B-29 Fifi To Offer Flight Experiences To The Public
By Robbie Culver
The Commemorative Air Force has teamed up with country music
legend Aaron Tippin for a tour starring the CAF's B-29
Superfortress "FIFI" and Tippin. As the B-29 arrives at each
scheduled tour stop, Tippin will be onboard Fifi, and will perform
in concert alongside the B-29. FIFI is currently the only airworthy
B-29 in existence.
(L-R) CAF President Stephen Brown, Aaron Tippin,
Shelley Fritzler, Colorado Sport Aviation
The CAF also plans to work with Tippin, a pilot and
self-proclaimed "ramp rat," to qualify him as a co-pilot on the
B-29 so he can have an active role in the aircraft's operations on
the tour. Tippin soloed at the age of 16, and held a commercial
multi-engine instrument rating by the time he had reached age 18.
Tippin is also helicopter-qualified, and is an Aircraft &
Powerplant mechanic. He currently owns and operates a 1941
Stearman, a 1946 J-3 Cub, and a 1959 Helio Courier.
The Superfortress has been issued its FAA Letter of
Authorization, according to CAF President and CEO Stephen Brown,
and will also be able to offer flights to the public for the first
time. Ten slots are available per flight at a cost of $995 or $695
depending on seating location.
FIFI CAF Image
The CAF has operated FIFI since restoring it to operating
condition from 1971 to 1974. The Wright R-3350-57AM engine was
originally used on the B-29, but developed a reputation for being
less than reliable. During the time the CAF has operated FIFI, she
has exhibited numerous engine-related gremlins. In 2006 metal
shavings were found in the oil, and the aircraft was effectively
grounded. CAF received a large financial donation from Jim
Cavanaugh, founder of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison,
Texas, to re-engine the aircraft using a hybrid combination of the
R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD engines.
Aaron Tippin
The Red, White & Loud tour has scheduled its first stop for
the Colorado Sport International Air Show in Denver, CO, August
28th and 29th. "This is the first of several stops in 2010-2011 for
the CAF's Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin and the
B-29 FIFI," Brown said in a press release. "Aaron is a great
supporter of our American troops and veterans, as well as the
Commemorative Air Force and what we stand for, honoring American
military aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance."
Colorado Sport Aviation, Inc. President Jim Cimiluca stated
"Denver is honored to host the return of the CAF B-29 Fifi to the
skies with CAF's Red, White, and Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin
and the B-29 FIFI. We're planning a truly special celebration for
both the aviation community and the general public to be a part of
this historic event."
FIFI CAF Image
"The Commemorative Air Force is unique, we aren't like other
museums," said CAF President Stephen Brown. "We start our engines,
we fly our airplanes, and we get loud, taking history to the
public, not waiting for them to come to us. The Red, White &
Loud Tour is an exciting opportunity for the CAF to continue doing
what we do best, education and reminding Americans of the cost of
our freedom."
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.15.24)
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