Another B-25 Flying!

[JohnTerrell]

The EAA Museum's B-25H "Berlin Express" made its first test flight today, and a very successful one at that, bringing the current count of active B-25's to 38.

Video here: https://www.facebook.com/EAA/videos/292907471624738/

This one is pretty cool, still incorporating the airstair and side door on the aft fuselage, and the custom clipped wingtips - leftovers from its days as a corporate flyer, many decades ago. The aircraft is painted in the markings it carried for the film "Catch-22" (though looking far, far better than it did then). The aircraft was operational with the EAA, following a first restoration in the late 70's/early 80's, but after several years of flying it suffered a landing gear failure and was repaired only for display purpose. However, beginning in 2015, the aircraft has been under restoration to fly again, culminating in its first test flight today. The restoration has been led by EAA Chapter 237 from Blaine, Minnesota.

I believe the plan still stands, that this aircraft will be touring with the EAA's B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" this summer.

[Stoney]

[mazdaP5]

Excelsior! I can hardly wait to see her again.

[marine air]

When I was a kid, for many years I read about it being either at Hales Corners, or in storage. It was finally restored , put in polished metal, and only flown a year or two before it received extensive damage and put back into storage.
Having attended Oshkosh for 43 years, it will be nice to finally see her. She looks great and deserves to be in the air!

[L-188]

Great news!
I can remember her beating up the Burlington Wisconsin airport during the early 70's,
during my CAP enlistment.

[tjc333]

Low level fly byes on a first flight after a major restoration? Not what I would have done. They probably did take the plane up high to test and make sure everything was working ok but I still would not be doing low level fly byes on a first flight. Need to check everything over on the ground after the first flight before doing that. And before any one asks yes I am a pilot and no I don't fly warbirds. Flame suit on.

[GRNDP51]

Low level fly byes on a first flight after a major restoration? Not what I would have done. They probably did take the plane up high to test and make sure everything was working ok but I still would not be doing low level fly byes on a first flight. Need to check everything over on the ground after the first flight before doing that. And before any one asks yes I am a pilot and no I don't fly warbirds. Flame suit on.

I thought this too, the smoke system seemed a little excessive also. I'm all for confidence in a restoration, but maybe save it for the second flight

Sure is a beauty though, one of my favorites on the circuit!

[Kyleb]

Sometimes, there's a first flight. And a few days later, there's a "First Flight!".

Only the folks involved at EAA know...

[WIXerGreg]

The Facebook video was pieces edited together too, we don't know that all the clips were from the actual first flight.

[Thomas_Mac]