I put eight GoPro cameras on the B-29 FIFI to document her flight from Ft Worth Meacham airport to her new home at the new Commemorative Air Force Headquarters at Dallas Executive Airport.
I saved up for months and got my dad and I a ride in Fifi on May 22, out of Brunswick GA. Then I put my dad up in "Gunfighter," the Mustang flying escort in this video. Very expensive Sunday, but seeing my dad lose the power of speech when he realized what the day held is something I'll cherish my entire life.
The P-51 in this video is not "Gunfighter". That's their P-51C called "Tuskegee Airmen", not only a different Mustang but also a different model and livery as well.
Thank you from the 76 yr old daughter of a B 29 FLIGHT ENGINEER IN WWII...HE FLEW THE HUMP IN CHINA AND MANY TIMES TO ENGLAND...THIS IS 2ND VIDEO I HAVE SEEN...I LIVE IN EAST DFW METROPLEX...VERY EMOTIONAL FOR I HAVE BLACKBAND WHITE PHOTOS OF FLIGHT CREW IN FRONT OF PLANE...ALWAYS WONDERED HOW LONG IT TOOK TO FLY TO ENGLAND AND INDIA TO FLY THE HUMP....THE VIDEO I SAW BASICALLY WAS FLIGHT ENGINEER'S JOB DURING..BEFORE AND AFTER FLIGHT...COULD NOT GET OFF GROUND WITHOUT FLIGHT ENGINEER...MY DADDY WAS OLDER...HE PASSED IN 93' AT 89 AND WOULD HAVE BEEN 115 YRS OLD JUST LAST MONTH...HE SERVED 25 YRS IN USAF....STILL UNBELIEVABLE WHAT OUR GREAT COUNTRY DID TO SECURE FREEDOM THEN AND NOW....NEVER FORGET THEIR BRAVERY AND COMMITMENT TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY...THANK YOU FOR FULL COCKPIT FOOTAGE...FOREVER FLY WITH GOD...I AM BLESSED WITH GREAT MEMORIES...GOD SPEED.
Your Dad and his Mates helped save the Entire World (so did my Uncle Harry & Uncle Rowan RAF & RNZAF), God Bless them All! Love, a very Grateful Kiwi that knows what they did & went through.
@@susanbutler2498 Susan..from 1957 -1960, when I was 11 yrs old until 14 we as a family were stationed at 2 American bases in England..1st was Greenham Common in Herefordshire...base housing but lived in cottage in Upper Buckleberry and it had a name. My sister and I attended an American school rented by the landowner. It was a country manor house that each bedroom was a grade. The lunchroom was in basement...yes we also went down the servants stairs to reach...playground in an enclosed copse od woods. We were not suppose to go through...but as kids will do..we did...there was a Gardo or real gypsy wagon yellow and red...well, it appeared that the landowner let them stay at certain times..uh..told our parents and the next time we ckd. It was gone...2nd base still below London was High Wycombe in Hartfordshire. We lived off base again until opening for on base..small base housing. The school busses all English and with in a 1 or 11/2hr of Bushey Hall American School for all bases in radius. 9-12 had to board at Bushey Park in London...not good for kids..many sent back to states to relatives. At the time..since my daddy's side was all military Air Force..but 1 Army. The other cousins at Lakenheath above London...clothes bought at South Ryslip AFB. cousins in Ramstein, Germany..all at same time..my daddy was not flying then. All decommissioned in 80'S. Did not realize at time as kids that the war had only been over 12 yrs. We took tons of field trips from school to all London famous places...palaces...rode red double decker busses. Well..kids from each different base had to get home...by the steam engine trains..they had window straps notched to lower and raise...bullet train later..never rode on. Thatched roof cottages we saw men reroofing....of all the things kids did that parents did not know....the thing that is memorable is: in 12 yrs...everywhere we went....there was not a bombed house...bldg...OR nothing in London...amazing....many memories still vivid...the rain...and FOG. PRAY OUR 2 COUNTRIES GET THROUGH SUCH TIMES AD THIS IS...WE WILL...BE BLESSED AND KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE...GOD ALWAYS WINS. CHERYL B.
My dad was a B-29 engineer based on Tinian island during WW2. This video brought me to tears because for the first time ever, I got to experience on video what he experienced so many times in real life. He told many many stories about how he trained for and flew this plane. Thank you guys so much !!!
My uncle was a navigator out of Tinian. As a small child I saw his B & W of the aircraft. I waited 2 years to get my other uncle's document(s) from St. Louis and all I got was his DD214. Other records were destroyed in the 1973 fire.
I feel ya man dad was an engineer on a 29 based on Guam we would always look at the photos he took over there I wished I have been there with him but he made me feel like I was there with his stories when I saw the photo of him taking off in a P 51 that must have been so awesome. This is the best video I've seen with a B 29
I will never forget while mowing my lawn in Corpus Christi Tx in the early 80’s Fifi flew right over me and sprinkled her oil on me. What an honor! I was flying on a Coast Guard C-131A at the time.
