B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe. She is based in the UK from where she flies regularly at air shows, memorial flypasts and commemorative events as a memorial to the USAAF in Europe. Since 1982, Sally B has been operated by Elly Sallingboe of B-17 Preservation with the help of a dedicated team. Sally B is maintained by Chief Engineer Daryl Taplin and his team of volunteers, and flown by volunteer experienced professional pilots. Find out more about the aircraft’s background on our History page or you might like to check out the Latest News. Sally B is permanently based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford where she is on static display when not flying. However, the aircraft is not part of the Museum’s own collection and relies solely on charitable donations, sponsorship, sales of souvenirs, and the loyal support of her working team of volunteers and the Sally B Supporters Club Members, one of the largest clubs of its kind in the world. Bearing this in mind, it is incredible to think that this aircraft has now been flying in the UK for an incredible 48 years. Operating a large, four-engined aircraft is extremely expensive and the costs must be met if Sally B is to continue her mission. It would be a huge loss to our country if this unique, tangible piece of history could not continue because of a lack of funding. Sadly, in just a few years, even the men who survived the war will all be gone. It is up to us to keep their legacy alive – but Sally B needs more support to continue to do so.
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