July 4th Independence day, the Yanks are back. The Liberty Belle and crew made a grand arrival this morning in Duxford completing the very historic flight to England.
The Liberty Foundation salutes all soldiers of World War II on this important American holdiay.
Current flying time since departing the US is: 19.9 hours. On the 3rd, we will be doing some local flying around Scotland, then departing on schedule for Duxford for a grand arrival on July the 4th.
Learn more about our visit to Ayrshire, Scottland in an on-the-scene report by Murdoch MacDonald. Read more here.
So far, the Liberty Belle has performed almost flawlessly. With only a few minor issues, the crossing could not have gone any smoother. We will try to send updates, when able. Please continue to track us live on Flight Explorer.
The Liberty Belle departed for her historic journey to England on June 30th to Goosebay, Canada. After a short overnight, we departed early and landed in Narsarsuaq, Greenland with beautiful weather. After a short fuel stop, we continued on our longest
distance day, flying directly over the "Lost Squadron" location on the Greenland Icecap enroute to Reykjavik, Iceland. The day's total flying time was 10.1 hours. On July 2nd, we continued our overseas trip an additional 6 hours and 8 minutes into Prestwick,Scotland. We were met in Prestwick by a flurry of press agents and public, thanks in part to the efforts of our handeling agent, Ocean Sky FBO. It was a warm welcome after a long (and very cold) trip.
Early on July 1st, we depart 674.9NM to Narsarsuaq, Greenland. After a short fuel stop, we will fly direct to the "Lost Squadron" location on the Greenland Icecap then on to Reykjavik, Iceland, an additional 760.6NM.
The Liberty Belle departs for her historic journey to England today. Scheduled departure time is approximately 10:00am EST from Bangor, Maine. The first stop will be 117.6 NM to Presque Isle, Maine, the airport that the original 390th BG departed from on July 4th, 1943... almost 65 years to the day. After a short visit, we will continue an additional 443.1NM to Goose Bay, Canada for our first overnight stop. Today's distance: 611.7NM.
Throughout its journey, Wingspeed Corp. will provide the communications links that keep us in touch with the world. Wingspeed’s equipment package for the Liberty Belle includes an aircraft communications unit (ACU), electronic flight bag (EFB), antennas, wiring and Wingspeed software to enable real-time e-mail text communications, textual onboard weather requests, OOOI (out/off/on/in) times, and real-time inflight information for ground tracking and messaging. As a bonus, the Wingspeed system will even enable you to correspond with the crew during its flight using voice and text e-mail.
Once we are airborne, you can TRACK US LIVEwith the following link: http://www.flightexplorer.com/LibertyBelle.
We will show up immediately upon liftoff on
the map with frequent position updates automatically.
People who have made significant donations may recieve a call from us in-flight via satellite phone, courtesy of Wingspeed. If you would like a phone call and become part of our journey, contact Scott Maher at (918) 340-0243 or smaher@libertyfoundation.org for details.
In 2008, the Liberty Belle returns to Europe to honor all veterans of WWII. A dedicated team of documentary film makers will be on board to record the journey. Get a sneak peak of the movie on our home page. Please help us raise money for the 2008 European Tour, becoming a member, buying a souvenir or donating to the Liberty Belle Fund.
The Liberty Belle will follow the traditional flight path of U.S. World War II bombers. From its home base in Georgia, the Liberty Belle will fly 971 miles to Bangor, Maine. From there, the B-17 will leave the USA and visit Goose Bay in Canada. That segment is 608 miles. Next, the Liberty Belle heads out over blue water to land 670 miles later at Narsarsuaq Airport in Greenland. The next big jump will take them to Reykjavik, Iceland at a 720 miles distance. Then on to Prestwick, Scotland before a short hop that will bring the Liberty Belle back to the home base for so many American bomber veterans, RAF Airfield in Framlingham, UK. The total distance there and back again... 7800 miles.
The Liberty Belle returns to England to commemorate the brave airmen who valiantly fought the Nazi war machine and won. To honor those men, the Liberty Belle will be participating in many events while there. Stay tuned for more information about this soon!
In the months to come, we will be giving more details on the upcoming European Tour of 2008. The Liberty Foundation will be recognizing generous donators on this page.
Every donation of $100 or more will receive a framable letter of recognition and our thanks. Larger donations will receive plaques and other collectibles including special European Tour flight jackets, life time memberships with a specialty identity card, pins, hats or cards.
Corporate sponsorship programs are available too. Please contact rfowler@libertyfoundation.org for more information.
OUR TOUR SPONSORS:
GENEROUS INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS:
Mr. Don Brooks
Epps Aviation, Mr Pat Epps.
Ron Gause
Ken Hoddinott
Frank Drain
Bob Cannon
Joey Hand, Fletcher Oil Co.
Ed Carlson, Transatlantic Flight Planning for General Aviation Guru
THANK YOU FOR DONATIONS MADE
In memory of Lt. Harry Ross Robison, pilot, 571st BS
Lt. Harry Ross Robison’s original crew members are listed below:
Harry R. Robison, pilot
John H. Corcoran, co-pilot
William W. Yary, navigator
Gilbert A. Parks, bombardier
Loran A. Pritchard, engineer
Ralph E. Rios, radio
Victor C. Apgar, armor gunner
Earl W. Wallace, ball gunner
Oma B. Cartwright, tail gunner
Would you like to have someone honored or in memorial listed in this section?
Please contact us about adding their information.
OUR PRODUCT SPONSORS:
Thanks to all our great sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the Liberty Belle please contact us. Thanks!
The Liberty Belle will follow the traditional flight path of U.S. World War II bombers. From its home base in Georgia, the Liberty Belle will fly 971 miles to Bangor, Maine. From there, the B-17 will leave the USA and visit Goose Bay in Canada. That segment is 608 miles. Next, the Liberty Belle heads out over blue water to land 670 miles later at Narsarsuaq Airport in Greenland. The next big jump will take them to Reykjavik, Iceland at a 720 miles distance. Then on to Prestwick, Scotland before a short hop that will bring the Liberty Belle back to the home base for so many American bomber veterans, RAF Airfield in Framlingham, UK. The total distance there and back again... 7800 miles. 