I flew in the group commander’s plane, Refueling group from the Chicago, Ohare Field, military side, on a hop, back to Frankfurt, West Germany, back in October of 1974, … it was a gas, … got to retract the fuel cable, after refueling a fighter jet, on the way over, … that was the most exciting flight I’ve ever had, … even though the “luxuries” of a commercial flight were more, & better, … I never got bored while on that plane, … I was a E-4 Spc4, and was outranked by everyone on board, … the lowest ranking of their crew, was 4 ranks above mine, … lmbo, still makes me smile, remembering that flight, … there was one flight though that I will also never forget, flying back stateside on the hop, to get to the states, … but this was on a C-111 flying “boxcar” troop jump plane, … had theater seats that would fold into the upright position, if you stood up, … I was the “only” passenger, … and it was an almost 14 hour flight, if I remember correctly, … there were a number of times that I was told when we reached the pnr, or point of no return, … and I was told that I was privileged by being one of the 1st MAC flights to Europe, on a 747, on September 30th of 1972, by not having to wait on a ship to come in, … I had missed the last ship by 4 days, … and I had 4 different buildings to choose from, and all of the bunks in each building, so whichever 1 I chose, they had turned the heat on in that building only, … it got cool in the late night/early mornings, there at Fort Dix, (and it was at the end of September, … for Pete’s sake, … I was only there for 3 days, … but Germany was much colder, … especially just north of Frankfurt, … about 35 clicks, … as a young man of 14, I got to visit a WW2 airplane bone yard, … a Baka Bomb, a Catalina flying boat, and a B-17 & a B-24, in sections, and while there were not much left of them, except for the shells of those hulks, my imagination soared as if I could see how the souls of the flights these pieces of scrap had used them, … only one plane had any of the tail numbers left on them, … and only the Catalina, had the side “observation” windows left in them, … and the guy also had the gull wings from a Corsair, there too, … been quite a long time since I was 14 years old, … now I’m kinda beaten up, with old age starting to get the best of me, but I cannot say that I didn’t enjoy the ride, …
My great grandfather was an aeronautical engineer for Boeing, and was a huge part of designing the B17 and B29 during the war, and later the B47. Always been proud of his legacy.
Majestic. What a ride. The roaring engine sound is addictive. Great immersive video. Many thanks to the people who keep and preserve the bird in such a pristine condition.
@@tonerotonero1375 Aviators know that aircraft may be machines on the ground but they wake as the air begins to flow over their wings. Becoming living beings, responding to their pilots' touch. The more smoothly one flies, the more sensitive the aircraft becomes. Reacting in real time to one's input, until human and machine become a single entity. And when one lands, the aircraft goes dormant once it is shut down. Resting rather than dead, waiting for the touch on her controls, urging her skyward again.
Gentlemen, I want to say how glorious it was to see this gorgeous beast a few years back flying over Fayetteville, AR. I do hope to see this fine lady in person up close. As a child, and even now as an adult, these war birds still make my heart stop.
Great video. My great uncle was a B-29 instructor pilot and I am so impressed with the skill level of these pilots. This video brings a level of appreciation that I would not otherwise experience. A shout-out to my grandfather and great uncles, who are the greatest generation.
Wife and I had the honor to ride on the B17 Nine O Nine….it was the best airplane ride we have ever taken. RIP to those who were involved in its crash.
I have been on the ramp, inside and on the radio with this beautiful lady. My father was a tail gunner, my grandmother retired working for Boeing working this plane. I have trained with hours in my logbook, on the T-6 who used to be in the same squadron. Seeing my father's AF wings on this plane inspired me to earn my own wings. It is a bucket list item in my life to fly tail gunner on this beautiful, magnificent, beautiful girl. Very nice video, I am more than impressed.
Greetings from across the pond from a Brit who's spent the last 40 yrs in defence aerospace. Dad was Sgt Pilot on Lancasters so I feel a definite kinship with the B29, a model I built and suspended from my bedroom ceiling as a boy. Great professionalism, superbly photographed.
I lived San Benito, TX near the CAF when I was growing up. I went to the CAF air show many times. One of the marshalling stations was over our house. I loved to watch the planes fly over as they waited their turn. Fifi was always the queen of the air show.
Having had the privilege of working on EC-121D Super Connies in the USAF and participating in both the 6 hour pre-flight prep and ground crew launch operations, I can tell you there is nothing more awe inspiring than watching one of these big, beautiful radial engine warbirds from the initial engine start-up to the take off. The sound, and the sheer thrill of being part of it is something you will never forget.
That is history in motion. This video is so deeply soul satisfying. Just a terrific honor watching this beautiful plane in the skies. The P51 is icing on the cake. I've been to very large airshows several times, but never seen these birds at one. I think if I was at one my mouth would split time between hanging open and wearing a huge constant grin. I am so happy to see these gorgeous planes sitting all together. I've saved this video to two play lists, History and Great Planes. Thanks you for publishing this flight.
