Flying Legends of Victory Tour: WWII bombers land in historic Borderland event

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour, featuring iconic WWII bombers B-17 Sentimental Journey and B-25 Maid in the Shade, arrived in El Paso, marking a historic moment for the Borderland.

Offering living history flight experiences, the tour kicked off a journey spanning twenty-three cities nationwide.

With only one media seat allocated, ABC-7 covered the event, highlighting the rare sighting of these legendary aircraft.

Passengers had the opportunity to fly in these historic planes, experiencing a glimpse into the past.

The tour's stop in El Paso drew attention to the bravery of WWII military personnel and honored their sacrifices.

The B-17 aircraft consumes 200 gallons of fuel per hour, equating to $3,200 per hour to operate.

Aboard both the B-17 and B-25, passengers can experience a profound emotional connection.

According to officials from the Flying Legends of Victory tour, the majority of military personnel riding these aircraft were merely 17 or 18 years old during WWII, with some knowing it would be a suicide mission.

Pilots, typically 23 years old, navigated these perilous missions.

Remarkably, they say only four B-17s remain worldwide, with this particular aircraft being the sole option for passenger flights—a rarity indeed.

Additionally, the distinctive sound of the B-17 and B-25 aircraft has been featured in the new Apple TV series, "Masters of the Air".

According to Shelby Bolke, a load master in the B-17 said, Women's Air Force service pilots were tasked with flying a wide array of aircraft, unlike their male counterparts who typically trained on a single plane.

These remarkable women ferried planes from factories to training bases across the nation, bridging gaps from California to New Jersey and beyond, aiding in wartime efforts.

With men predominantly occupied in factories or deployed overseas, women were called upon to fill crucial roles in aviation.

Initially relegated to flying trainers, they later transitioned to piloting pursuits, defying stereotypes of their capabilities.

If missed, the upcoming Amigo Air Show promises more aviation excitement.