B-29 "Fifi" Prepares for Flight

[moose135]

Didn't see this mentioned before...

On Memorial Day, the Commemorative Air Force moved their B-29 "Fifi" out of the hangar in Midland, TX, and started all four engines, the first time they have had all four running simultaneously since she was grounded in 2006. They have a target date of June 29 for her return to flight. They hope to tour briefly over the summer, then fly her during their "Airsho" event in October. Hope to see her back at FRG one day soon.

More info and video here:

http://www.cafb29b24.org/

[Derf]

I am very happy to hear she will be flying again. I hope to see her again soon!
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/Aviation/American-Airpower-Museum/P6074913/98315228_VYbz3-L-4.jpg

One well kept aircraft! And one hell of a good day, right Phil?
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/Aviation/American-Airpower-Museum/P6105110/98420770_WzbS3-L-4.jpg

[Tom_Turner]

Its been grounded previously; can't be easy to keep it going. Although I heard there was yet another B-29 that *might* make it back into the air - we'll see. But at any rate I was very surprised when it came to FRG back in 2004 -

0606375

0602819

Tom

[moose135]

Fifi flies again...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbfop8jflxU

[SengaB]

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/1/9/9/43293_1087521991.jpg

Now if we can only get a B-36 airborne! Oh man what a sight that would be.
3:30m to the end is just amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGjyH2ulsCk

[mirrodie]

How many movies about planes was Jimmy Stewart in? I remember the one where he gets called off a basebal team to fly again.

What an actor!


I think this clip was from SAC? I remember him in the cockpit of a jet bomber too...a B47? IIRC?

[moose135]

That's a great clip, Senga, I always love watching it.

And yes, Mario, it is from Strategic Air Command and that is the movie where Stewart is the ball player who is recalled to active duty. He ends up commanding a squadron of the then-new B-47s. Besides this, he made three other aviation-themed movies, The Spirit of St. Louis, No Highway in the Sky, and The Flight of the Phoenix.

Stewart was also in Airport '77, but we won't hold that against him. :wink:

[Derf]

He OWNED a 747 in that movie....did you ever hear how when he was shooting the Spirit of Saint Louis at McArthur airport, he got pissed that he was not allowed to fly the actual backup for the real Spirit of St. Louis in the movie due to insurance and he quit the movie. The quickly decided to let him fly! Classic L.I. History!!!