B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” Coming to the Tri-Cities Airport & Tri-City Aviation
Blountville, Tenn. – Aviation and history enthusiasts can view, tour and/or ride in a World War II, B-17 aircraft at Tri-City Aviation between September 8-13, 2020. The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum’s “Flying Legends of Victory” Tour, along with several displays will bring history to life on the ramp of Tri-Cities Aviation.
The B-17G Flying Fortress is named “Sentimental Journey” and was built in 1944. The aircraft is one of five B-17s in the world that is still flying out of the almost 13,000 produced from 1936 to 1945. 8,000 of the B-17s were lost in combat. The “Sentimental Journey” was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force for war service in March 1945.
Several other aircraft and booths will be on display throughout the week and weekend. Rides are available in various aircraft including the B-17, and cockpit tours are available when the B-17 is not flying. See schedule and contact information below.
Foodies will also have a reason to visit as local food trucks will offer sweet and savory treats throughout the celebration. See schedule below.
Media are invited to Tri-City Aviation for the arrival of the B-17 at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 8.
Aviation Celebration 2020 Event Details
DATE:
Tuesday, September 8 – Sunday, September 13, 2020
TIME:
Tuesday, September 8 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
LOCATION:
Tri-City Aviation
350 Aviation Dr.
Blountville, TN 37617
ADMISSION:
Admission is free onto the ramp to view displays
Tour of B-17 is $10 per person/$20 for family of 4
B-17 aircraft rides: $425 or $850
Helicopter and Flying Services rides: contact for pricing, information below
EVENT PARKING:
Free at Tri-City Aviation
BOOTHS/DISPLAYS:
Tuesday, September 8 – Sunday, September 13
- B-17 aircraft provided by the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum’s “Flying Legends of Victory Tour”, https://www.azcaf.org/location/bristol-tn-tour-stop/. No media flight due to COVID. Photos for media use are here: https://www.azcaf.org/media-relations/.
- Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council
- Flying Service at Tri-Cities
Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
- ETSU ROTC
Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12
- Northeast State Aviation Department
Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13
- The Ninety-Nines – Appalachian Aviatrixes Chapter
- P-51 Mustang
- Sevier County Choppers
- WWII Re-enactors
AIRCRAFT on DISPLAY & RIDE SCHEDULE:
Rides must be booked through the website link or onsite:
https://www.azcaf.org/location/bristol-tn-tour-stop/#airbase-flights-section
| AIRCRAFT RIDES | TUE. | WED. | THURS. | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (GT) | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (GT) | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (GT) | 10:00 AM – Noon (F) 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (GT) | 10:00 AM – Noon (F) 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (GT) | 10:00 AM – Noon (F) 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (GT) |
F = Flying
FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE:
*Schedule and food trucks are subject to change.
| FOOD TRUCK | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Bill’s Kitchen | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | |||||
| Me and K’s | Noon – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | ||
| Stop, Drop & Pop | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Trucky Cheese | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Additional Aircraft Display & Ride Schedule:
| AIRCRAFT | SAT. 9/12/20 | SUN. 9/13/20 |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Service at Tri-Cities | 423-279-0865 | 423-279-0865 |
| Sevier County Choppers | 865-453-5867 | 865-453-5867 |
Primary Contact:
Pam Phillips
Tri-City Aviation
pphillips@tricityaviation.com
(423) 325-6261
Secondary Contact:
Kristi Haulsee
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
Director of Marketing & Air Service Development
O: 423-325-6032/C: 423-802-4086