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Offline cco23i

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Collings foundation bomber camp
« on: December 21, 2010, 11:25:28 PM »
Here is the new info on the bomber camp.  No dates yet but I will keep everyone informed.

Scott

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_FantasyCamp2011.htm
Msgt. Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.
WW2 Army air force crew chief
http://www.arizonagroundcrew.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/groundcrews/

Offline cco23i

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Re: Collings foundation bomber camp
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2010, 01:12:19 PM »
The dates are the 1st and 2nd of June 2011.

Scott
Msgt. Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.
WW2 Army air force crew chief
http://www.arizonagroundcrew.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/groundcrews/

Offline cco23i

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Re: Collings foundation bomber camp
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2010, 05:37:20 PM »
Here is more info.



Yes, you will receive full training for the ball turret on our ground trainer and will be able to ride in the ball turret powered up in flight too. The ball turret is about the best part of the camp and if the timing is right you have the best possible view of the bombs falling from the bomb bay. In one of the videos you can see the bomb dropping and the gal in the ball turret was pointing in the other direction. She missed seeing the bomb dropping just behind her back!

Yes the B-17 will be used in the bomber camp too. We just need to get Gary and the awesome guys that work at American Aero Services to make sure the ball turrets in both the B-17 and the B-24 get the heavy maintenance they need while the bombers are in his care. How about it Gary!!

We also intend to get the other turrets up and running too starting with the Martin 250 upper turret in the B-24 and then the tail turret and nose turret. I have a Martin 250 that is going in the ground training turret truck which will come in handy for training Bomber Camp trainees in the B-24 and our upcoming Torpedo Camp in the Harpoon 

In the B-17 the tail turret will be opened up in flight for use against the ME-262...  Next we will try to get the Sperry upper and then chin turret going. Live 50 cal fire will continue in the B-24 and the B-17. We hope to fire guns in flight in the ball turrets too in the future like we did here on the ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4GS1PND7pA

Our campers must like it because several folks keep coming back and they even bring more friends and family along too. It really is an awesome event that we keep improving each year. One repeat camper said it was like attending two different camps because of the changes and improvements we had made last year.

We will get to Wendover some time Tom as your base is by far the perfect setting for any of our bomber camps especially Atomic Bomber Camp. Can we use your autograph bomb to recreate this shot? I have the truck...

http://www.twinbeech.com/images/vehicles/federal/c2wrecker/c2wartime/DSC01681web.jpg

Msgt. Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.
WW2 Army air force crew chief
http://www.arizonagroundcrew.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/groundcrews/

Offline cco23i

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Re: Collings foundation bomber camp
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2011, 12:57:06 PM »
Here is the info from the site,

JUNE 1ST AND 2ND - STOCKTON, CA
Have you ever dreamed of becoming part of a bomber crew and flying your very own mission? The Collings Foundation will be offering a very unique two-day training program in which you train for and fly a simulated WWII bombing mission aboard the B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft". No doubt, this will be one of the most amazing living history programs you will ever experience! Space is limited. We are now accepting reservations. Dates have not been confirmed yet. But, we anticipate a time near beginining of June. Should have dates confirmed within the next month.

Base Location:
Stockton Municipal Airport / Stockton Field Aviation Museum Hangar, California.
Target:
Top Secret Classified Information. Crew will be issued mission and target objectives on completion of crew training.
Cost:
$3,900 per person. Includes accommodations and food for two nights. Trainees must arrage travel to hotel. Transportation to and from training facilities will be arranged. Age restrictions: 16 yrs. and older. 16 yrs. to 18yrs. has to be accompanied by legal adult guardian .

Day One: Pre-Mission Training
* Basic outline of course and goals.
* WWII Heavy Bomber history, theatres of operation and primary missions.
* Identification of crew positions and duties.
* Crewmember orientation to essential equipment.
* Gunnery orientation.
* Target practice.

Day Two: Briefing and Mission Orders are Issued
* Refresher course / Q & A.
* Commanding Officer will brief the crew on the day's mission.
* Suit up and drive to the aircraft in bomb truck.
* Pre flight and further briefing on flight, mission and crew position.
* Load aircraft ordinance and prepare equipment.
* Fly the mission.
* Mission de-briefing.

Intelligence Issued a Critical Report: There are reports that a enemy aircraft is prowling the area. We are in need of a P-51 Mustang escort fighter pilot to assure that the crew is safe from attack - all the way to the target and back! (rear position). Cost $4,000.

Some details:
The crew will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express, Manteca. Crew must be checked in the night of May 31st. The program starts early AM on June 1st. Each crewmember will receive training materials, flight suit, eye and ear protection etc. Live rounds will be used at gunnery range and blanks will be used during the mission. Each crewmember will be issued: 50 rounds / 50 cal. blank, 10 rounds / 50 cal. live, 15 shot gun rounds, shotgun and targets. Additional ammo will be available for purchase at location. Mission flight time will be approximately 1 hour. 250 lb. dummy bombs will be dropped on a target from the B-24 Liberator (manufactured to original specifications). On second day of camp there will be two missions with crews of 8. Crew member performs a task in each position on an approximate 10 minute rotation. Although we are confident that the P-51 Mustang and Me-262 will participate, at this time please consider this additional "bonus" tentative.

Reservations and cancellations :
50% deposit is required on sign up. Deposit is non-refundable (Reason for this: We have to purchase supplies and materials in advance). Space is limited. To make reservations for the Bomber Crew Fantasy Camp or to fly in the P-51 during a mission call: 800.568.8924
Msgt. Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.
WW2 Army air force crew chief
http://www.arizonagroundcrew.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/groundcrews/