"Queen Of The Fleet" In The Air For The First Time In Six Years

It was a long time coming, but the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) said Thursday that FIFI has returned to flight. "The Queen of the Fleet" ... which is the world's only flyable Boeing B-29 Superfortress ... returned to the skies early Thursday morning for its first flight since 2004.

FIFI Pix By Bill Crump

"It is an emotional day at the CAF for our volunteer-members and staff," said CAF President Stephan Brown. "There were more than a few tears of joy shed by those who have worked over these past few years to see FIFI fly again. Today is a new beginning for this historic warbird. Thanks to the dedication of our members and the support of Jim Cavanaugh, the B-29 can once again return to telling the stories of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom."

Following more than four years of work, FIFI returned to the skies just before 9 a.m. on Thursday morning for a beautiful 39-minute flight. Back on the ground, the crew exited the B-29 with massive smiles and unimaginable excitement.

"She ran like a top," said CAF Colonel, and one of the pilots for the B-29, Paul Stojkov. "It's a very special day. A lot of us have been waiting for this for four and a half years. We have to thank everyone involved for their help in getting her to this point."

"I'm speechless," said CAF B-29 Crew Chief Dave Miller. "I can't express in words my appreciation for the opportunity to work with FIFI and for the help of everyone involved in working to get her back in the air. Thank you to the entire CAF family."

"I am deeply pleased to see FIFI fly again after such a long wait," said CAF General Staff member, Neils Agather. "Today's flight is a product of the dedication of many people, Gary Austin, Dave Miller and many more volunteers. We must also thank Jim Cavanaugh for his support. My parents, Vic and Fifi, would be proud."

The CAF Airpower Museum will open its doors at 0700 on Saturday August 7, for visitors who would like to get a front row seat for FIFI's pre-flight preparations and flight. Visitors to the museum will be ushered to the main hangar for an up-close view of the crew preparing this massive bomber for flight. Once FIFI begins to head for the runways, visitors will be escorted to a prime viewing area, to witness the B-29's crew training.

"Saturday is the perfect opportunity for our community to come out to the CAF and see FIFI fly," said CAF President Stephan Brown. "Throughout the morning, the B-29 crew will be completing the required crew training that includes 'touch and gos' at Midland International Airport, it will be quite a show."

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org, www.cafb29b24.org