This month, Evelyn and I became proud members of the "World Famous" Apollo Field B-17 Squadron. The Squadron Commander is Jim Christopherson (pilot40874). Jim is a great pilot and leader who has inspired many local pilots to join the Squadron. To join is easy, if you own an RC B-17, you're a member! The Squadron has more the 15 B-17s manufactured by Hobby King, Freewing and Starmax.

Evelyn and I happen to stop by the field one day while in LA and watched Jim fly his Hobby King B-17, which looked to be a very nice flying aircraft. After inquiring about the model and a brief introduction, Jim gave me the opportunity to fly his aircraft. He literally installed two batteries and handed me his transmitter. Yes...he knew I was an RC pilot and we had seen each others posts on RC Groups...but talk about trust and encouragement. What an honor and privilege it was for me to fly Jim's aircraft. Jim has more than 600 flights on his B-17. Talk about pressure on me.... I was very impressed with the B-17 and shortly thereafter, I purchased the Hobby King and Starmax B-17s. With the my Hobby King B-17 getting a complete re-paint, the first to fly with the Squadron was my Starmax B-17. Formation flying with 5 other B-17s last weekend was a blast and we are so honored to be associated with this great group of pilots.

Below is a collection of photos by several members of the Squadron's fleet.

Best,
Tony & Evelyn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTLMRhz94ps

Drumbum-Thanks for sharing the cool video!

Best,
Tony

Hello Tony! I'm Sam, another pretty new member of the B-17 squadron. I was out of town at the most recent large get together, but I've flown with the squadron a few times (at the All-Electric FunFly) and it has been a lot of fun! It's nice having more members and to have this squadron growing. Soon we'll become the size of a real B-17 formation! I'm back in town in a week and I hope to meet you soon. Nice photos and welcome to the squadron.

Hey, Tony. Thanks for starting this thread. I am in the group (Marty, aka "Kaboom"). I haven't been flying in a few weeks, due to work and other committments, but I hope to be flying more missions soon. Here is my plane....I am also finishing up a custom Pacific war paint job on an FMS B-25.

Sam & Marty-Thanks for posting. I'm looking forward to meeting and flying with you both. This Squadron truly represents the best of what this hobby is all about..assisting one another, friendship and teamwork!

Marty-Nice looking Fortress!

Best,
Tony

I am hoping to join in also if theres still a seat available in the dispersal hut. My B-17 should arrive this coming week.

I can't wait to strap the go pro on one of the gun turrets for some interesting formation video.

Paul

There is space available, Paul. All you need is a B-17! Those formation shots should be fun.

It's been almost a year since we first started the squadron....lots of fun times to remember....

Looking forward to the next year and even more good times with more members!

A Series of videos that document our greatest achievement....the largest assembly of flying B-17's ever. "Mission Sepulveda 04/29/2012"

Can't wait to do this again!

Lots of B-17's at the Apollo Field All Electric Fly-in (1 min 13 sec)

RC-B17Taxi-out.MPG (0 min 37 sec)

The "Famous" Apollo Field B-17 Squadron... (0 min 53 sec)

RC-B17Take-off.MPG (5 min 28 sec)

B-17's during the Black Sheep/Valley Flyers Electric Fun-Fly Sunday April 29, 2012 (12 min 23 sec)

Taxing Back from Mission Sepulveda... (0 min 35 sec)

B-17's taxing back from Mission Sepulveda (0 min 33 sec)

Biggest Gathering of Hobbyking B-17's in the World... (0 min 30 sec)

Awesome Jim.....Thanks for posting the photos and videos!

Best,
Tony

Thanks for those photos! Those are really nice!

This is one of the best ideas out there! So much fun!
You guys need a dozen red tailed P51s to fly with you!

Originally Posted by Mr.Firemouth

This is one of the best ideas out there! So much fun!
You guys need a dozen red tailed P51s to fly with you!

That would be so cool! having escorts couldn't hurt!