There’s not a lot left on my bucket list that I’m physically able to do, but this one was a nice surprise.
Because Dad was the commander of a B-29 Superfortress the last months of WWII, I’d hoped to get to see (and hear) one land and/or take off. In 1991, the one named Fifi (the only airworthy B-29 at that point) was on display at the Mason City airport. After making sure when it was due to arrive, Mom, sis Gloria, and I drove up the day before so we could watch it land. It was already on the ground. What a disappointment.
We were the first in line the next morning. While chatting, it came up that I was doing some writing about WWII. The man in charge said, “I tell you what–if you want to come back up the day we leave, you can fly with us to Grand Rapids, but you’ll have to get your own ride home from there.”
I never did get a ride in the B-29, but all three of us did climb up into the cockpit for pictures in the commander’s seat.
Last week we learned that old warbirds from the Commemorative Air Force would be at the Des Moines airport this week, including Fifi, and it would be giving rides–three on Saturday, two on Sunday.
Well, on the way to the airport today, my Favorite Guy and I watched Fifi fly across in front of us, to turn in to land. We were too late to watch that, but we hung around until we could see the old bomber fire up each of the four engines, one by one, then taxi to the runway. While we waited for takeoff, a P-51 roared off the runway, an T-6 Texan, and a PT-13 biwing plane.
Then here came the Superfortress down the runway, lifting, and quickly rumbling overhead. What a treat to get to see and hear this old warbird with connections to family history.
Back in 1991, I tried to figure out how to make connections so I could ride in that B-29, but I needed someone to take me to Mason City and, the same day, someone to pick me up in Grand Rapids, MI. Mom couldn’t believe I’d even think about it. “That’s an old plane,” she reminded me, “and they’re already working on one of the engines.” Yes, but a B-29 has three more engines.
And if we crashed, I’d have a very interesting obituary, wouldn’t I?
I know that was a special occasion for you–and for your mom ‘way back when! Glad you got to see it. (There’s a “static air show” coming our way in a few weeks. Not as many historic planes this time as last, but I still might go just to see what is there.
Guy sorta wanted a ride in the P-51, but 20 minutes cost $2500 and 40 minutes for $4000. It sure was fun to watch (and hear). Now to see (and hear) a P-38 Lightning in flight! (There’s an airworthy one at Fagan Fighters WWII Museum in southern MN!)
Joy,
So glad to hear you saw it then too. I went with a friend to see it when it was out at the DM airport in 1991. It was indredible to see . I didn’t get to see a takeoff or landing either .
1991? Why did Mom, Gloria, and I go all the way to Mason City to see it, I wonder. hmmm
Despite the obituary possibilities, I think it’s a good thing you didn’t go up in the B-29. Might have even damaged your hearing!
Thank you, Eilene. We took a hop in a B-25 a few years ago, open, not pressurized. Wow, was it loud! The cockpit and tail sections of the B-29 are pressurized, but it is probably loud enough!
It’s fun to be able to cross some things off the bucket list.
I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to do anymore, then this one popped up!
Lawdy! Your obit will be interesting enough… I have to say that it would have been a cool experience, although I am NOT as adventurous to have tried it myself.
Ha, thanks, Annette! I was adventurous back then, but I guess I’m not now. They were all sold out today anyway–three rides this morning, two tomorrow morning.
A very special memory.
It sure was, thanks, Elaine!
Wow, Joy! This is so fabulous. Every bit! 🥰❤️🥰
Thank you, Vicki!
🥰
I’ve never seen a B-29 like that, but I have been inside a C-47 at an Air Museum in California.
Dad’s brother flew the C-47 over the Hump. I’ve been through a B-17, sat in the commander’s seat, in fact it led to my first story about my dad. The only one we’ve taken a hop in is the very loud and open B-25!
This is one of the coolest things I’ve read today, Joy. It would have been nice if it worked out, but that’s one expensive ride. Observing was a good tradeoff.
You’re probably right, Pete, but it’s fun to think about!
A few years ago at the EA fly-in in Oshkosh, I stood next to a B-25 as it fired up before take off. Even with just two engines, it was a mighty sound.
Oshkosh used to be on my bucket list, but no more. We took a hop in a B-25 in 2006. Yes, loud! https://joynealkidney.com/2018/06/15/dale-wilson-b-25-mitchell/
Such a cool bit of history and adventure! Glad you and your Favorite Guy got to experience that flight. And glad there was no need for obituaries!
Thank you for your delightful note!
I adore watching all the old planes. My experience in flying in B-17 is one I will never forget!!
Yes, it certainly would be!
It’s wonderful that you were able to see and participate a bit in this significant connection to your family’s WWII history. 😊
Thanks, Tim! When I napped, I had a grin on my face.
I can understand that.
I’m glad you were able to cross this off of your bucket list, Joy.
Thank you, Lauren. It was a fun surprise. Hot and humid, but fun!
Love the photos!!! Love the story! (I try not to miss any of your posts…) 🙂
Bless you, Linda!
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The next major air show I go to I’m going to look for Fifi. It would be a real treat to see this plane, flown by courageous pilots, that served our country so well. The pictures are great, too. You all look like you’re posing in front of an old friend. 🙂
There are two air-worthy B-29s these days. The other one is Doc!
Don’t know how I missed this one, Joy. As you know, I got to see it a few days ago in Cheyenne. https://williamablan.wordpress.com/2024/08/19/the-bomber-with-a-poodles-name-fifi/
I think one of the things this airshow got me thinking about is actually learning to fly. I Learned from the Texan pilot that he knows an 84-year-old who recently soloed. While I’m not that old, I’m not getting any younger. So, that’s officially in the bucket list.
Wow! One more warbird on my bucket list–a P-38 taking off and in the air, because of Uncle Danny Wilson. There an airworthy one (Scat III) at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in southern MN, but with both of us struggling with health issues, we’re unable to drive that far. https://www.fagenfighterswwiimuseum.org/aircraft/scatIII/scatIII.html