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For you aviation enthusiasts, this is only the second B-29 in flying condition now. Much like our vintage Corvettes, we need to preserve these things for the next generation. It's one thing to see them in a museum and a very different thing to see it fly in person. If you've got em, fly em or drive em Pilot Dan
Thanks for sharing this, Dan. My dad was an instructor pilot for the B29 during WWII. I remember being able to see one many years ago in my youth, and how amazed I was at its sight. He had many great memories to share, and I've still got some awesome 8mm movies he was able to take. Neat stuff!
I have seen "FIFI" here in Syracuse multiple times for air shows or while in transit . . . the B-29 is an impressive airplane. If you have never seen one "up close and personal", you owe it to yourself to do so.
Very impressive! I have followed "DOC" for years. Congratulations!
Tom, the A 26 is my favorite I have been following that restoration. Air Frame Off?? Good One. The major rib replace was interesting.
Brgds,
Rene
The B-29 was flown by a good friend of mine, Charlie Tilghman. We flew together in the Air Guard and at SWA. Charlie is not only a great pilot and a professional, he's just a great all around guy.
I love seeing old warbirds becoming airworthy once again and being flown! I've owned a couple of vintage planes through the years and there's definitely something special about them but warbirds are as special as they come!
I have seen "FIFI" here in Syracuse multiple times for air shows or while in transit . . . the B-29 is an impressive airplane. If you have never seen one "up close and personal", you owe it to yourself to do so.
I'd take it another step..... pay for a RIDE in one of these old birds.
My bride and I flew in the B17 owned by the Collings Foundation and it was an amazing experience.... a bucket list item if ever there was one.
Last edited by jim lockwood; 07-21-2016 at 09:11 AM.
Reason: Lousy typing.
This is fantastic. I'll never forget the first time I saw the Enola Gay on display at the Dulles Annex of Air & Space. It stopped me cold in my tracks and raised goose bumps.
Impressive DZ. The 26 was a big performance step up from the 25. Twin 2800 Pratts. Have you run them up yet? Nothing draws a crowd like firing up a radial. What you mean by "our" A26. Partnership, restoration volunteers, LLC? Very cool.
I'd take it another step..... pay for a RIDE in one of these old birds.
My bride and I flew in the B17 owned by the Collings Foundation and it was an amazing experience.... a bucket list item if ever there was one.
I flew in "Aluminum Overcast" a B-17 years ago. They can take off and land at surprisingly slow speed relative to their size and weight. These old war birds have a touring schedule of where they will be (they travel around the country periodically) so anyone wanting a ride can get one. It's not cheap, but then again neither is restoring and maintaining one of these birds (in flying condition) not to mention the fuel cost. Even if you don't go for a ride, it's worth it to go out and tour the planes and watch them start up and fly. Below is a link to the B-29 FiFi owned and flow by the Confederate Air Force
Just beautiful. Thanks for the post! My next door neighbor flew 33 missions in a B-17 as navigator bombing the ball-bearing plants of Schweinfurt, etc. with the 8th. He was wounded in action and showed me his flak-torn helmet. The stories are truly horrifying and all of those men were heros.
Just beautiful. Thanks for the post! My next door neighbor flew 33 missions in a B-17 as navigator bombing the ball-bearing plants of Schweinfurt, etc. with the 8th. He was wounded in action and showed me his flak-torn helmet. The stories are truly horrifying and all of those men were heros.
There is a B25J from the Missouri wing of the CAF that flies over my house on occasion. Those twin radials really sing. I can't imagine what it would sound like to hear 100 or more B-29's flying over on a bombing mission!!
DZ, Based on the responses to the B29 and your A26 post, it sure looks like the Corvette community here has changed. I for one would love for you to post occasional OT A26 status updates. Best wishes
Hey There! I like seeing your posts about the A26! Very cool and interesting stuff.
Thanks to the OP for sharing - I thought I saw a link about Doc's flight and didn't get a chance to check in. I'm really thrilled that there is another piece of USA history up and flying...
Couple of personal notes, I'll never forget when as a little leaguer, Fi Fi flew over our park on way to Allegheny County Airport...it stopped all of us in our tracks to gawk at that site! While I didn't get to tour the plane, I did go out to the airport to see firsthand...wonderful.
Regarding B-17s, a cowworker and friend of my Dad's was a WWII copilot and shot down. He was in a POW camp for several years. He is in his 90s now and is still out at schools sharing his story...thank you Mr. Ziegler!
A couple years back, the B-17 Memphis Belle recreation was at our local county airport. I took my kids up and we were lucky enough to be there when they fired her up and took off for a flight. Incredible stuff!
Here's a link with a couple of pics of Mr. Ziegler's crew.
07-20-2016, 03:07 PM
OT WWll B-29 "Doc" makes first flight
Pilot Dan
I flew in "Aluminum Overcast" a B-17 years ago. They can take off and land at surprisingly slow speed relative to their size and weight. These old war birds have a touring schedule of where they will be (they travel around the country periodically) so anyone wanting a ride can get one. It's not cheap, but then again neither is restoring and maintaining one of these birds (in flying condition) not to mention the fuel cost. Even if you don't go for a ride, it's worth it to go out and tour the planes and watch them start up and fly. Below is a link to the B-29 FiFi owned and flow by the Confederate Air Force 
