Europe’s Last Surviving B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B, Receives Green Light to Soar Again After 2023 Grounding

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, fondly known as Sally B, has received official approval to take to the skies once more following its grounding in May 2023. The B-17 Preservation charity, which is responsible for maintaining the historic aircraft, joyfully announced that the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given them the green light for flight operations.

Founded in 1979 by Elly Sallingboe and her late companion Ted White, the B-17 Preservation charity has dedicated itself to preserving and operating the last remaining B-17 in the UK. However, in May 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness directive affecting B-17 operators worldwide, requiring them to inspect main spar fittings for potential cracks. This directive temporarily grounded Sally B, right when the charity was preparing for its crucial 2023 flying season – a time when fundraising efforts are paramount.

The situation was further complicated as Sally B had recently relocated from her winter hangar at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Desperate for hangar space to conduct the necessary inspections, the charity received a helping hand from the Imperial War Museum, which offered their vast Airspace Hangar for the task.

Elly Sallingboe expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank You IWM for coming to our rescue!” Inside the hangar, the volunteer engineering team, led by Chief Engineer Daryl Taplin and his deputy Steve Carter, diligently completed the repairs, with the wing spar undergoing inspection by Non-Destructive Testing specialists.

With the repairs completed, Elly Sallingboe promptly shared the results with both the CAA and FAA. To the team’s delight, they were granted permission to resume flying the historic aircraft once more.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress played a significant role during the Second World War, participating in numerous missions over Europe from its US bases in the United Kingdom. Now, Sally B is gearing up for its next appearances at the 2023 Battle of Britain Airshow on June 30, 2023, and the Duxford Summer Air Show on June 24, 2023. Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike eagerly await the return of this iconic piece of living history to the skies.