Better flight experience B-17 or B-24?

[chasd25]

Me and my siblings are going to team up and surprise my father with a ride on the Collings foundation B-17 or B-24 when they swing by this summer.

I don't think he has a real preference over which plane, but I was wondering if anyone here has had a ride in both, and could say which one offered the better flight experience.

Dads getting older, so ease of movement through the plane would be a minor consideration.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Charlie

[ww2John]

I have not had a ride in either of the Collings Foundation's B17 or B24, but I have flown on EAA's B17 "Aluminum Overcast".

IMHO, it is easier to move around the B17 than the B24 and the view from the nose of the B17 is much better. It requires a certain amount of agility (literally crawling under the flight deck) to go foward to the Navigator's & Bombardier's stations in the nose of the B17, but it is a great view.

I would suggest taking the ground tour of both aircraft and than choosing which one you feel would be better for your Dad. I am sure that the Collings' people can provide you some guidance on this as well.

By ALL Means, do this for him. It is a real treat.

[O.P.]

I've rode in both the B-17 and B-24 Collings aircraft. The B-17 has a certain,,cache about it. Everyone wants to go on it first. I did, and it was great. But, knowing what I know now, and only getting to ride on one of them, I'd pick the B-24.

The open gun bays make it very worth it. And sitting in the tail gunner area rocks too.

They are both awesome rides, but the open waist guns and the tail gunner position make it very worth the B-24 ride.

[p51]

I agree with Jack 100% on this. I too have scored several “volunteer” rides on the Collings planes when I still lived in Florida. My first ride was a choice of either. Man, that was a tough decision, but I decided to first ride the B-24. My reasons for this were that there were plenty of B-17s around I could ride later on if need be, but one good prang and I’d be kicking myself for not riding the last routinely airworthy B-24. Besides, fewer people have ridden B-24s than 17s anyway. It’s the “rare bird” factor that I liked.
The next year when Collings came through my hometown, I got another ride, this time on the B-17. The year after that, the 17 was full and I was the ONLY person on the B-24 other than the crew! I had free run of the airplane and I was totally alone aft of the bomb bay!
And then the year after that I scored a P-51 ride , but that's not the issue here...
For “Gee whiz” points, nothing beats a 17. And the view from the nose is sweet. But keep in mind you don’t get much time up there and its freaking loud being that close to the engines. For pure comfort and ease of getting photos, nothing beats the 24, behind the bomb bay. You have all the room you want, the windows are open, and that tail gun position view is something you’ll always remember.

[flyboyid]

Speaking from someone who has been through both Nine-O-Nine and Witchcraft several times, I'd have to say that the B-17 is much more accomodating. The 24 does have more room in the waist area, but if your to move forward, it's much more difficult than the 17. Both require crawling on your knees to reach the nose. Also, the B-17's crew door is in the rear and if I remember right you board the B-24 through the bomb bay.
Of course I also piloted the B-17 so I am a little biased. In all honesty, both aircraft would leave you with a very memorable experience. And from spending time with the tour, the B-17 is usually more popular and books faster. If you don't book your flight in advance, they can sell out.

[spookyboss]

My First warbird ride was in Tallichet's B-24. It was great. even though I have flown in the B-17 I would pick the B-24 over it every time.

[PJ]

I flew in both Collings planes back-t-back last Aug. They were both great thrils, but as others have mentioned, crawling up to the nose in the 24 is rough. The view from the bombardiers seat in the 17 is the greatest seat in the house, but the open waist positions in the 24 give you the sound and the wind (plus view) and being able to swing the .50 cals. around. It is tough to say which was better...both are living legends. Book early when you know their schedule. Enjoy!
PJ

[Lynn Allen]

I rode in the B-24 last year and will ride "909" this year, but for the money, I would put your dad in the nose of the 17 and let it fly, he will come back with a smile. Also, make sure he is wearing ear plugs, as the take off power setting is something to "feel".

Cheers,

Lynn

[Jerry O'Neill]

I've flown in all the major US warbird bombers and if I had my choice, and if Collings had the aircraft with them, I'd take the flight in their B-25 "Tondelayo". The seat in the nose is the best bomber ride anywhere!
Blue skies,
Jerry

[bomberflight]

I can't say which one is better ~ I would rather say they are different !

The B-17 is an icon of the WW2 era ~ and my favourite airplane type ~ its fairly cramped if your approaching 6 feet tall ~ apart from the radio room with the overhead hatch removed.

By comparison the B-24 rear compartment and cockpit are much more "roomy" ~ I can stand upright in both. As others have said ~ the B-24 also benifits from having open waist windows ~ this is a very real bonus on hot sunny days.

Mobility wise ~ you have to get across the bomb-bay cat walk in both to get from from to back ( or vice versa ) but I have seen 80 year old men become agile 19 year olds again once airbourne ~ so it shouldn't pose a problem !

Try and book early to get a first flight / early morning trip. This has two advantages ~ it will include the engine power checks prior to take-off and the ride should be smoother.

If you promise not to tell my bank manager that the cash for the new kitchen actually went on warbird rides ~ follow the links from my bomber rides page ...... ( B-24 / B-17's / B-25's )

http://www.bomberflight.info/bomber_mis ... ssions.htm

I'm not addicted ~ no really ~ I could stop anytime ~ it's just way too much fun !

Which ever you choose ~ I'm sure he will come back wearing the big silly grin ~ with memories he will always treasure !

[chasd25]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of good info to think about.

I'm leaning towards the B-24!

Charlie

[Wolverine]

When the Collings Foundation flew their bombers into Kansas City last year, I drove up and visited.

One old gentleman looked at the B-24 and said that it was the best plane he ever flew in and having flown both, it was better.

I heard another old gentleman say the same thing about the B-17.

I guess it's just a matter of personal preference and whichever one gets you safely through combat.