The iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, a symbol of American air power during World War II, has recently been the subject of an airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This directive, addressing critical wing spar concerns, has led to the grounding of airworthy B-17s and raised questions about the future of these historic aircraft. For enthusiasts and the public alike, a key question emerges: How Many B-17s Are Still Flying, and what does this grounding mean for their operation?
To understand the current situation, it’s essential to appreciate the B-17’s legacy. Conceived in the 1930s by Boeing engineers using traditional methods, the B-17 quickly became a mainstay of the Allied bombing campaign during World War II. Nicknamed “The Flying Fortress” for its heavy defensive armament and ability to withstand significant damage, over 12,700 B-17s were manufactured between 1936 and 1945. These aircraft played a crucial role in the war effort, and their durability became legendary.
Alt text: A Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress bomber aircraft in flight, showcasing its iconic silhouette during World War II.
However, the vast majority of these wartime heroes were scrapped after the conflict, often melted down for their aluminum. Today, the number of surviving B-17s is drastically reduced. Estimates suggest that less than 25 Boeing B-17s remain in existence worldwide that could potentially be airworthy. Many of these are not actively flying; instead, they are meticulously preserved in museums and aviation heritage centers as static displays, allowing future generations to witness these magnificent machines up close.
Alt text: A preserved Boeing B-17G “Yankee Lady” on static display at an aviation museum, highlighting its well-maintained condition for public viewing.
Prior to the recent FAA directive, a handful of B-17s were actively flying, captivating audiences at air shows and offering unique flight experiences. These operational B-17s are primarily owned and operated by dedicated organizations such as the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and formerly the Collings Foundation. These groups have invested immense resources in maintaining and flying these aging aircraft, allowing the public to witness living history. For many years, seeing a B-17 in flight was possible thanks to the tireless efforts of these organizations and their commitment to warbird preservation.
However, the recent FAA airworthiness directive has temporarily grounded these flying fortresses. The directive was prompted by the discovery of a serious structural issue: a completely separated left front spar lower fitting at the wing-to-fuselage joint on one B-17, with a cracked equivalent joint on the right side. This finding raised immediate safety concerns for all Boeing B-17E, F, and G models. As an interim measure, the FAA mandated inspections of the wing terminal-to-spar chord joints on all affected aircraft registered in the United States.
Alt text: Detailed view of a Boeing B-17 wing spar, illustrating the critical structural components requiring inspection under the FAA airworthiness directive.
The FAA estimates that this AD impacts approximately 18 B-17s on the U.S. registry. Crucially, the FAA notes that only three of these were considered airworthy at the time of the directive. The remaining aircraft are undergoing restoration or are in static display condition. Adding to the global picture, there is reportedly one operational B-17 based in the United Kingdom.
This grounding has had an immediate impact. The EAA, for example, grounded its B-17 “Aluminum Overcast” as a precautionary measure, leading to the likely absence of flying B-17s at major airshows like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2023. This news is undoubtedly disappointing for airshow attendees and warbird enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate seeing these bombers in flight.
The situation highlights the inherent challenges of maintaining and operating vintage aircraft. As Dick Knapinski from the EAA pointed out, these airframes were originally designed for relatively short operational lifespans during wartime. Now, 80 years later, their continued airworthiness is a testament to the meticulous care provided by dedicated maintenance teams. However, age inevitably takes its toll, and structural fatigue is a constant concern.
Drew Stephani, an EAA communications specialist, emphasized the collaborative approach being taken: “The B-17 fleet operators are working closely with the FAA to collect information for this robust 75-plus-year-old platform.” This collaboration aims to ensure the long-term safety and continued operation of these aircraft for future generations.
The FAA’s directive requires specific inspections, including magnetic particle inspection and eddy current inspection methods to detect cracking and corrosion in the wing spar joints. Operators must report their inspection findings to the FAA. This interim AD is seen as a crucial step in gathering data to develop a more permanent solution to address the identified structural issues and ensure the continued safe operation of B-17s.
In conclusion, while the exact number fluctuates due to ongoing restoration projects and maintenance status, realistically, only a very small number of Boeing B-17s were actively flying worldwide before the recent FAA grounding order – estimated to be around three in the US and one in the UK. The current grounding, while temporary, underscores the challenges of preserving and operating these historic aircraft. The future of flying B-17s depends on the outcome of the mandated inspections and the development of long-term solutions to ensure their structural integrity. For now, enthusiasts will have to wait patiently, hoping that these magnificent Flying Fortresses will once again grace the skies, reminding us of their vital role in history.
