Following an extensive investigation after the aircraft's two engines failed it has become clear that the repair work cannot be completed by October when her display season ends.

Engines and good spare parts have become increasingly difficult to find and as this goes to print we have found the fault in the first failed engine which is now being repaired. The other failed engine is still under investigation in the USA.

We are sorry that the UK’s only airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B is momentarily grounded. Now in her 63rd year, the job of keeping this flying memorial in the air is always hard work and sometimes luck is just not on our side...

Over the winter, in readiness for the 2008 flying season, a replacement engine was fitted but in early May this sadly failed during a test run. With important assignments coming up, including the Duxford show and our salute to the American Military Cemetery at Madingley, followed by the Biggin Hill International Air Fair, the decision was taken to change this engine.

Thanks to the wonderful recent financial contributions from Bertie Ashby and our Sally B Supporters Club members we were in the position to be able to enlist a full-time professional engineer to assist with this second engine change. This would put us back on schedule for the season.

All concerned were devastated when this engine also failed during its first flight. Lady luck was just not with us this time.

At this moment we cannot tell you when Sally B will be back where she belongs - in the air. Everything that can be done to turn this situation around safely and quickly is being done.

So, rest assured, although the team are well and truly saddened by this sequence of events we will bounce back.

We have many people around us who help us in so many ways, no more so than through the incredible efforts of our Supporters Club, that we will overcome this. We are sorry to have missed the beginning of the season but hope to resume our flying programme in July at the Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford.

Elly Sallingboe
B-17 Operator

We will keep you updated on our website www.sallyb.org.uk

New Engine for Sally B as she begins the 2008 Display Season

During a training flight at the end of the 2007 season, a problem arose for the crew of Sally B when there was an indication of low oil pressure on the no. 1 engine. Captain Roger Mills immediately returned to the aircraft’s home base at Duxford, where it soon became apparent that the engine had seized.

For B-17 Sally B Operator Elly Sallingboe and Chief Engineer Peter Brown, this meant arranging for additional manpower and all the necessary equipment for the team to build up and replace the failed engine with Sally B’s spare. They also had to find new oil system components and a new spare engine - all in all, an expensive and complex undertaking. With the generous gift from Mr Ashby and the help from our trusted members and friends – and not forgetting the hard work of our professional team of volunteers – it was achieved.

The last time Sally B had an engine out was on Guernsey in 1998. The aircraft was stranded for almost a year, and required no fewer than three engine changes before it could finally return home to the UK.

Replacing this engine is a nostalgic experience for Peter Brown, who, back in 1984, had fitted it onto Sally B as his very first job on the aircraft. This Wright Cyclone engine has been on Sally B for 23 years – quite a feat!

Thank you Bertie Ashby

It is with immense pleasure that The B-17 Charitable Trust can announce its largest ever donation - a piece of land that was subsequently sold for the sum of £360,000. This extremely generous donation came from Norfolk builder Mr Bertie Ashby.

We are extremely grateful to Mr Ashby, whose gift is the greatest news the charity has had for many years and has made such a difference to Sally B.

B-17 Operator and Chairman of Trustees Elly Sallingboe summed up just how much Mr Ashby’s gift means, saying: “For over thirty years it has been a constant struggle to make ends meet and keep this unique aircraft flying in this country. This outstanding contribution has given me a warm feeling of hope for the future survival of our beloved aircraft”.

Mr Ashby’s generosity came at just the right moment, when the aircraft’s finances were seriously depleted following one of the worst display seasons on record. 2007 was a near total washout, ending with a complete engine failure.

But with the euphoria over this unexpected gift, Elly was keen to stress the importance of the loyal support from the aircraft’s members, sponsors, friends and supporters: “Without them we would not have kept Sally B flying for 32 years, and we most certainly would not be able to continue in the future. We simply could not survive without this support. To Mr Ashby, our members, and to all our friends and supporters, thank you”.

Sally B has, without any doubt, the best supporters and friends in the world – one big family all working towards the same goal. So, if you are not already a member, please join us today by visiting our Sally B Supporters Club page.

As a “thank you” for his most generous gift, Mr Ashby was made an Honorary Member of the Sally B team at our Friends and Sponsors day* at Duxford, when he was presented with his own personalized team jacket. Then, amid much applause from members and guests, he unveiled the new Roll of Honour panel on the aircraft’s fuselage, which included his name in recognition of his outstanding gesture.

You can join our 2008 Friends and Sponsors day at Duxford on Saturday 6th September when you get Your Name on Sally B.

 For the 2009 Friends and Sponsors day at Duxford click here.

 To view previous years News, please visit the News Archive