Transcript
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Her Story Begins
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The QuestIn 1966, the then fledgling Commemorative Air Force, in their quest to gather an example of all the remaining World War Two bombers, attempted to track down a B-29. At this time, except for two noted museum aircraft, the B-29 was considered almost an extinct aircraft.Enter Roger BakerEnter Vic Agather“China Lake” Navy releases B-29 s/n 44-62070 to the CAFThis B-29 is assembled from parts from nine other B-29’sShe flies out of China Lake on August 3, 1972.
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The desert gives up her treasure
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Nine weeks to air worthy
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Nearly 4,000 B-29’s were built.Only one still flies. Vic Agather christens the new B-29 “FIFI,” his nickname for his wife. In recognition of Vic’s leadership to save “FIFI” an “A” is painted on the tail of the aircraft.
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“FIFI” draws the crowds
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“FIFI” is the Queen of the Fleet● Milestones● 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s● Military heroes fly “FIFI”● Hundreds of air shows● “FIFI” in the movies● Hundreds of cities● Thousands of miles● CAF moves from Harlingen to Midland
Vice-PresidentDick Cheney
Roswell (1994)(1983)
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“FIFI” as “Enola Gay”
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“FIFI”
Artwork by Don Greer
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2004 Engine Failure – “FIFI” is down● What happened ● Negotiations to acquire new engines● New engine design● CAF volunteers led by Crew Chief, Dave Miller,
repair “FIFI” and hang new engines
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A Second Quest – “FIFI” back in the air
PLAY MOVIE
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Jim Cavanaugh Cavanaugh Flight Museum
Jim Cavanaugh has pledged $1.2 million sponsorship for the re-engine project of FIFI, the CAF’s world famous B-29
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“FIFI” and “Ol’927” move to Addison, TX
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B-24A Liberator “Ol’927”Over 18,000 were built…
This one was 25th
off the assembly line.One of only two flying Liberatorsleft in the world.
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“FIFI’s” New Mission
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Marketing “FIFI”
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Px & Ride Flights
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“FIFI’s” adventures 2010-2011
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PLAY MOVIE
Charles Chauncey
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Airsho 2010, Midland, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Long Beach, CA
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Bullhead City, AZ
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Langley AFB / Andrews AFB
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B-29 Re-enlistment
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Farmingdale, NY
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Memorial Day
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Fort Worth (4th of July) *100th flight
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Chicago / Dupage
Medal of Honor Flight
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Kansas City, MO
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Oshkosh, WI
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St. Louis, MO
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Memphis, TN
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“FIFI’s” first wedding! August 8, 2011 Middleton, Tennessee
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504th Bomb Group Reunion
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Airsho 2011, Midland, TX
Aaron TippinOur newestQualifiedRight-seater
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CAF B-29/B-24 SquadronOur People
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How You Can Support “FIFI”and the Mission of our Squadron● Financial● Volunteerism● Become a Colonel● Become a member of of the CAF● Check the website for schedules and updates on our bombers www.cafb29b24.org
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Book a flight on “FIFI”● Ride experiences available - up to 10 seats - actual flight time 30 minutes - riders get a DVD of their flight experience - riders get a souvenir picture of “FIFI” signed by
the flight crew
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Come see us at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison during winter maintenance.
Happy Holidays from
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That is the end of our “tail” for now
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Thank you Mitzi Werther and the Richland College Emeritus
Program.Q&A?
Let’s go fly!www.cafb29b24.org
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