected to attend. There are other appearances by other aircraft collection and more details and updated information can be found at the museum’s dedicated webpage.

For the B-17, though, announced appearances:

• June 14-15: Olympic Airshow at Olympia Region Airport (Washington)
• July 10-13: Bremerton Airshow, Bremerton National Airport (Washington)
• August 22-23: Airshow of the Cascades, Madras (Oregon)
• September 27: Wings and Wheels, Spanish Fork Municipal Airport (Utah)

All of the above dates will offer Living History Flight Experiences with the B-17. Details of arranging flights can be found here.