Doc and FIFI are it - the only two flying B-29 Superfortresses in the world. They were both at #OSH17 and we got a closer look (plus some cool air to air video footage)!
My grandfather flown doc and when I showed this video to him he started crying cuz he thought doc would never fly again he is 102 years old and still alive
Completely false. James Rooks was an original flight crew member of Doc. In an interview from 2016 he said he's the last flight crew member of Doc who's still alive. Also 102 is pretty old for a pilot flying in the late 40's. Army Air Corps/Air Force pilots were normally in their early to mid 20s. Not saying that your grandpa never flew, but he didn't pilot Doc.
Seeing Doc and FiFi flying together in close formation was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. To think that there were thousands of them at one point and now there are only 2 left flying (the only 2 that will ever fly again from what I was told) is insane. It is something I will not soon forget! Also the shot at the 6 minute mark gave me chills. So beautiful!
It is stirring to see this video. The amount of materiel and energy expended by many thousands of workers during WW2 was incredible. I suspect we'll not see that need in the world again on that level. I was just a child during the war but retain the memories of what muted desperation was like among the adults. It was uncomfortable but called for due to the circumstances. I recall seeing dozens of B-29s lined up on the ramp outside the Boeing/Wichita plant getting their final fittings and adjustments. B-29s were the stuff of legend even then but few knew that staggering problems the airplanes had to become effective.
Garrett Pulliam we would of had one more, the kee bird, but sadly before it's take off it combusted into flames, and they couldn't restore it since they almost hit there dead line since it was ontop of a frozen lake that was soon going to thaw
Garrett Pulliam yea but we’ll never hear them. Lousy woman talking and music. I guess that’s what the men heard coming from the engines. Narrators and music
This is stuff of imagination but what if the museums where some B-29s are displayed like the Enola Gay, Boxcar, and some others. Were restored to flying condition.
its a labor of love not to the machine but to those who did not come home, I went to war and have fallen comrades , to see doc fly is mental therapy to me
To think that there was thousands of these built and now only 2 in the world left flying is just mind blowing and emotional. The things that those planes went through. WW2, being in the desert, rebuilt, and flown in this new era. It really was a historical moment when they flew and I’ll never forget it. Long live Doc and Fifi!! (B-29)
Most were abandoned in the pacific islands..Many were lost taking off out of tinian and saipan did have remnants ..yeah it is strange how they just dwindled away to 2 planes.
My father was a B-29 pilot in WWII on Tinian and in The Korean War as well, he was shot down twice in the Sea of Japan (and survived), then was sent to VietNam to fly U-10's , he has since passed , seeing these beautiful planes warms my heart and feeds my soul. RIP , LT.Col. Louis H. Breininger (Jack). Part of the Greatest Generation!
Beautiful Plane. thank you, thank you. Dad flew the 29 in Korea and didn't speak much about it.. But he was my hero and I would brag about my dad who flew B29s.. oh i guess i still do. Again Thank you well done. and Great Video thanks EAA.
Yeah, but a lot of the ones in museums have been gutted as far as their most critical components go. I know the ones you see hanging don't even have engines or fuel tanks in em anymore. They're just shells.
I have brilliant idea to solve the problem!!!!!!! We put Doc and Fifi in a private hanger with some romantic music and some alcohol, then nine months we should have a new B-29 or 2 (IDK if they have litters or not) All jokes aside I had the opportunity to meet Fifi in person in western ny and she is a beautiful pierce of engineered aluminum and steel.
We have a B-29 here in the UK sadly she is unlikely to ever fly again. Thank you to all the men and women that helped put these aircraft in the air all those years ago, and special thanks to those who work so hard to keep them up there today.
B-29 Fifi is a very special plane for me. My grandfather was a tailgunner on B-29s during the Korean War. As a kid we would go to many airshows. In 1998 Fifi was at a local show and he was allowed to go back into the tail for the first time since flying combat missions during the war. I was approximately 11 yrs old at the time. But it was something special for me to be able to witness. My passion for aviation started with my grandfather as a child and influenced my aviation job in the military. Fast foward 23 years. For the first time since 1997 I once again got to see Fifi along with my girlfriend and her family at an airshow. However, for this event they were not allowing plane access. I told the one of the crew about my grandfather and of our experience directly with Fifi that it had been on my bucket list since being a child to be able to go to my grandfather's position on the 29. They allowed me private access to the plane and specifically the tailgunners position. The only other person that was allowed access was a 94 yr old veteran waist gunner that flew on 29s in ww2. I am forever grateful for the crew and the Commemorative Air Force to have allowed me that special moment. I could spend another 22 years saying thanks and it wouldnt be enough. So anyone involved in Fifi or CAF reading this. I want to sincerely say thank you! -OIF Navy Veteran and grandson of a B-29 Tailgunner.
Who would have thought that you would work on a B-29 in 1944 only to see it survive two war's, the desert. And restore it more than 60 years later. Truly epic. Thank you to everyone who worked on these beautiful aircraft. They live to see another generation of people to teach us!
Thank you so much .... to all of you. My dad was a navigator on the B29. We lost him in 1972. I so thankful that my 5 children have gone together and bought a ride in a B29 for father days gift.
UGH. Man I saw that video again last week, even though I knew what was gonna happen I still found myself hoping she'd get airborne. If I'd been there that tail would have been torn off with the dozer they had. Makes me sick sick sick.
The Kee Bird was totally in the realm of salvageable and thus her loss is very bitter sweet. All that hard work of several years and huge amount of money and aviation history smoked into the sky just in few minutes because they just didn't read their B-29 manual properly before take off. It very clearly states that during take offs and landings the rear gunner must be stationed with the "putt-putt" with a fire-extinguisher close at hand. Because it was well known fact already during the B-29 hay days that the auxiliary power unit (commonly referred as "putt-putt", which was situated in the rear part of the B-29 fuselage) was prone to get on fire during take offs. And in Kee Bird's case it was unfortunately the notorious "putt-putt" that caused the accident. I wish they had read the manual or at least taken the APU prone to get on fire warning seriously.
