WWII Combat Veteran B-17 ‘The Pink Lady’ Update

The Boeing B-17 The Pink Lady, a historic aircraft and one of the few remaining Flying Fortresses, last took to the skies in 2010 when it landed at the La Ferté-Alais airfield in France. While the aircraft has remained grounded since then, it continues to be maintained in airworthy condition. During a recent conversation with Maxime Senante, founder and president of the French-based aviation apparel company Barnstormer, we discussed the current status of the airplane and the potential hope to see it airworthy once again.

Built in the final weeks of 1944 on the Lockheed-Vega assembly lines in Burbank, California, the Boeing B-17G 85-VE, Serial Number 44-8846, was officially integrated into the USAAF on January 13, 1945. The aircraft joined the 351st Bomb Group in England on March 26, 1945. Assigned to the 511th Bomb Squadron—known as the famous “Ball Boys” under the command of Major Clinton BALL—it flew six combat missions over Europe from its base in Polebrook, north of London. Its final mission took place on April 20, 1945. Following the war, 44-8846 continued its service with the Air Force until it was decommissioned on November 10, 1954, at Olmstead AFB, Pennsylvania.

On December 5, 1954, the aircraft was purchased by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and transferred to the Creil base, north of Paris, under the registration F-BGSP. For over 30 years, this B-17 conducted extensive aerial survey work across the globe—from the Arctic to Polynesia—while also earning appearances in notable films such as La Grande Vadrouille and La Bande à César.

In 1985, the aircraft entered the world of collector’s aviation under the care of the Association Forteresse Toujours Volante, in partnership with the Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis. At this point, it received its current registration: F-AZDX. Since then, The Pink Lady has become a familiar sight at numerous airshows, including events such as La Ferté-Alais, Duxford, D-Day commemorations, and the Young Pilots’ Air Show.

In 1989, it starred in David Putnam’s film Memphis Belle, where it received the nose art “Mother and Country” on the front left and “Pink Lady” on the right. To align its appearance with a B-17F model, modifications were made, including the removal of the chin turret and changes to the tail turret.

In March 1988, through the dedication of its maintenance team, generous donors, volunteers, and support from Air France, The Pink Lady regained the 511th Squadron markings it once carried during WWII. Although aircraft leaving the factory in 1945 were no longer painted, the decision was made to retain its iconic Olive Drab color in tribute to the thousands of B-17s that wore it during the war years.

The aircraft’s engines are regularly run, it is taxied, and all mandatory Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are applied to ensure its systems are functional. The ultimate goal is to see The Pink Lady fly again. However, this requires significant restoration work and updates to bring the aircraft back to safe operational standards. The planned work includes recovering all control surfaces, replacing all hoses and tubing, overhauling engine accessories, completing an annual inspection, and installing modern upgrades such as new radios, pre-oiling systems, updated filtration systems, and advanced engine monitoring equipment.

While the path ahead is extensive, the dedicated team behind this historic aircraft remains committed to returning it to the skies. The restoration project is managed by the nonprofit organization Forteresse Toujours Volante. Members, including co-owner and active participant Baptiste, work tirelessly to preserve this iconic piece of history. Their mission is not just to maintain the aircraft but to ensure it continues to inspire future generations.

The clothing brand Barnstormer has stepped up as a significant partner in this endeavor. Through a dedicated clothing collection that pays tribute to the aircraft’s storied past—including its missions over Berlin during World War II—Barnstormer is helping to raise awareness of The Pink Lady’s historical significance. The partnership extends beyond raising awareness. Barnstormer will provide essential flight equipment for the aircraft’s crew and has pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from its collection to Forteresse Toujours Volante. These contributions will directly support efforts to restore and maintain the B-17 in flying condition. Click HERE to support this effort.

The Pink Lady stands as a rare and remarkable link to the past. As the only B-17 in flying condition to have conducted combat missions in World War II, its legacy is irreplaceable. With passionate supporters like Baptiste, Maxime, and the team at Forteresse Toujours Volante, as well as partners like Barnstormer, the dream of seeing this Flying Fortress soar once more is closer to reality.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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