Those who thought they spotted a World War II-era bomber over the skies of Savannah early Monday afternoon weren’t imagining things.
“The Movie” Memphis Belle, one of only 13 B-17 Flying Fortresses still flying, took wing over the Coastal Empire on Monday, giving area media a preview of what’s set to take place this weekend at the airport in Savannah when flights will be available to the public.
Though it’s not inexpensive to take a ride in the bomber, organizers from The Liberty Foundation say the $450-per-person price tag for a 30-minute flight is a bargain considering both the historic value and cost to keep the B-17 in the air — $4,500 per flight hour and more than $1.5 million a year.
Besides, once the B-17 is airborne, passengers are allowed to explore its various combat crew positions to get an up-close look at what it was like to be in a World War II bomber while it’s in the air.
“It’s a slice of history you just don’t get anywhere else,” said Dave Lyon, one of two Liberty Foundation pilots who will fly the B-17 in Savannah. “There are only 12 (others) of these still flying, and only three fly on a regular basis.”

Read full story in Oct. 16 issue of the Bryan County News.