Fun Stuff : The Flying Toastmaster

Richard Birtchnell the flying Toastmaster with the Sally B, B17 Flying Fortress

Richard the Pilot

Flying is my passion. I got my wings at Blackbushe in 1980 and bought this Piper Cherokee
180C from British Airways in 1982 when they closed their training college at Hamble and have enjoyed many flights throughout Europe in her, mainly out of Redhill.

Richard Birtchnell the Flying Toastmaster
I have flown all over the world, including the Florida Keys out of Marathon, Grand Canyon out of Las Vegas, Table Mountain out of Cape Town and Sydney Harbour’s famous Bridge and Opera House, out of Bankstown, seen here from a Piper Arrow. With the Royal Moroccan Air Force, I flew this Socata Rally MS893 out of Marrakech over the Atlas mountains and low into the desert at high speed.

Flying Fortress B-17

I recently had the privilege of getting up close and personal with B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B which is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in the UK and since 1982 has been operated by Elly Sallingboe. The aircraft featured in the film Memphis Belle.

She is able to fly only with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and the backing of her supporters club.

Sally B is permanently based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford where she is on static display when not flying. However, the aircraft is not part of the Museum’s own collection and relies solely on charitable donations, sponsorship, sales of souvenirs, and the loyal support of her working team of volunteers. Bearing this in mind, it is incredible to think that this aircraft has been flying in the UK for over 30 years. Operating a large, four-engined aircraft is extremely expensive and the costs must be met if Sally B is to continue her mission. To keep this outstanding legacy alive, do please join the

Richard Birtchnell the flying Toastmaster with the Sally B, B17 Flying Fortress
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