I was at the Abbotsford International Airshow years ago in B.C. Canada where a formation flypast of a Lanc, a Spitfire, and a Hurricane happened. Standing next to me was an elderly, tiny little slip of a woman with great big tears rolling down her eyes. I smiled at her and she smiled back and told me that she used to run the wiring in Lancasters for Victory Aircraft in Malton, Ontario
a couple of years ago they did a fly by in the uk of 16 ( yes 16) restored spitfires. i cant tell you how amazing those planes sounded and to see them all back up in the air. our history is so important
@@maddogmcfly5504 When the Doolittle Raiders were still having their yearly get-togethers, about 15 years ago they had one in Columbia, SC. Ten or twelve restored B-25s did multiple flyovers of Columbia where I worked. The sound was awe-inspiring. I couldn't even imagine what a Bomber Command formation of Lancasters or an Eighth Air Force formation of B-17s or B-24s must have sounded like.
Holy cow! The pilot being interviewed at 3:11 is Jeffrey Skiles. He was "Sully" Sullenberger's co-pilot when their US Air flight ditched in the Hudson River. I knew there was something about him...maybe that great moustache!
How awesome to see DOC, after 16 years of people putting their time & effort into putting this fantastic piece of history back together! Also seeing the older lady that helped build it when she was only 18, there to see it once again...priceless!❤
Years ago i joined an RC model aircraft club to learn how to fly RC aircraft. One of the club members was a WW2 vet who was a ground crew member who maintained B-29 aircraft. He would occasionally take off his shirt to show people an injury he received while hand rotating the prop of a B-29. He had a dent in his chest which he claimed was caused by the prop kicking backwards due to a cylinder having oil in it which caused a hydraulic lock. I have never heard another story like it.
Seems quite feasible. One universal issue with radial engines is after a few hours (or more) of being unused, oil tends to accumulate in the bottom most cylinder/s. Thats why you see people crank the props a few times before they actually try starting them. When you turn the prop, you cycle the engine, and it pushes the oil out of the cylinders and removed the risk of damage upon startup from hydraulic lock. Unfortunately, due to cylinder compression, the prop can rebound on you. And, on a small 4 cylinder inline engine with a 2 blade prop, this kickback is small. The absolute worst it can do is break your finger or jaw. ...However... When you're dealing with a 16 foot diameter prop, with an *almighty Dual Cyclone* radial engine, you're dealing with a MUCH larger animal. The kickback from that can be MUCH nastier. There is an industry story that a ww2 bomber mechanic was hand cranking a prop on either a b17 or b24, and it kicked back on him, and the prop literaly *launched* him some 10 feet away. Off the ground and all. I dont knot if its true, but its a nice healthy dose of cautionary fear. And if you ever see that guy again, tell him about this myth. He'll hammer that same point home just as i did.
WW2 aficionado here. Born in Germany 1949. Done some warplane scale modeling and flying. Naturally anything like this brings a tear to my eye. Long live history and flying museum pieces such as the B-29.
As a Kid, the B-29 was my favorite airplane, along with the F4u Corsair. I am so happy we have two flying. I got to sleep with the B-29,in the hangar, at the SAC Museum in Nebraska! Love these videos!
I with two friends sat in FiFi's cockpit many years ago when she visited our area. The flight crew told us all about her. Truly an unforgettable experience.
Considering they fly at vastly different heights and speeds, it would be very difficult to get them all in one formation, but it would surely be amazing nonetheless
I saw Doc departing Wichita just a month or so ago. I was outdoors and heard a heavy rumble coming closer and new it was possibly Doc. He was at about a 1000’ and maybe a quarter mile east of me. I dashed out into street to get away from the canopy of trees and get a clear line of sight. It was only my second time to see Doc since restored. Made special trip to Boeing field to watch the first initial shake down and the most recent departure. God Bless all those volunteers and those who care about history. 🇺🇸
Congratulations to all the people involved in this effort, I very much appreciated it. Too bad they don't let us hear the engines roaring side by side, it would have been nice to hear them fly by .
I got goosebumps seeing them both in the air together, a very special moment. Thanks to all involved , I am one very happy aircraft nerd but not as lucky as my mate (A pilot for Virgin Australia and former classmate) who was actually there to witness it. 😊
I've seen Doc at air shows before but I'm not sure I've ever seen her fly. Maybe when I was a kid, but that was 20+ years ago. I've always liked the B-29 and to see the only two flying aircraft together like this is beautiful. And to hear that lady talk about working on the plane... Wow... So much love went into restoring Doc and that's incredible. Hope to one day see these two gorgeous planes fly together at an air show!
That makes three of us ! I totally agree with you on that matter. That's what happens when you get in a hurry and rush things and there's a good chance the outcome will not / won't be good.
I recently got to climb all over Fifi. My brother in law actually got to fly in Fifi. It's just an awesome experience to think of the history of the B-29s. Then to actually sit where crew members did in WWII. Truly awesome. So glad to see another one air worthy.
Words do not describe how i feel about this.... Doc has been brought, from a forsaken husk deprived of nearly all her dignity, back up to her *full* dignity and former American pride! And then some! She looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, and *flies* beautiful!! It's like seeing a comatose bird with half his feathers gone and wings broken, all healed up and refeathered, and flying once again.
this plane , the doc , was just in Cleveland , tony mazzolini , u are a one in million kind of guy , thank u for your " get it done " attitude . the local papers did a nice job of covering the planes arrival in Cleveland
Me: i wanna be a youtuber by the time I'm eighteen, hey grandma what was your first job? Grandma: making giant flying bombers called superfortresses in ww2 Me: nevermind
Just saw Fifi in Johnson City TN with my 38 year old son. We saw Fifi some 30 years ago at an air show at what was then Mt. Comfort Airport just outside of Indianapolis. To be able to watch these two icons fly together must have been unreal.
