Keeping Europe's last airworthy B-17 Sally B in the air

Sally B has been delighting crowds for over four decades, Chris Gilson learns what keeps her in the air

It is late afternoon at Duxford, and Elly Sallingboe, the operator of Boeing B-17G Fortress 44-85784 Sally B is relaxing with a coffee prior to the following weekend’s airshow. It’s the first of the season, and today’s schedule has included two check flights for the aircrew involved, as well as a practice display. There has been much to do, and an end-of-day break on a beautiful May afternoon is sorely needed.

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