Ye Olde Pub
Pilot Shawn Mulligan stands in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress, the primary U.S. bomber in World War II, that he flies for Erikson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon. Mulligan and the nearly 80-year-old plane were at the Moses Lake Airshow last weekend to show off aviation history, give rides and help foster an interest in airplanes.
CHARLES H. FEATHERSTONE/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
A ground crew member stabilizes the propellers of the Erikson Aircraft Collection’s B-17 Flying Fortress following a short flight during the Moses Lake Airshow on Saturday. Erikson offered rides in the plane to paying passengers.
Shawn Mulligan inside the B-17 Flying Fortress “Ye Olde Pub” shows just how cramped the quarters on the plane actually are. A typical B-17 flew a combat mission with a crew of 8-10, Mulligan said — a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, and several gunners.
A view of the cockpit of the B-17 Flying Fortress “Ye Olde Pub” through the bomb bay. Pilot Shawn Mulligan said crews would often spend 10 hours flying combat missions in the plane, frequently at high altitude without cabin pressurization or heat, and were required to wear oxygen masks and even heated suits.
MOSES LAKE — There’s a rather famous story behind the name painted on the side of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, “Ye Olde Pub,” that sat on a runway at Grant County International Airport for the Moses Lake Airshow on Saturday.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