Thank you "Rosie". In my opinion that is the most beautiful plane ever built (next to the Blackbird) my grandfather flew on those in the later part of the war after training bombadiers on the Nordon bomb sight for the B-17. They truly are the greatest generation!
I was in tears when they took to the sky. Such beautiful icons of their time and to think they live today. To me, old planes have character and soul like old cars. I appreciate the effort that has gone into their restoration and I truly feel humbled. Thank you so much for this!!
I marched or walked within twenty feet of Fifi over one thousand times when she was stationed at the Confederate Air Force in Harlingen, Texas, next to Marine Military Academy. I watched her fly many times there at the Harlingen Air Show each year. Always such a lovely lady.
I'm Japanese and the sight of these airplanes always freak me out, for obvious reasons. But maybe, if Doc and Fifi could fly over Japanese skies again, this time to drop flowers instead of firebombs, that would be an awesome spectacle. I would love to see that....
Actually during the Korean War, many B-29s took off from Japanese air fields for their missions against North Korea (and the Communist Chinese armies aiding them). Japan basically became to Korea what Britain was to World War II Europe: a mega aircraft carrier and base of operations "anchored" off the coast of the continent.
You Americans have a reverance for your military and cultural history that we in the UK have lost. It's wonderful to see such a beautiful aircraft restored so lovingly.
Félicitation ! une très belle restauration qui représente le travail de bénévolat serte sa a duré 16 ans mais auront valu le coup pour garder ce patrimoine et l'histoire de l'aviation.
I was sitting at the kitchen table that day with my mother- we lived about 20 miles north of Wittman- I heard the drone of the planes, took a peek outside and said, “Mom, come out, you have to see this!” What a thrill. Never expected to see two B-29’s in formation.
Just told my wife...fly those both in formation over Germany or Japan and watch to see if anyone freaks out lol. Wish more were restored than just 2(Enola Gay could be making 3).
There are actually 27 known air frames worldwide, several are still in pieces with 16 of them in the US. Kermit Weeks owns 2 that are in pieces. Before Doc, T Square 54 was the most recent restoration at the Museum of Flight in WA.
Not sure it would be possible. Think there's only one TU-4 "Bull" that survives at all---at a museum somewhere around Moscow, I think (Monino?). The rest were scrapped. Interestingly enough, there's a Chinese-built turboprop version of the "Bull", in an AWACS-type configuration, somewhere in China. The Chinese flew their knockoff "Bulls" until the early 1970s. Some kinda testament to the sturdiness of the fundamental design...try finding that in a modern bomber...
On Quora someone asked, "Why does the US have the best military." My answer was Fifi and Doc being restored by private citizen groups. It speaks volumes about the US's liberty and productivity. Let China or Russia rebuild, via private citizen groups, two B-29 copies. They cannot on so many levels. Cheers.British citizen groups like to rebuild old machines like locomotives and planes. Not Kenya, they are too poor. Not Egypt, they are too unstable. Not Mexico, they are busy with other things. Canada, eh? Only the US.
Robert Burke Have you heard about Canadian Warplane Heritage ? Have you heard about Michael Potter's collection ? No of course . Try to be minimally serious ! 🤣
I LOVE that these planes were rescued and restored and with so much care! I salute and have so much pride in the volunteers! This is so great to see especially these days. Awesome amazing wonderful job with these. That is a LOT of work and LOTS of money just to run them. Way to go and bring back our PRIDE in the greatest generation and all Americans that need that boost so badly these days. Bringing awareness to the younger generations is a fantastic thing to do. Congrats to all that participated in this and ongoing efforts!
@@WarhammerWings there are still two B-29 wrecks at China Lake. Take the fuselage from one, the intact tail from the other, and use attach them to the wings and anything else salvageable from the Kee Bird.
I watch one video of a "FiFi" crew member and he was asked about "Doc" and it was clear in his mind that the only B-29 worth talking about was "FiFi". It sounded like having "Doc" in the air is stealing attention from them and that crew member seemed rather bitter.
That's an unfortunate attitude but it isn't uncommon among that generation who've lived pretty much in their own perception of what's honorable and noble and nothing outside it is worth much. It's amazing that the two communities that came together to preserve these airplanes accomplished what they did. My father was in the thick of activity at Boeing/Wichita when "Doc" was constructed - he was an inspector for the War Assets Adm. and likely bought that airplane for the AAC then. I was a wee lad but he took me through the plant before he left to start his own business in the late '40s.
Bob Russell that's NOT true at all... in fact "we" share Flight Crews, etc. Fyi: On that historical flight when the two birds flew together, I was crew on N529B... l have logged many hours on our B-29 and I'm looking forward to seeing both 29s side-by-side at many events, etc.
From my viewpoint, Bob R. was speaking only of one particular FI-FI crew person, not any kind of overall discontent or rift between the two entities that preserve these aircraft. I've been aware that the FI-FI flight crew was helping with the entire process of operating "Doc" for months, even have seen them doing flights near where I live. Looks like great co-operation at work..!
I can only go by what one FiFi member said in an interview, he clearly had very little good to say about Doc. It maybe his opinion but it reflects bad on the whole crew.
So Beautiful to see these 2 flyin gracefully together, pure poetry in motion 👌🏻 Thankyou to all the wonderful people involved in this Awesome project 👍🏻God Bless from your friends across the pond 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Im not American and I dont know about planes but seeing this video and the effort that was made to restore Doc was nothing short of amazing. Both the planes looked amazing when they flew in formation together. i wish I could have been there and to have helped in the restoration of that plane and to see it fly again. I salute all those that helped restore him. Stunning aircrafts.
