mfrese 0 #1 May 12, 2004 We've been trying to make a B-17 load go for the last few weeks, but couldn't get enough people (they wanted a minimum of 9). The pilot has now agreed to go with 6 people, and we have 5 confirmed! Here are the particulars, for extra detail call Kath at Adventure Center Skydiving at 1-800-386-5867 (1-800-FUN-JUMP). - Jump from the bomb bay of a B-17 from 7500 feet. - Cost is $400 - Plan is to take off at 5:00 TODAY, 5/12 from Hollister Municipal airport. Anyone with a little extra disposable income ready to do this?! I've been wanting to do this forever, so let's try to make this happen! Sorry about the last-minute notice, Kath just called me to let me know the pilot changed his mind on the minimum. Come on, let's go jump a piece of history!Doctor I ain't gonna die, Just write me an alibi! ---- Lemmy/Slash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flymysky 0 #2 May 12, 2004 Folks we have 5 confirmed right now and 1 who will try and make it. We need 6 confirmed to make it go. Most of us will never get the chance to jump a B17 again. You know you want to! 1-800-FUN-JUMP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chopchop 0 #3 May 12, 2004 I'm in! I just need someone to loan me the $400 'til Christmas and someone else to pick up one of my rigs from Byron.. Mike? Remember your long lost son.. me? Got $400, daddy? chopchop gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking.. Lotsa Pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #4 May 12, 2004 That's nuts.. is it even tax deductable like the one at WFFC? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cornholio 0 #5 May 12, 2004 The first time I saw this for $350, I said WTF ?? Pay $350 to do one jump out of a special plane from normal alititude ? Then the price went to $400.00 ?? LOL Sorry, I just don't see how this is even close to worth it. Someone please explain this to me... I just don't get it. Butthead: Whoa! Burritos for breakfast! Beavis: Yeah! Yeah! Cool! bellyflier on the dz.com hybrid record jump Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mfrese 0 #6 May 12, 2004 First, this is tax-deductible. Second, you ain't my son, but if you're gonna call me daddy, maybe we can work something out... Sorry Roy, now that it's gonna happen, I'm freaking about the money too. Seriously, it's a piece of history, and I can't really explain why I want to do this. Muust have been watching all the "12 O'clock High" reruns when I was a kid. We're golden with 6 right now, if anyone is interested, you can still call Kath, I think they'll take up to 9 people. See ya!Doctor I ain't gonna die, Just write me an alibi! ---- Lemmy/Slash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garycal 0 #7 May 12, 2004 Sorry Mike me & Ray gotta work dammit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #8 May 12, 2004 QuoteFirst, this is tax-deductible. Second, you ain't my son, but if you're gonna call me daddy, maybe we can work something out... Sorry Roy, now that it's gonna happen, I'm freaking about the money too. Seriously, it's a piece of history, and I can't really explain why I want to do this. Muust have been watching all the "12 O'clock High" reruns when I was a kid. We're golden with 6 right now, if anyone is interested, you can still call Kath, I think they'll take up to 9 people. See ya! Excuse my ignorance, but can someone who knows a good deal about these planes and costs etc actually tell me how much it costs to fly that plane? They had to get it to the airport somehow.. i can't imagine it costs anywhere close $2400.00 for half an hour including the maint. for the AC for that half hour. Then again like I said I have no idea what i'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flymysky 0 #9 May 12, 2004 Yes it is tax deductible, you'll get a 5013c(?) receipt. A percentage of the profits is going to charity. I just did a walk through, took a look at those bomb bay doors and confirmed that they will be removing the bombs before the jump. Unless of course you want to ride one out .My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light. http://www.galaxygear.com.au/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chopchop 0 #10 May 12, 2004 Have fun you guys.. I, like Kevin, don't get it.. but alot of people don't get skydiving.. I envy your enthusiasm for it, and the fact that you are doing this on a "schoolnight". chopchop gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking.. Lotsa Pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #11 May 12, 2004 Sheesh, you're making a donation to suport a piece of history. It just so happens they are letting you jump out of the piece of history. It's not like these guys are trying to gouge people, and believe me based on the man hours to restor and maintain this bird, plus just paying the bills to get it off the ground, the per hour cost of opperation is probably close to that of a Buisness jet....---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #12 May 12, 2004 Quotei can't imagine it costs anywhere close $2400.00 for half an hour including the maint. for the AC for that half hour. Not sure what bird (name) it is, but the Collings Foundation's B-17 & B-24 are a pretty penny to fly. If a part breaks, it generally needs to be remanufactured in order to get it fixed. Expensive to fly? yes/no. but if something breaks - yes.----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flymysky 0 #13 May 12, 2004 Yep it's the Collings Foundation B-17 and B-24 that are in Hollister today and tomorrow. You can walk through them for $8. I'm definitely doing the walk through, they are just amazing. Actually, someone mentioned that this B-17 is the only one still airworthy anywhere. