The B-17 Locator: Where Are They?

So, How Many B-17s Are Still Flying?

You see that question asked a lot. The answer is….seven, but it sort of depends on what you mean by “flying”? My answer to that question is that “flying B-17s” can be rolled out of the hangar today, have some (actually, lots of $6 a gallon) fuel and oil added, and get airborne. I call those “Operational B-17s.” There are several B-17s that are “close” to flying…but they don’t qualify as “flying” or “operational” because either they have not flown for many years, may be out of annual inspection, or are grounded for major maintenance reasons. My count, as seen below, is there are seven B-17s flying out of 47 existing complete B-17s. Check out the detailed information linked below. There is some good stuff contained there that will answer your questions.

And, I’ll add that the book Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors, available right here on this website, has the in-depth story of each of these 47 B-17 survivors, told both with text and photos. And, there is so much more contained in its 288 pages that you won’t find anywhere else. If you are a B-17 guy, you need to check out the book.

Summary Table of Surviving B-17s

B-17 Survivors Listing

B-17 Projects and New Build B-17s

Partial B-17 Airframes and RIP B-17s

B-17 Crash Sites

B-17 Nose Art Panels

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