Regular planes: Fly-By-Hydraulic-Systems
B-29: Fly-By-Muscle
Good old push-the-stick-hard-enough-and-it-will-turn system
Imagine flying a mission with 10,000 pound overload. Talk about muscling a plane around!
So that's why when they pull harder in the movies it turns more
ok?
Today's computers with wings...fly by glitchy computer code...!
Capt. Jeff Skiles (pilot of 'FIFI") Was co-pilot of flight 1549 which landed in the Hudson river!
Yeah, I saw that! How great is it that he can fly FiFi! So cool!
New Yorker here....saw it too! It was a cold day....But a happy one. No one was hurt. Both pilots did a fantastic job!!
THAT'S where I saw him before...
I wonder if he still flies her. Dad and I will be taking a ride in Fifi next week.
I was about to ask if that is the same guy.
My grandfather flown doc and when I showed this video to him he started crying cuz he thought doc would never fly again he is 102 years old and still alive
FreshApple88 _89 This is such an awesome and touching comment. Thanks for sharing that!
FreshApple88 _89 touching 😢
I’m not sure if I believe this but nice! I rlly like the B-29 and I wish there were more flying
thats some cap i need info checker
Completely false. James Rooks was an original flight crew member of Doc. In an interview from 2016 he said he's the last flight crew member of Doc who's still alive. Also 102 is pretty old for a pilot flying in the late 40's. Army Air Corps/Air Force pilots were normally in their early to mid 20s. Not saying that your grandpa never flew, but he didn't pilot Doc.
I thought restoring my 66 chevelle was expensive and time consuming to restore
I actually chose a willys jeep for the reason it's not. Massive respect to them though
hey you stupid
Try an old boat and I have 5 of them and still not even close.
😂
YOUR 1966 CHEVELLE IS NOT EVEN SCRAP COMPARED TO DOC & FIFI!!!!
Seeing Doc and FiFi flying together in close formation was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. To think that there were thousands of them at one point and now there are only 2 left flying (the only 2 that will ever fly again from what I was told) is insane. It is something I will not soon forget! Also the shot at the 6 minute mark gave me chills. So beautiful!
It is stirring to see this video. The amount of materiel and energy expended by many thousands of workers during WW2 was incredible. I suspect we'll not see that need in the world again on that level. I was just a child during the war but retain the memories of what muted desperation was like among the adults. It was uncomfortable but called for due to the circumstances. I recall seeing dozens of B-29s lined up on the ramp outside the Boeing/Wichita plant getting their final fittings and adjustments. B-29s were the stuff of legend even then but few knew that staggering problems the airplanes had to become effective.
Garrett Pulliam we would of had one more, the kee bird, but sadly before it's take off it combusted into flames, and they couldn't restore it since they almost hit there dead line since it was ontop of a frozen lake that was soon going to thaw
Garrett Pulliam yea but we’ll never hear them. Lousy woman talking and music. I guess that’s what the men heard coming from the engines. Narrators and music
This is stuff of imagination but what if the museums where some B-29s are displayed like the Enola Gay, Boxcar, and some others. Were restored to flying condition.
Just think of all the other planes and ships that were built and are all gone today.
I am happy my work will not go unheeded I helped build her right front spar
Thanks
no worries I'm glad to finally see her fly again , wish we could have saved kee bird
its a labor of love not to the machine but to those who did not come home, I went to war and have fallen comrades , to see doc fly is mental therapy to me
Earnie Rosenow thanks for doing that she's the most amazing plane I've ever seen
no worries, we needed o add doc to the collective, I am proud that my work will live on in this sweet airplane
To think that there was thousands of these built and now only 2 in the world left flying is just mind blowing and emotional. The things that those planes went through. WW2, being in the desert, rebuilt, and flown in this new era. It really was a historical moment when they flew and I’ll never forget it. Long live Doc and Fifi!! (B-29)
From what I know Enola Gay could fly but they dare not do it given its historical significance
Most were abandoned in the pacific islands..Many were lost taking off out of tinian and saipan did have remnants ..yeah it is strange how they just dwindled away to 2 planes.
My father was a B-29 pilot in WWII on Tinian and in The Korean War as well, he was shot down twice in the Sea of Japan (and survived), then was sent to VietNam to fly U-10's , he has since passed , seeing these beautiful planes warms my heart and feeds my soul.
RIP , LT.Col. Louis H. Breininger (Jack). Part of the Greatest Generation!
IM sorry for your lost 😞
I am forever grateful for your Dad's Bravery, Service & Commitment! The Greatest Generation indeed. ❤️~ Daughter & God Daughter of WW2 Veterans, USAAC
Beautiful Plane. thank you, thank you. Dad flew the 29 in Korea and didn't speak much about it.. But he was my hero and I would brag about my dad who flew B29s.. oh i guess i still do. Again Thank you well done. and Great Video thanks EAA.
Glad you enjoyed it, Scott! Thanks to your father for his service!
Scott Moseley fighters make movies bombers make history
Scott Moseley speaking gibberish much???????? Lies lies lies
sponge donge why would you automatically assume hes lying??
Bragg away.
If we restored an entire squadron it would be aw-inspiring.
FPM A there isnt an entire squadron left.
Yeah, but a lot of the ones in museums have been gutted as far as their most critical components go. I know the ones you see hanging don't even have engines or fuel tanks in em anymore. They're just shells.
I have brilliant idea to solve the problem!!!!!!! We put Doc and Fifi in a private hanger with some romantic music and some alcohol, then nine months we should have a new B-29 or 2 (IDK if they have litters or not) All jokes aside I had the opportunity to meet Fifi in person in western ny and she is a beautiful pierce of engineered aluminum and steel.