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #14 May 12, 2004 QuoteActually, someone mentioned that this B-17 is the only one still airworthy anywhere. That's the B-24 that they have in their stable, but somewhere I heard there are 3 airworthy B-24's. One in the Smithsonian, one in a WWII museum in England and the Collings Foundation has the only flying bird. As for costs, this is from the Collings Foundation's website: QuoteEach flight experience donation is fully tax deductable. Every donation helps to defray maintenance and operations costs for the aircraft that have reached over $3100 per operating hour per aircraft. Maintained to the highest standards and flown by highly experienced pilots, our aircraft safety standards are second to none. Also, the B-17 will be returning to the skies of the WFFC this year. I should have the details/dates on the website this afternoon. The raffle will also return.----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SLOfreefall 0 #15 May 12, 2004 Both the B-17 and the B-24 were at the San Luis Obispo airport this last weekend. With the cost of admission we were allowed to walk through both of these planes. Both were VERY impressive! Attached are some low res camera phone images of the two planes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flymysky 0 #16 May 12, 2004 Our 6th person has just cancelled. Unless we can find one more person in the next couple of hours we'll have to sit and watch it fly off with a load of whuffos <shiver> waving and hooting at us Anyone, anyone?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #17 May 12, 2004 QuoteActually, someone mentioned that this B-17 is the only one still airworthy anywhere. In the last few years (read last 5) there have been at least 4 B-17's airworthy. There is a great photo somwhere of 3 of them in a loose formation. Now a B-29 would cetianly be something to jump! I understand there is atleast 1 still flying.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 4 #18 May 12, 2004 why don't the other 5 of you pitch in the $80/each FWIW - these things are expensive to fly. When they stopped here, it was $350/person just to go for a ride - that's how they keep them flying, $8 to walk through, $350 for a 1/2 hour (I think) flight. So, basically they're still taking you for a ride, you just get out partway through. it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catfishhunter 1 #19 May 12, 2004 What I was going to say Yo are already spending 400 wtf is another $80 going to make? Are you going to let $80 more keep you from jumping? If I was there and had the money or hell even a credit card with the money avalable I would jump in a second.You get to "Be a Bomb" out of a B-17 A "HOLY SHIT!" Once in a lifetime opprotunity. MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flymysky 0 #20 May 12, 2004 And it's on again Some pics from 5 minutes ago: the B17 mfrese with the B24My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light. http://www.galaxygear.com.au/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoShitThereIWas 0 #21 May 13, 2004 Sweet pictures Mr. Freeze! I expect a full update on how cool it was to jump outta that bad boy! That looks like one helluvan airplane you lucky dog you!Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akjmpplt 0 #22 May 13, 2004 Quote Excuse my ignorance, but can someone who knows a good deal about these planes and costs etc actually tell me how much it costs to fly that plane? They had to get it to the airport somehow.. i can't imagine it costs anywhere close $2400.00 for half an hour including the maint. for the AC for that half hour. I used to fly the Collings B-17 and B-24. The operating cost were about $3200 per hour. Fuel alone is 200 gallons per hour, it uses 1-2 gallons of oil every hour of flight, tires are about $2000 each and are changed 2-3 times a year on the B-17. We did probably 10-15 hours of maintenance for every hour we flew the airplanes...if they weren't flying we were working on them. An engine is $50K, we would replace 3-4 engines every year. As for jumping out of it...it's a piece of history.SmugMug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 36 #23 May 13, 2004 If you don't get it you don't get it. Having the bomb bay doors open underneath me and dropping out of a B17 is one of the few jump that brings a smile to my face everytime I think about it. BEST $350 I ever spent in skydiving! Actually about the best $350 I ever spent.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #24 May 13, 2004 QuoteBEST $350 I ever spent in skydiving! Actually about the best $350 I ever spent. Same for me - I smile just thinking about my one B-17 jump... I would LOVE to do another one! Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mfrese 0 #25 May 13, 2004 Well, the really cool folks from the Collings Foundation took pity on us, and (due to the fact that there were riders who weren't jumping, we got to go... IT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!!! Six of us got to exit through the bomb bay doors, after a flight that included a great view of a P-51 dogfight, which turned into a P-51 escort to the LZ. Flymysky and Skyshark6 have some awesome video, so I'm sure we'll see some stills appearing here eventually... For those of you who don't get it...you just ain't gonna get it. For those who have done it, I now know exactly what you're talking about! Worth every freakin' penny, and I'd have done it again if I had the chance (and may yet!).Doctor I ain't gonna die, Just write me an alibi! ---- Lemmy/Slash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
