FIFI Will Not Be Ready To Fly, CAF Says

The Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) Consolidated B-24A Liberator Ol' 927 will be joining country music star and CAF Spokesman Aaron Tippin, for the first stop of the CAF's Red, White & Loud Tour at the Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Fly-In August 28-29.

CAF Photo Ol' 927 

Due to mechanical issues discovered during flight-testing, the CAF's Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI will not be ready to fly to Denver in time for the show. A distributor malfunction in engine number two resulted in pre-ignition, damaging some of the cylinders. The engine has been removed and will be shipped to Anderson Aeromotive for repairs. The CAF expects the engine to be repaired and the B-29 to return to flight in time for the 2010 CAF AIRSHO, October 9-10 at Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.

"Although we were excited about FIFI returning to flight, we are equally excited about the B-24 kicking off the Red, White & Loud Tour," said CAF President and CEO, Stephan Brown. "Ol' 927 is one of only two B-24's flying in the world and she is an impressive heavy bomber. We expect the crowd at the Colorado Sport International Air Show to enjoy seeing her provide the backdrop to Aaron Tippin's patriotic concert."

"Our excitement over FIFI was more than just her return to the skies. It is what she and the other CAF aircraft represent to our community. We are losing thousands of our World War II hero's each day," said Colorado Sport International Air Show Director, Scott McMillan. "Soon they will be gone, but these wonderful pieces of history will live on in their place to remind us about those who fought for our freedom and the sacrifices they made. We welcome Ol' 927 with open arms. I'm glad that we are able to be a part of the CAF mission to bring these flying pieces of history to so many."

One of only two flight-worthy Consolidated B-24 Liberators, Ol' 927 and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will launch the CAF's Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America's freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of one of the world's most famous warbirds. In 2011, the CAF's Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI will return to costar with Aaron Tippin on the Red, White & Loud Tour.

The CAF's B-24 Ol' 927 will be available for guided tours and the public will also have an opportunity to purchase a ride in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator at the Colorado Sport International Air Show.

FMI: www.cafb29b24.org