FIFI Is Now Firing On All 72 Cylinders - And She’s Ready For You!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 12:09PM 
FIFI is now FAA approved with her modified R-3350 engines (photo: CAF)
The re-engine project for the Commemorative Air Force B-29 known as 'FIFI' hit a snag early in the flight testing phase. After the first flight on August 5, a pre-ignition problem on the number 2 engine damaged some of the cylinders requiring engine removal and repairs. But, on Friday September 24th, FIFI was back in the air for two flights, and the engines worked great. On the following day, a third problem-free flight satisfied the FAA that FIFI was once again ready to help tell the stories of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
The first event FIFI will attend is the big Commemorative Air Force 'AIRSHO' at the Midland International Airport in Texas on October 9 and 10. This isn’t just a perfect event for the B-29 to be ready for, but it’s also where people will have their first opportunity to actually purchase a ride in this historic aircraft. Having ridden in a B-17 earlier this year, I must say that experiencing a WWII bomber in-flight truly transforms your thinking about the effort put forth by those who fought in the war. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to better understand the people and the airplanes that won the war.
Go to AIRSHO.org for more info on the upcoming event, and cafB29B24.org for ride info.
Reader Comments (10)
I saw the Heritage Flight Foundation's DC-7B at Thunder over Michigan last August 8. I saw the Airline History Museum's Lockheed Super Constellation a few times over the years. Wouldn't it be nice if Fifi, the DC-7B and said Lockheed Super Connie were to appear at Airventure Oshkosh together and all fly at the same time?
Alex- That would be quite the R-3350 superfest! Sounds good to me : )
A B-29 flying again is historic! I sometimes think it's easier to build a new aircraft than to restore a high-tech aircraft of 70 years ago!
Im glad fifi is back in trhe air, I heard that she was down for repair's, but i wasnt sure for what?
Im glad theres ample parts supply for the R-3350 engine's,
Ive always liked b-29's but there's only one flying right now,
im waiting for Doc to get done in Wichita Ks,
for them to get her back in the air,
it'll be neat to have 2 29's back in the air flying,
My dear friend, Micki Axton, flew FiFi. She was a B-29 test pilot! I miss her. Bob Savard
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