2004 Commemorative Air Force Fly-in

"user314" (user314) 04/24/2020 at 12:00 • Filed to: Planelopnik, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Airport, B-29, FIFI, B-24, Commemorative Air Force, Confederate Air Force, Cessna 185, Beech Staggerwing

5

6

Back in ‘04 the CAF brought a couple planes to the Allegheny County Airport for a little static appearance. Being a general aviation operation, AGC also had a few interesting planes around...

CAF’s B-29A-60-BN, better known as FIFI

Delivered to the AAF in ‘45, the B- 29 that became FIFI was quickly converted to a TB-29 trainer. It served as an administrative aircraft for a time, then was placed in desert storage until ‘53. Retired again in 1958, the plane was bailed to the Navy and placed at China Lake NAWS for use as a target, where it remained until 1971 When the CAF acquired it and began restoring the plane.

Three of the four Wright R-3350 engines that power FIFI

Even with minimal publicity, the old girl draws quite a crowd.

Sooty, but well cared for.

FIFI has appeared in numerous fims and TV shows.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

One of the lower gun turrets, with two replica .50 Browning AN/M2

One of the sighting blisters. From here, aided by a GE analog computer, gunners aimed the turrets at attacking fighters.

Built in ‘40, Diamond Lil often accompanies her little sister on visits

Not as famous as other WWII bombers, the B-24 is still an imposing sight.

Nose art needs to come back.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

And now, some of the other planes I saw dur ing this visit.

A Sikorsky S-58T

902CH is still flying for Construction Helicopters

Beech Staggerwing. Almost as Art Deco as AGC’s terminal building.

Out to stretch her wings.

Home Again

A Cessna at Allegheny County was a sure bet, but on floats? The want was strong.

Chariotoflove > user314 04/24/2020 at 12:11

0

Very cool.  Thanks.

PowderHound > user314 04/24/2020 at 12:23

1

That stagger wing is a beaut! Love those big bombers too, I have a soft spot for B-24's as well. My grandfather flew them in WWII. Here’s one of his photos that I have. 

ttyymmnn > user314 04/24/2020 at 12:59

0

White sneakers and white sox. Welcome to America. My brother in law said that it’s the easiest way to spot Americans in Europe.

ttyymmnn > user314 04/24/2020 at 13:03

1

I went into Wiki to see when the CAF changed from Confederate Air Force to Commemorative Air Force. That happened in 2001. I really like that they changed it. Aside from the modern connotations of the word Confederate, I think the new name better reflects their mission. And even better, they didn’t have to change their letterhead!

Great shots. I’ve always wanted to go to the CAF show in Midland. One of these days....

oldmxer > user314 04/24/2020 at 13:25

0

i saw fifi fly in harlingen tx in 85, wondering if any of these pics are from that show

RacinBob > user314 04/24/2020 at 13:38

1

I took FiFi for a ride last summer. I gotta use some of my upcoming furlough time to upload the video and do a post.....