Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the USAAF's primary heavy bomber in the European Theatre of WWII, renowned for its defensive armament and the strategic daylight bombing campaigns over German industrial targets. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. undefined
What is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress used for in flight training?
B-17 crew training in WWII was among the most extensive in military aviation, requiring pilots, co-pilots, navigators, bombardiers, radio operators, and multiple gunners to work as an integrated team. Eighth Air Force operations from UK bases produced some of aviation history's most significant training and operational records. Today, airworthy B-17s including Aluminum Overcast provide experience flights and occasional co-pilot opportunities at European airshows.