Warbird Information Exchange

YAM offers flight experiences for WWII veterans
Jan. 17 hometownlife.com



The Yankee Air Museum is going where it’s never gone before by offering its first ever Flight Experience (FLEX) recognition season.

In 2014, YAM is honoring World War II Veterans with free rides on the B-17 Yankee Lady and the B-25 Yankee Warrior when a paid rider accompanies them. This special two-for-one pricing is effective for the season beginning in May and running into October.

“All of us feel the deepest honor when a World War II Veteran steps aboard one of our aircraft,” said Kevin Walsh, YAM executive director. “We want as many World War II Veterans as possible to have the opportunity to fly on the B-17 or B-25. This is a special offer for them and an imperative for us.”

Next year, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II will be observed and with America’s Greatest Generation now in the upper 80s and 90s, Walsh said it’s an opportunity to continually pay tribute to these veterans.

“This year it’s time to take dad, or grandpa, back through time to the era and skies where heroes have flown,” said Walsh. “And it’s time to go with him.”

While some WWII Veterans fly in the Yankee Lady and Yankee Warrior every year, and are usually accompanied by a son, daughter or grandchild, Walsh hopes this incentive will bring them out in scores.

'It's all good'

“We’ve flown a lot of vets, especially airmen and many who were shot down and taken prisoner,” said Norm Ellickson, Crew Chief of the B-17. “It’s impossible to imagine the thoughts they have during these flights. For some it’s a last hoorah, I’m sure. For others it’s more somber, like a final farewell, closing a clasp on the mission well done. One thing is sure, in every case, it’s all good.”

Ellickson said that a veteran’s presence on any flight enriches the experience for everyone on board. He added that veterans from all branches of the military are interested in the bombers, but especially those from the Army Air Forces.

“We work very hard to get it right, so our Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and North American B-25 Mitchell are kept in top flight condition,” said Ellickson. “The museum spends thousands of dollars and volunteers donate hundreds of hours to maintain these planes. We pass every inspection.”

Rates for FLEX rides on the B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber are $450 and $425 for the B-25 Mitchell medium bomber. YAM members get a $50 discount on flights.

A FLEX ride is a 45-minute experience with approximately 30 minutes of air time. FLEX rides are being booked now for select Wednesday evenings out of YAM’s home base at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti and other venues in the region.

“Although we’re fortunate to have some exceptional engineers, mechanics and craftsmen donate their skills to keep costs down, we still need the revenues provided by full flights,” said Dave Wright, Director of the FLEX ride program. “This year, more than ever, we need people to scratch ‘a ride in a B-17 or a B-25’ off their bucket list.”

To book a date

People who are interested in booking a FLEX Ride and flying with their WWII hero are encouraged to plan early. Some of the premium dates may sellout early, Wright said. To order a FLEX ride or to obtain a gift certificate, call Wright at 734-483-4030, ext. 236.

Donations are tax deductible within the limits of the law and will directly support the B-17 and B-25. Certain restrictions and limitations apply and WWII Veterans may be asked to provide documentation of their service. Veterans from all branches of the military are eligible to participate.

Established in 1981, the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Visit the http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org website to learn more about the museum and how the USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team will Thunder Over Michigan, Aug. 9-10th.

Also visit YouTube and view “Where Heroes Have Flown” for a 90-second glimpse of a B-17 or B-25 Flight Experience.