Maybe we could get one more to make a proper V formation, but that's about all I think could be done through private citizenry.
Did anyone notice the pilot of "Doc" was Jeffery Skiles? Co-pilot to Chelsey Sullenberger on US Airways 1549 "Miracle on the Hudson"
That's a big negitve Earnharvick... he was my copilot on "FiFi" that day. I know, I was there.
Sorry, my mistake
I noticed that too
That’s cool
Yep
If only the Fertile Myrtle and the Kee Bird didn't suffer their fates, it would have been amazing to see 4 of these classics flying together.
Wafflefries85 On what happened to kea bird was so stupid. Those stupid blithering idiots
What happened to KB was, as i see it, nobodies fault.
The APU caught fire and spread beyond repair by the time the crew got fire extinguishers
What happened to kee bird
@@hobogrifter burned to the ground during an attempt to fly it out of Greenland after making it airworthy.
@@KrustyKrabPizza85 oh my God. That just sucks
We have a B-29 here in the UK sadly she is unlikely to ever fly again. Thank you to all the men and women that helped put these aircraft in the air all those years ago, and special thanks to those who work so hard to keep them up there today.
Do we?
Britain indeed has a B-29. It is at the Duxford Museum, but is static, alas.
The RAF used the B-29 from 1950-1954 until it got the Canberra into service. A few were used for Electronic Intelligence purposes until 1958.
Static, but that means people get to see her up close.
I thank your country for taking care of that plane.
@@spartangoku7610 Britain seems to be much more interested in preservation.
B-29 Fifi is a very special plane for me. My grandfather was a tailgunner on B-29s during the Korean War. As a kid we would go to many airshows. In 1998 Fifi was at a local show and he was allowed to go back into the tail for the first time since flying combat missions during the war. I was approximately 11 yrs old at the time. But it was something special for me to be able to witness. My passion for aviation started with my grandfather as a child and influenced my aviation job in the military. Fast foward 23 years. For the first time since 1997 I once again got to see Fifi along with my girlfriend and her family at an airshow. However, for this event they were not allowing plane access. I told the one of the crew about my grandfather and of our experience directly with Fifi that it had been on my bucket list since being a child to be able to go to my grandfather's position on the 29. They allowed me private access to the plane and specifically the tailgunners position. The only other person that was allowed access was a 94 yr old veteran waist gunner that flew on 29s in ww2. I am forever grateful for the crew and the Commemorative Air Force to have allowed me that special moment. I could spend another 22 years saying thanks and it wouldnt be enough. So anyone involved in Fifi or CAF reading this. I want to sincerely say thank you!
-OIF Navy Veteran and grandson of a B-29 Tailgunner.
Who would have thought that you would work on a B-29 in 1944 only to see it survive two war's, the desert. And restore it more than 60 years later. Truly epic. Thank you to everyone who worked on these beautiful aircraft. They live to see another generation of people to teach us!
Thank you so much .... to all of you. My dad was a navigator on the B29. We lost him in 1972. I so thankful that my 5 children have gone together and bought a ride in a B29 for father days gift.
just imagine the keebird flying with doc and fifi
that was exactly what i thought
UGH. Man I saw that video again last week, even though I knew what was gonna happen I still found myself hoping she'd get airborne. If I'd been there that tail would have been torn off with the dozer they had. Makes me sick sick sick.
The Kee Bird was totally in the realm of salvageable and thus her loss is very bitter sweet. All that hard work of several years and huge amount of money and aviation history smoked into the sky just in few minutes because they just didn't read their B-29 manual properly before take off. It very clearly states that during take offs and landings the rear gunner must be stationed with the "putt-putt" with a fire-extinguisher close at hand. Because it was well known fact already during the B-29 hay days that the auxiliary power unit (commonly referred as "putt-putt", which was situated in the rear part of the B-29 fuselage) was prone to get on fire during take offs. And in Kee Bird's case it was unfortunately the notorious "putt-putt" that caused the accident. I wish they had read the manual or at least taken the APU prone to get on fire warning seriously.
Xbox or Ps4 Which one is better? I wish
oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy goooooooooooooooooooood
It would be so cool to see Doc and Fifi fly alongside the last two remaining lancasters :)
I was at the Abbotsford International Airshow years ago in B.C. Canada where a formation flypast of a Lanc, a Spitfire, and a Hurricane happened. Standing next to me was an elderly, tiny little slip of a woman with great big tears rolling down her eyes. I smiled at her and she smiled back and told me that she used to run the wiring in Lancasters for Victory Aircraft in Malton, Ontario
a couple of years ago they did a fly by in the uk of 16 ( yes 16) restored spitfires. i cant tell you how amazing those planes sounded and to see them all back up in the air. our history is so important
Laughs in British and gets attacked by angry yanks*
@@maddogmcfly5504 When the Doolittle Raiders were still having their yearly get-togethers, about 15 years ago they had one in Columbia, SC. Ten or twelve restored B-25s did multiple flyovers of Columbia where I worked. The sound was awe-inspiring. I couldn't even imagine what a Bomber Command formation of Lancasters or an Eighth Air Force formation of B-17s or B-24s must have sounded like.
you mean 2 remaining flying lancasters right? because 17 lancasters survive
Holy cow! The pilot being interviewed at 3:11 is Jeffrey Skiles. He was "Sully" Sullenberger's co-pilot when their US Air flight ditched in the Hudson River. I knew there was something about him...maybe that great moustache!
I was thinking the same thing, I knew that name sounded familiar, then I looked it up, and it was.
Yeah i noticed that too. Pretty insane.
Jesus christ. I though so! I was watching the video, I seen him and I literally stopped it to Google it. So, so awesome.
Ahhhh. Good catch. I get to see Fi Fi fly over my house quite often!
