A peek inside a vintage B-17 Flying Fortress WW II bomber

People in Regina are getting the chance to see a rare artifact from the Second World War a B-17 bomber.

The plane and its crew aremaking a stopover in Regina until Sunday as part of a North American tour.

Malcolm McLeod, media coordinator for the Experimental Aircraft Association, said there are fewer than 15 B-17 bombers from the era still in flying condition, out of more than 4,000 made during the war.

"The majority of them were shot down over Germany or France. The crews faced incredible odds and had terrifying experiences," he said.

Saskatchewan connection

Most B-17s were used by the United States Air Force, but there are a few with a Canadian connection.

In Canada, six of the planes were brought over and stripped of their guns and armour to carry mail between North America and Europe during the war.

"This was really a crucial thing to morale, not only for the soldiers in Europe but for the people at home," he said.

There was also a connection to a notable pilot originally from Regina, Frederick Hill, who flew the bombers for the American army.

Hill flew 32 missions out of Italy and the U.K., according to McLeod.

"He was involved in some of the major air battles of WWII and he was eventually taken off pilot duties because of combat fatigue."

McLeod said Hill had been denied entry into the Royal Canadian Air Force due to having rheumatic fever as a child.

However, he was able to slip through the cracks in America and get trained as a pilot before his medical record caught up with him.

He went on to win theDistinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service.

Ticking clock

McLeod said that while there are numerous organizations in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to preserving vintage aircraft, it's only a matter of time before the B-17s are grounded for good.

"They're very expensive to own, very expensive to maintain and parts are getting hard to find," he said.

"I guess the day will come before toolong where all of these planes will be in museums and people won't see them flying anymore."

The plane will be at the Regina Flying Club at the airport until July 3.