Back in the air

After spending 20 months in a preventative maintenance program, the Confederate Air Force's B-29 Fifi and B-24/LB-30 Diamond Lil made a triumphant return to flight and are currently back on tour across the United States. According to Harold Garner, B-29/B-24 unit leader, both airplanes are performing we with only minor problems since their return to service, which is exceptional considering the amount of work performed on both planes. Crews performed extensive inspections to assure corrosion control, structural, electrical and fuel tank integrity a well as proper adjustment of flight and engine controls. "Over $600,000 and thousands of volunteer hours were dedicated to ensure that both airplanes were put back into excellent flying condition," Garner said.

The B-24/LB-30 returned to service on 5 June with a flight to New Orleans, Louisiana, to participate in grand opening ceremonies for the new D-Day Museum. The B-29 followed soon after with its first flight on 23 June to Washington, D.C., to participate in a flyover of the Korean War Memorial commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war.

Fifi, the only flying Superfortress, has been with the CAF since 1971 when it was rescued from the desert of China Lake, California. Diamond Lil, the oldest surviving Liberator, has been with the CAF since 1968. Both planes have resumed their national tour that will take them to approximately 25 stops in the upper midwest and midAtlantic states. AC