B-17 STARTUP WITH BACKFIRE AT VISALIA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

She’s The Complete Package

Big and old aircraft such as this B-17 need a lot of warming before their first flight. Based in Mesa, Arizona, the Commemorative Air Force’s “Sentimental Journey” was seen starting its engines at Visalia Municipal Airport, California. 

It took a while to get its engines started at first, though. At the 7-minute mark, the B-17 pilots claimed that the aircraft had an engine backfire, which grounded them a bit longer than expected. However, with the engines up and running a few minutes later, we finally get to hear the Flying Fortess’ four loud Cyclone radial engines.

Sentimental Journey is a very unique antique aircraft from WWII. While some planes have had their turrets removed, this B-17G still has its chin turret with twin .50-cal machine guns, staggered waist guns, and a tail turret to boot. Talk about a complete package!