Thanks for the info, i knew he looked familiar but couldnt figure it out.
How awesome to see DOC, after 16 years of people putting their time & effort into putting this fantastic piece of history back together! Also seeing the older lady that helped build it when she was only 18, there to see it once again...priceless!❤
Years ago i joined an RC model aircraft club to learn how to fly RC aircraft. One of the club members was a WW2 vet who was a ground crew member who maintained B-29 aircraft. He would occasionally take off his shirt to show people an injury he received while hand rotating the prop of a B-29. He had a dent in his chest which he claimed was caused by the prop kicking backwards due to a cylinder having oil in it which caused a hydraulic lock. I have never heard another story like it.
Wow.
Seems quite feasible. One universal issue with radial engines is after a few hours (or more) of being unused, oil tends to accumulate in the bottom most cylinder/s. Thats why you see people crank the props a few times before they actually try starting them. When you turn the prop, you cycle the engine, and it pushes the oil out of the cylinders and removed the risk of damage upon startup from hydraulic lock.
Unfortunately, due to cylinder compression, the prop can rebound on you. And, on a small 4 cylinder inline engine with a 2 blade prop, this kickback is small. The absolute worst it can do is break your finger or jaw.
...However...
When you're dealing with a 16 foot diameter prop, with an *almighty Dual Cyclone* radial engine, you're dealing with a MUCH larger animal. The kickback from that can be MUCH nastier. There is an industry story that a ww2 bomber mechanic was hand cranking a prop on either a b17 or b24, and it kicked back on him, and the prop literaly *launched* him some 10 feet away. Off the ground and all.
I dont knot if its true, but its a nice healthy dose of cautionary fear. And if you ever see that guy again, tell him about this myth. He'll hammer that same point home just as i did.
WW2 aficionado here. Born in Germany 1949. Done some warplane scale modeling and flying. Naturally anything like this brings a tear to my eye. Long live history and flying museum pieces such as the B-29.
Kinda surprised more B29s are not flying given its beauty -high tech and history. Thanks goodness for Tony and the guys who restored these birds.
As a Kid, the B-29 was my favorite airplane, along with the F4u Corsair. I am so happy we have two flying. I got to sleep with the B-29,in the hangar, at the SAC Museum in Nebraska! Love these videos!
NOTHING BEATS THE P-38 AND IT'S VARIANTS !!!
The story of each of these planes brings tears to my eyes, it's beautiful,
it's a really beautiful thing.....
I with two friends sat in FiFi's cockpit many years ago when she visited our area. The flight crew told us all about her. Truly an unforgettable experience.
I was fortunate to do the same thing here in AZ.
We're lucky to have people giving so much to keep these beautiful planes flying. ❤️🙏
Both planes: *take off*
Doc: Sets course for Hiroshima
Fifi: Sets course for Nagasaki
Oh no.
Oh shit
Oh YEAAA!
Oh god the flashbacks
Fabio Spigariol 2 nukes weren’t ENOUGH
An outstanding restoration. I take my hat off to everyone involved in putting this wonderful aircraft back into the air. Well done !!
My Favorite bomber of all times. Nice to see two of them still flying. Good job! :)
Great job!
God Bless that good man. He had the money and chose to to spend it on preserving a piece of aviation history. Thank you so much sir
To all of the service men who flew in these magnificent birds from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Imagine the formation of one of each.
B 17 Flying Fortress
B 24 Liberator
B 29 Super Fortress
B 52 Stratofortress
B 1B Lancer
B 2 Spirit
Considering they fly at vastly different heights and speeds, it would be very difficult to get them all in one formation, but it would surely be amazing nonetheless
I would love to see that.
And There getting Flak by hundreds of 88mm
Wasn't there a b17/29/52 formation?
@@baranorak4080 I've flown formation on a B52 in a C47 so its possible. The B1 and B2 may be a bit of an ask.
Coolest plane cockpit of all time. So cool it inspired the millenium falcon.
I saw Doc departing Wichita just a month or so ago. I was outdoors and heard a heavy rumble coming closer and new it was possibly Doc. He was at about a 1000’ and maybe a quarter mile east of me. I dashed out into street to get away from the canopy of trees and get a clear line of sight. It was only my second time to see Doc since restored. Made special trip to Boeing field to watch the first initial shake down and the most recent departure. God Bless all those volunteers and those who care about history. 🇺🇸
Got to see Fifi at Arnold Palmer airport yesterday. The boys loved it. Got to see the inside and walk around the plane. Amazing 👏👍
Congratulations to all the people involved in this effort, I very much appreciated it.
Too bad they don't let us hear the engines roaring side by side, it would have been nice to hear them fly by .
I got goosebumps seeing them both in the air together, a very special moment. Thanks to all involved , I am one very happy aircraft nerd but not as lucky as my mate (A pilot for Virgin Australia and former classmate) who was actually there to witness it. 😊
As a veteran Air Force aircraft engineer its so heart warming to see these 2 together again! WELL DONE!
I've seen Doc at air shows before but I'm not sure I've ever seen her fly. Maybe when I was a kid, but that was 20+ years ago. I've always liked the B-29 and to see the only two flying aircraft together like this is beautiful. And to hear that lady talk about working on the plane... Wow... So much love went into restoring Doc and that's incredible. Hope to one day see these two gorgeous planes fly together at an air show!
BEAUTIFUL! Nothing else can be said! Thanks for doing these!
good to see Doc flying with Fifi.
i helped move Doc across the desert at china lake.
Thank you for that, man!!
Your efforts made this airplane fanatic smile with a tear upon seeing them two fly
WOW Thanks for helping
@Nutty 570 uuhhhh it is aqtualy a b 29
My father helped move Doc across the desert too I’m so damn proud of him
Fortunately Doc will be very close to us in late July and we are hoping to be able to go see Doc
What an awesome sight to see both Doc and Fifi flying together. Thank you to all the volunteers, who made this happen.well done.
