CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A flying piece of history that helped win the war in Europe took to the skies Monday afternoon over Richmond. An original B-17 Flying Fortress, one of just a handful of the planes still flying, is part of the Commemorative Air Force flown by the Texas Raiders group. Veteran Curtis Sheffield, who watched the magnificent machine return to the skies, said the B-17 was quite the machine.
“Most of my time was in Africa, Sicily. Oh God, B-17 damn near won the war,” Sheffield said. “Oh, them things sound good.”
Thousands of the planes were shot down by the Nazis.
The visit is part of a nationwide program by the Texas Raiders, whose mission is to share the aircrafts' history with a new generation.
“It’s a labor of love to keep it in the air. And bringing it people – such as Richmond – and we’re very happy to be here,” said Kevin Michaels, who serves on the crew.
Michaels said it is an honor to work to keep the plane running smoothly.
“The 12,731 that were produced during WWII, there are now just 11 that are still flying,” Michaels said.
The B-17 will be at the Richmond Executive – Chesterfield County Airport until Wednesday. Tours, which include a walk-through of the plane's interior, cost $10 for adults, $5 for children or $20 for a family of up to five members.
The flights finished off a weekend of WWII planes flying around the Commonwealth.
In fact, dozens of the planes took to the skies in northern Virginia to celebrate VE Day Friday. Watch the video below to hear Johnny Meza III talk about piloting one of the WWII planes over over the Capitol.
