I Hear Chuckie's Gonna Fly

[Ztex]

Many folks have helped keep this airplane in great shape over the years.

Museums recognize their volunteers in many different ways. Some folks get flights, some get a certificate, the most dedicated get their name on a plaque or their name painted on an airplane.

One of the coolest things I have seen done for the folks at the VFM is the cowl flap "program" that Doc and Chuckie did.

For 10 years of dedicated service you could get a plaque ON the airplane's cowl flaps!

For those that have never been up close to this B-17...the honored names!

[GARY HILTON]

Wow! What a ride! 30 years in Ft Worth! I wish I could find the photo of the skinny guy with the long half-afro hair holding the toddler there at Meachum in front of the B-17 to be named "Chuckie".....my son probably stole it from me.....We just happened to be driving by when she arrived from Dothan......If I'd had the time I would loved to be there to witness her departure to Va.

Here's hoping the next custodian has at least a 30 year run!!! Would be nice if she kept her name, but I do understand things do change.....

Cheers to you Chuckie, and Blue Skies!!!

[Chicoartist]

Way to go, Bill! She looks beautiful! I know you've been working yer tushy off on her for years. What's the next big project?

Wade

[CrewDawg]

First of all, thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and pats on the back. As I have already said, we couldn't have done it without the help of a lot of great, dedicated volunteers.

Well we made the short trip from Meacham to DFW without a hitch. She flew fine, I tell you, she really loves being in the air where she belongs! Tomorrow we'll spend the day sharing her with 4000 school kids ! Then take her back home to the VFM around 2'ish (hint, hint you photog's). I snapped this one right before we left her for the night with my Droid phone believe it or not. Just goes to show that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.



As for some of the questions that have been posed lately here is what I know:
- Jerry is going to keep the name Chuckie and the same paint scheme for the foreseeable future
- Jerry wants to put a radome in it that is at least externally correct, although probably not functional
- Jerry would like to put the chin turret back on also
- Jerry has plans to finally get rid of the cargo door and restore the RH waist gunners position.
- Chuckie is going to keep the museum open
- We don't know for sure what our next project or plane will be, we are exploring options right now. If anyone knows of any great deals let me know.

[Craig59]

Chuckie just flew over my home (2:30pm) in north Fort Worth. How exciting to see her in the air!

[spookythecat]

I'm really looking forward to seeing Chuckie again soon.

I've shared this pic a few times before but here it is again. It's a 4 year old me with my dad at Oshkosh '80