With delight and pleasure I watch the restoration work. My father flew as a flight engineer in this bomber. Great job !
Wish I could’ve been there to witness this great time
R.I.P Kee Bird
I was expecting one of these comments, good to see she's not been forgotten
@@cbviperess9319 She never will be. :(
Though worlds may change and go awry,
she will be remembered
When a B-29 flies over you at low level, you don't just hear it, you can feel those 4 huge engines in your chest. What an awesome feeling.
Can you imagine being in that and hearing those engine.
Had the opportunity to see FiFi in 2014 while it was visiting Lakeland,FL . What a gorgeous aircraft and great people
Thank You All Who helped restore this Great Aircraft , Super High Kudos 👍
Shame they didnt take the Ki bird apart to move it. Instead of being hell bent on flyin it out of there. Hated watching it burn.
The proper fittings for the APU would have avoided that tragic incident. Such a shame for all the work they put into it on that oh so cold location.
they didn't "put" it there, that's where it was found. But yes, securing the APU.....
That makes three of us ! I totally agree with you on that matter. That's what happens when you get in a hurry and rush things and there's a good chance the outcome will not / won't be good.
why would they try to fly a old b29 in the snow it takes years to fix it up
I remember watching that. It was so sad...one of the main builders/ owner died trying to get that bird out
I recently got to climb all over Fifi. My brother in law actually got to fly in Fifi. It's just an awesome experience to think of the history of the B-29s. Then to actually sit where crew members did in WWII. Truly awesome. So glad to see another one air worthy.
What a fantastic and moving emotional sight!! We're all in debt to you guys on both wonderful aircraft. Best wishes from the UK
I love the EAA
Same
Omg it’s Jeff skiles from cactus 1549 on the Hudson River
Words do not describe how i feel about this....
Doc has been brought, from a forsaken husk deprived of nearly all her dignity, back up to her *full* dignity and former American pride! And then some!
She looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, and *flies* beautiful!!
It's like seeing a comatose bird with half his feathers gone and wings broken, all healed up and refeathered, and flying once again.
this plane , the doc , was just in Cleveland , tony mazzolini , u are a one in million kind of guy , thank u for your " get it done " attitude . the local papers did a nice job of covering the planes arrival in Cleveland
"So anyway, I started opening the Bombay door"
Me: i wanna be a youtuber by the time I'm eighteen, hey grandma what was your first job?
Grandma: making giant flying bombers called superfortresses in ww2
Me: nevermind
Just saw Fifi in Johnson City TN with my 38 year old son. We saw Fifi some 30 years ago at an air show at what was then Mt. Comfort Airport just outside of Indianapolis. To be able to watch these two icons fly together must have been unreal.
Thank you "Rosie". In my opinion that is the most beautiful plane ever built (next to the Blackbird) my grandfather flew on those in the later part of the war after training bombadiers on the Nordon bomb sight for the B-17. They truly are the greatest generation!
5:53 one of the most satisfying moment in this video
I’m literally going to see fifi in a few days
I was in tears when they took to the sky. Such beautiful icons of their time and to think they live today. To me, old planes have character and soul like old cars. I appreciate the effort that has gone into their restoration and I truly feel humbled. Thank you so much for this!!
The amount of freedom in the video brought a tear to my eye 🇺🇲🇺🇲
Doc flys over my house and school almost everyday it’s crazy
R.I.P kee bird
Total masterpiece. The planes and the people. The last of their kind. I am humbled...
I marched or walked within twenty feet of Fifi over one thousand times when she was stationed at the Confederate Air Force in Harlingen, Texas, next to Marine Military Academy. I watched her fly many times there at the Harlingen Air Show each year. Always such a lovely lady.
I'm Japanese and the sight of these airplanes always freak me out, for obvious reasons.
But maybe, if Doc and Fifi could fly over Japanese skies again, this time to drop flowers instead of firebombs, that would be an awesome spectacle. I would love to see that....
That would really be a nice gesture
I'm glad the sight of these aircraft scares you .. the atrocities the Japanese did during WW2 were unimaginable.. your country got what it deserved ..
Actually during the Korean War, many B-29s took off from Japanese air fields for their missions against North Korea (and the Communist Chinese armies aiding them). Japan basically became to Korea what Britain was to World War II Europe: a mega aircraft carrier and base of operations "anchored" off the coast of the continent.
God damn incredible, God bless America.
GottJäger wow
wait, you can use God damn and God bless in the same sentence?
Just something about these old historic planes is just something to see
You Americans have a reverance for your military and cultural history that we in the UK have lost. It's wonderful to see such a beautiful aircraft restored so lovingly.
Félicitation ! une très belle restauration qui représente le travail de bénévolat serte sa a duré 16 ans mais auront valu le coup pour garder ce patrimoine et l'histoire de l'aviation.
Chris when did we do that? Ya know since Im an American that dont know we did that to entire world.
Wait a second. Jeff Skiles? Wasn't he the co-pilot on flight cactus 1549?
Guitar Heave n- Yes, he was the co-pilot.👨🏻✈️😃He flew “FiFi.”
I got to meet DOC today in San Antonio. So much more beautiful and amazing in person. I had to thank some of his friends for restoring him.
I was sitting at the kitchen table that day with my mother- we lived about 20 miles north of Wittman- I heard the drone of the planes, took a peek outside and said, “Mom, come out, you have to see this!” What a thrill. Never expected to see two B-29’s in formation.
Just told my wife...fly those both in formation over Germany or Japan and watch to see if anyone freaks out lol. Wish more were restored than just 2(Enola Gay could be making 3).
Denny Johnson are there even 3 left?...
