On May 31, Brian Frey, of Hamburg got to take a trip guys often only dream about. As part of media day at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading, and in conjunction with World War II Weekend, he got to tour, and be a passenger in, the B-17 Yankee Lady. Below, we talk to him about why the flight was such a special experience.
Q: Why were you excited about your B-17 flight?
A: As a kid growing up, war movies always sparked my friends’ and my imagination. We would pretend we were fighter pilots on our bikes. So it brought back a lot of those feelings as a kid – like getting a new toy you have always wanted. I especially felt it when I saw all the machine gun positions for the first time. To fly on an amazing piece of history was unbelievable!
Q: How was the experience different from what you expected?
A: I thought, “Wow, this is a lot smaller on the inside than what I had imagined. It was difficult to move about between the many machine guns, the large ammo boxes, the cramped radio room and the 18” wide by 6’ long walkway through the Bomb Bay area, which separated the front and rear portion of the plane. I paused for a moment and thought, “Hey, if the Bomb Bay doors were open, you could fall out of this thing.”
Q: In what ways was it the same?
A: I knew that the B-17 played a significant role in winning WWII in Europe. Also, that the aircraft was very capable of defending itself against enemy fighter planes with its arsenal of machine guns.
Q: What was the most enjoyable part?
A: The whole experience was incredible; however, the most enjoyable part was then the crew presented a medal to the WWII veteran that accompanied us on the flight. The crew placed a medal around his neck and thanked him and his wife for his service to our country. It was an honor to meet him.
Q: How would you describe the experience to someone else?
A: The flight was truly an amazing experience…unforgettable. To see, and hear, and only imagine what those brave young men had to endure while on their bombing missions…the flight certainly brings a whole mix of emotions.
Q: When you look back years from now, what do you think you’ll remember most?
A: I will remember sitting in the nose gunner position and being able to see everything around you. That was one of the most amazing view I had ever experienced.
Q: If you could fly over anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: I would fly over Berlin, Germany and actually see what they saw, flying over Reading gave you an idea, however; Berlin would have been a sight to see from the B-17.
Q: What Berks County landmarks did you recognize?
A: I could recognize all of Reading. I tried to get photos of the downtown, but I was on the wrong side, plus the plane was turning to prepare for landing. I got a great picture of Reading High though!
Q: How would you describe the feeling in air? At take off? Landing?
A: The feeling at take off was wild. They crank up these old prop engines and they sputter and cough so you start thinking, “Wow, are we gonna make it?” Then you start down the runway. The whole plane is shaking and rattling and when the pilot throttles up, it throws you back. There’s unbelievable power in those engines! In the air, it was great. As soon as they gave the signal to move about the aircraft I shot out of my seat to investigate. It was tough to walk at first (the plan moves and shakes), but it’s not too bad, as you get familiar with it. I spent most of the time looking at all of the gadgets and weapons. I would forget to take time to look out the windows, but that all changed when I got up in the nose section. That view was spectacular! Landing was an unforgettable feeling as well, because I was in front of the wheels, so as you approach, you feel as if you are going to hit the runway. When the forward wheels touch down you hear them squeal and when the rear steering wheel touches, B-17 shoots left, and then right. You’re like, “Oh boy, are we gonna make it?” again. But it quickly straightens out and the rest is just engine noise as you roll in.
Q: What did it sound like?
A: The sound was a constant roar of the engines -- the one thing through the flight you are always aware of. It is loud, then add the shaking and rattling, the bouncing up and down, plus the sound of air rushing in from the open vent – it’s incredible. If you are someone who likes history and wants an unforgettable experience, the B-17 Flying Fortress is truly that.
Thank you Berks County Living for an incredible day that I will never forget!
