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Thread: Want to own the Bally Bomber?

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  1. #1

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    Want to own the Bally Bomber?

    Just saw the for sale notice on Facebook:

    http://courtesyaircraft.com/aircraft...-bomber-b-17g/

  2. #2
    DaleB's Avatar
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    I just can't imagine pouring that much time and effort into something, just to put it up for sale.
    Measure twice, cut once...
    scratch head, shrug, shim to fit.

    Flying an RV-12. I am building a Fisher Celebrity, slowly.

  3. #3

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    I recall Mr Bally mentioning at AirVenture that he isn't able to fly the plane (I think he said he lost his medical?) so that may play a role in the decision to let it go?

  4. #4
    DaleB's Avatar
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    Oof. That would just plain suck.
    Measure twice, cut once...
    scratch head, shrug, shim to fit.

    Flying an RV-12. I am building a Fisher Celebrity, slowly.

  5. #5
    Banned
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    I can't imagine even a well healed single individual buying this for the asking price or anywhere near it. If sold, will probably be bought by a museum or warbird association or similar because of tax advantages.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by CHICAGORANDY View Post
    I recall Mr Bally mentioning at AirVenture that he isn't able to fly the plane (I think he said he lost his medical?) so that may play a role in the decision to let it go?
    I don't know anything about any medical issues Mr. Bally might or might not have. But I saw the airplane at OSH and talked to his pilot. The reason given that he can't fly the airplane was that he does not have a multi engine rating, and his insurance company won't let him fly it without one. (Since it's an EAB and he's the builder, the FAA has no problem with it.)

    - Andy

  7. #7

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    Of all the things I've lost over the past 69 years... I miss my mind the most - lol

  8. #8

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    The idea that this is only worth "scrap " value doesn't take into account how fine this airplane is. If you haventt seen it youd be amazed, it looks 95% like a B-17 except maybe it is half the size, I has 4 real radial engines and retract gear just like a real one. only when you stand next to it it is less than head high. If it flys well, no handling or cooling problems for instance I think the price is realistic. Yes. you could get a genuine T-28 for that price, but what you would have is a nice flying airplane that is just like a hundred others. This Bally Bomber is unique and is about the coolest thing around. Id love to have it if I had the money.

  9. #9

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    Well, it could be that pesky operating limitation #17 that is standard issue for EAB airplanes:


    17. The pilot in command of this aircraft must hold an appropriate category/class rating. If required, the pilot in command also must hold a type rating in accordance with FAR 61, or a letter of authorization issued by an FAA Flight Standards Operations Inspector.

  10. #10

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    Dana, the listing from Courtesy says Hirth engines, not Rotax. I was mistaken about the radial part, I thought I saw them that way at Oshkosh. The engines are 60 hp so 240 total which doesnt seem bad for an empty weight of only 1800 lbs. And how would you expect it to fly poorly, what do you base that on? Have you seen this plane or better yet seen it fly?
    A real B-17 flies very well.
    As for ratings, a pilot was flying it at Oshkosh, so he must have had a rating. Maybe all you need is a regular light twin rating to get a Letter of Authorization.
    And maybe you guys dont think this plane is extraordinary and want to find negatives about it, but I think it is special.
    Last edited by Bill Greenwood; 10-12-2018 at 05:30 PM.

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