Cool Jesus yes...doc, fifi, enola gay(in flight museum).
Denny Johnson jesus, how could I forget!??......
Kee Bird should've been there flying with them. :c
There are actually 27 known air frames worldwide, several are still in pieces with 16 of them in the US. Kermit Weeks owns 2 that are in pieces. Before Doc, T Square 54 was the most recent restoration at the Museum of Flight in WA.
I'd like to actually hear them fly in this video and not the poor music. Amazing video and story, just missing their voice.
The Moo . Search: I flew the B29
Just beautiful. It lightens my heart to see the love and joy these planes bring to people.
Is that the same Jeff Skiles from Miracle on the Hudson?
yeah .... the dude from 1549
Co pilot and is also on an episode of American Pickers
You have to love Wisconsin girls. So pretty and Sweet. I've been living in California for 20 years now, I still miss Wisconsin.
BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you to you and all the volunteers for this amazing effort and result. Amazing to see them soar with my eyes and not my imagination.
Two amazing pieces of history together . Thank you.
What is HER name???
Maybe Laura Smith, but I do no think that is accurate. Odd that she was not credited
It would be interesting if Russian private citizens... got two of their B29 copies up and running again.
Not sure it would be possible. Think there's only one TU-4 "Bull" that survives at all---at a museum somewhere around Moscow, I think (Monino?). The rest were scrapped. Interestingly enough, there's a Chinese-built turboprop version of the "Bull", in an AWACS-type configuration, somewhere in China. The Chinese flew their knockoff "Bulls" until the early 1970s.
Some kinda testament to the sturdiness of the fundamental design...try finding that in a modern bomber...
B-52 maybe? 60 years of service has to mean something
On Quora someone asked, "Why does the US have the best military." My answer was Fifi and Doc being restored by private citizen groups. It speaks volumes about the US's liberty and productivity. Let China or Russia rebuild, via private citizen groups, two B-29 copies. They cannot on so many levels. Cheers.British citizen groups like to rebuild old machines like locomotives and planes. Not Kenya, they are too poor. Not Egypt, they are too unstable. Not Mexico, they are busy with other things. Canada, eh? Only the US.
Robert Burke Have you heard about Canadian Warplane Heritage ? Have you heard about Michael Potter's collection ? No of course . Try to be minimally serious ! 🤣
UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Makes your heart skip a beat.
I LOVE that these planes were rescued and restored and with so much care! I salute and have so much pride in the volunteers! This is so great to see especially these days. Awesome amazing wonderful job with these. That is a LOT of work and LOTS of money just to run them. Way to go and bring back our PRIDE in the greatest generation and all Americans that need that boost so badly these days. Bringing awareness to the younger generations is a fantastic thing to do. Congrats to all that participated in this and ongoing efforts!
U can out class the b29 but you can't out last the b29.
Captin- Crane332 the B52?
Captin- Crane332 Tu-4
If only the kee bird could have been there but ya know it’s in a pile of scrap in the Arctic
TGV - With b-17 and b-24 !
Perhaps we could salvage the wings of Kee Bird, find another B-29 fuselage and go from there!
@@WarhammerWings there are still two B-29 wrecks at China Lake. Take the fuselage from one, the intact tail from the other, and use attach them to the wings and anything else salvageable from the Kee Bird.
Thank you to everyone involved in restoring this beautiful aircraft.
Thanks for the well told story and the beautiful cinematography. Great Job!
I'd like to see Gov. Cuomo tell Connie Palacioz that "America was never that great."
PELOSI MEANS "HAIRY"
I watch one video of a "FiFi" crew member and he was asked about "Doc" and it was clear in his mind that the only B-29 worth talking about was "FiFi". It sounded like having "Doc" in the air is stealing attention from them and that crew member seemed rather bitter.
That's an unfortunate attitude but it isn't uncommon among that generation who've lived pretty much in their own perception of what's honorable and noble and nothing outside it is worth much. It's amazing that the two communities that came together to preserve these airplanes accomplished what they did. My father was in the thick of activity at Boeing/Wichita when "Doc" was constructed - he was an inspector for the War Assets Adm. and likely bought that airplane for the AAC then. I was a wee lad but he took me through the plant before he left to start his own business in the late '40s.
Bob Russell that's NOT true at all... in fact "we" share Flight Crews, etc. Fyi: On that historical flight when the two birds flew together, I was crew on N529B... l have logged many hours on our B-29 and I'm looking forward to seeing both 29s side-by-side at many events, etc.
From my viewpoint, Bob R. was speaking only of one particular FI-FI crew person, not any kind of overall discontent or rift between the two entities that preserve these aircraft. I've been aware that the FI-FI flight crew was helping with the entire process of operating "Doc" for months, even have seen them doing flights near where I live. Looks like great co-operation at work..!
I can only go by what one FiFi member said in an interview, he clearly had very little good to say about Doc. It maybe his opinion but it reflects bad on the whole crew.
Would he rather see Doc used for military target practice? I mean, I'm not asking you but...
So Beautiful to see these 2 flyin gracefully together, pure poetry in motion 👌🏻 Thankyou to all the wonderful people involved in this Awesome project 👍🏻God Bless from your friends across the pond 🇬🇧🇺🇸
This video never gets old. Always a joy!
I wish the kee bird was here
Yo this lady is fineee
Im not American and I dont know about planes but seeing this video and the effort that was made to restore Doc was nothing short of amazing. Both the planes looked amazing when they flew in formation together. i wish I could have been there and to have helped in the restoration of that plane and to see it fly again. I salute all those that helped restore him. Stunning aircrafts.
Fantastic job guys. Keep them flying.
How could you trash such a beautiful aircraft. Let alone leave it in the middle of the desert.
Popthiccle: ....AND use it for target practice. But yes, they could, and they did.