Explore B17 Updates: Schedules, Events & More!

Travon Gaylord 18 May 2025

Can you imagine a world where the echoes of history still roar through the skies, whispering tales of valor and resilience? The Flying Legends of Victory Tour, a testament to the enduring spirit of a bygone era, embodies this very essence, offering a poignant glimpse into the past and an unforgettable experience for all.

The 2024 iteration of this remarkable tour has, alas, concluded, leaving behind a legacy of awe and admiration. However, the planning for 2025 is already underway, promising even more spectacular displays and opportunities to connect with the titans of aviation history. Keep a watchful eye on this space for the latest schedule updates and details on where the Flying Legends of Victory will grace the skies next. Prepare to be amazed by the array of rare aircraft on display, alongside the thrilling experiences of helicopter rides, classic car showcases, military vehicle exhibitions, and a vibrant gathering of vendors, food trucks, and engaging exhibits. The 10th-anniversary edition promises to be even more spectacular. Mark your calendars for May 16th and 17th, set to take place at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport (KVYS) in Peru, Illinois. It is a location deeply steeped in the fabric of American aviation.

The story of the B-17, and of the brave souls who flew her, is one filled with daring missions and profound personal sacrifice. Within the forward compartment of these aerial behemoths, one finds two critical positions: the bombardier, responsible for delivering the payload, and the navigator, positioned directly behind, guiding the aircraft through the treacherous skies. The B-17 itself remains a symbol of wartime ingenuity and a testament to the unwavering human spirit. Over 12,000 of these remarkable aircraft were forged, yet only a precious few remain, either on display or still capable of flight, acting as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. On May 18, 1945, the U.S. Army Air Corps marked the end of an era, selling the B-17 as surplus, signaling a transition back to peace after years of conflict.

Feature	Details
Name	Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Role	Heavy Bomber
Manufacturer	Boeing
First Flight	July 28, 1935
Entered Service	1938 (USAAF)
Total Built	Approximately 12,731
Crew	10 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Bombardier, Navigator, Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Radio Operator, Waist Gunners (2), Ball Turret Gunner, Tail Gunner)
Length	74 ft 4 in (22.66 m)
Wingspan	103 ft 9 in (31.62 m)
Height	19 ft 1 in (5.82 m)
Empty Weight	32,745 lb (14,853 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight	65,500 lb (29,710 kg)
Powerplant	4 Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone turbosupercharged radial engines
Thrust	1,200 hp (895 kW) each
Maximum Speed	300 mph (483 km/h, 261 kn) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Range	1,800 mi (2,897 km, 1,564 nmi) with 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) bomb load
Service Ceiling	35,600 ft (10,850 m)
Rate of Climb	1,100 ft/min (5.6 m/s)
Armament	Up to 13 .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns; typically 8-10 guns
Bombs	Up to 17,600 lb (7,983 kg)
Operational Use	Strategic bombing during World War II
Notable Operators	United States Army Air Forces, Royal Air Force (UK), others
Primary Use	Strategic bombing
Website	National Museum of the US Air Force - Boeing B-17

For those interested in a different mode of transport, let's consider the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) B17 bus route, providing service in New York City. The B17 bus, serving the Canarsie - E 80 St route, offers 35 stops, commencing its journey at Eastern Pkwy/Utica Av and concluding at E 80 St/Paerdegat 15 St. The route also passes via Remsen Av/Seaview Av. Please be aware that the 5:39 PM B17 to E 80 St/Paerdegat 15 St was canceled. Always scroll down to view the upcoming B17 bus times at each stop. You can also find the next B17 bus schedule displayed conveniently for your travels. Remember, consulting the schedule is a wise move before you embark on your journey. Further information on the B17 bus route and any potential disruptions can be found by opening your transit app. This app will provide real-time details about detours, relocated stops, cancellations, significant delays, or other changes to the bus route.

The dedication to preserving memories, as seen through the efforts of chapter member Harley Wadsworth, brings a human dimension to this historical context. Her work provides an emotional bridge connecting the current generation to the experiences of those who served. The B-17's last visit to Albuquerque occurred in May 2016, and this fact provides perspective when considering how far these historical aircraft have traveled and the importance of preserving their stories.

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour isn't just an event; it's a portal to the past, offering a unique perspective on history. The meticulously restored aircraft, the classic cars, and the military vehicles on display, tell tales of both technological achievement and the human spirit's incredible capacity for resilience. Each visit, each tour stop, and the very act of preserving the B-17 speaks volumes about the human desire to remember, honor, and learn from the past. The tour, like the B-17 itself, is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who served and the importance of ensuring that their stories continue to resonate through the ages.

When considering the locations of the tour, specific addresses such as B20 Pennsylvania Avenue Linden Boulevard are mentioned. These details are crucial for visitors and anyone needing to find specific locations during events like the Flying Legends of Victory Tour or to identify points of interest along the route. The mention of "B17 te oil rel tie inortion pp o $ tion (1) orthington street bridge street (inbound only)ve (inbound only) orthington orthington / spring sackett place iew lincoln street orleans street stebbins streethancock street mason squarerutland street e et folk streetnorfolk street errace alden (2) academy estern new england university errace acres (3" in relation to the B17 route indicates a level of specificity and organization concerning the stops and route paths of the bus services. The combination of historical aircraft events, transportation, and detailed route information creates a multifaceted view, connecting diverse aspects of life and history within a single context.

The convergence of the Flying Legends of Victory tour, the B-17 bus routes, and the personal stories of those involved in preserving history demonstrates a profound respect for the past. Each of these entities plays a pivotal role in ensuring that memories, technological advancements, and stories of those who served are not lost to the passage of time. As planning for 2025 continues, so too will the opportunities for these incredible narratives to inspire and educate. The fusion of historical aircraft tours, public transportation, and real-time service alerts emphasizes the dynamic relationship between the past and the present, showcasing the ways in which we honor history and ensure its accessibility for future generations.

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour is a carefully crafted experience, with dates, locations, and specific elements all designed to deliver a powerful experience. The tour's structure and detailed planning help ensure its success, as it travels from city to city, allowing many to witness and appreciate these majestic aircraft. The 10th-anniversary edition, at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport (KVYS) in Peru, Illinois on May 16th and 17th, promises to be a highlight of the tour, and the integration of the B17 bus and other elements ensures that all visitors can participate and benefit from the tour.