Every time I see these I think of the very young men we put in charge of these massive airplanes and sent them and their crew off to do a mission. I cannot imagine what that must have been like. God bless them for the jobs they did.
It's because of those young men that we're enjoying the freedom we have today. Let's remember that many of the guys aboard those bombers never returned to their families to continue the lives they put on hold while fighting for freedom.
I used to live a couple blocks from the CAF HQ when they were in Harlingen (circa 1975) and used to hang out there a lot. I was all of 14 and the Old Timers used to let me into planes-including Fifi. Though I never got to ride in any of them. 😢 The airshows back then we’re awesome. Sadly, we moved away in late ‘75 and only time I saw any of the planes from CAF after that was at the airshows at Ellington Field, Houston. Which is where I live these days.
@News Now Community You probably remember all the aircraft they had on static display behind the hangars. Used to be able to climb all over them. Some pretty cool and rare aircraft.
Different times back then. Family friend told me a story about an airshow he saw in Corpus. Heard a huge rumble outside his hotel room and went to the balcony. He was on the 12th floor and was looking down at the top of the aircraft as a bomber flew by straddling the shoreline. He said it was a B-29, but who knows. Little more safety in the shows now for spectators and history's sake.
This was a great video of 'FIFI' and the flight crew.I live in Wichita,Ks. and have seen 'Doc' fly several times,another beautiful B-29.The sound of these overhead is incredible.I was a licensed A&P mech for 40 years in Wichita,and got my love of aircraft from my dad who was a Corsair mech in the USMC in VMF-222.Thanks for this awesome video!
Thank you so much for making and posting this video. Hats off to the camera crew and the crew of FiFi. I wanted to get my dad Lloyd D. Yingling, to see this aircraft again in his later years but unfortunately he passed away in August of 2020 at the age of 96. I’m very proud of him for serving in WW II and flying on the B-29’s. I’m also very proud and humbled by the hospitality of the FiFi crew for inviting him on board many times and the “flyover” his house when leaving the Reading, PA air show. Once again, thank you to Erik Johnston for the superb video and the crew of FiFi for the video and their dedication to keeping her flying. Sincerely, Donald G. Yingling Proud son of SSGT Lloyd D. Yingling, WWII Army Air Corps
My father was a B-29 navigator 1944-45. He died in 2016 at 94 years. I still have his original flight jacket. My (then 15 yo) son and I visited FIFI while she at Boire Field in Nashua NH in July 2018. Beautiful airplane. We are also Friends of Doc.
I am so happy to see that this aircraft has been finished and is flying. Back in the early 2000's, I was on a business trip to Big Spring, and flew into Midland/Odessa airport. I had time before my flight home, so I stopped in to see the CAF museum there. They were working on Fifi, and needed help with a wing panel on the bottom of the starboard wing. They asked for volunteers, and I jumped at the chance. I literally had a hand in the restoration of this glorious old warbird - albeit is was just to support a 2'x3' aluminum panel while the guys that knew what they were doing fastened it back in place. The great part was that once that was done, I got a personal tour of the whole aircraft guided by an old gent who flew in them at the end of the war (WWII) as radar gunner. It was a very special hour for me. I live in the DFW area, so I definitely need to go see her again.
Enthralling ! A priviledge to be allowed on board . You realise the awesome skills and discipline required to fly this irreplaceable piece of history . I marvel at the designers , engineers and factories who built this staggering aircraft over 80 years ago ! Thankyou .
Thanks for the experience. 2 see "Fi Fi" in the air is exhilarating! an amazing crew...an amazing production...You made many get Goose bumps...again, thanks.
Probably said a thousand times, but this is stupendous. The aircraft is spotless. Take the time to consider how bleeding edge this aircraft's technology was for the era that produced it... you'll be even more stunned. Thanks for the share!
Thank you for putting this together. Top quality work. I’ve watched Them preflight from the ramp before but you put us right on the flight deck! Great documentary to show the team work it takes to fly her. Awesome.
As the former OV-10 Bronco (USMC)mechanic, I have a deep appreciation for what you guys do. It’s great to see flying history! Thanks for the outstanding video!
One of the highlights in my life was getting to meet Paul Tibbets and watching this video just made me wish he was still with us to see this. God bless all the people who made this possible. The heroes who gave all. Thank you.
When the old Confederate Air Force HQ was here in Midland, Texas, it was the home base of Fifi. Several years ago before the start of our annual AirSho, I was in my parents’ backyard and looked up to see Fifi flying in slow, lazy circles. I found out later that evening that Neil Armstrong and Chuck Yeager were the pilot and co-pilot! Had I known that, I would have rushed over to the airport to meet them and get their autographs.
Great videography. Thanks for doing that. It was as close as I will ever get to flying in one of these beauties. Awesome job and teamwork by the crew as well. I would fly with these guys any day. Pure professionals.
Wow! From the UK. Cracking photography. Amazed at the amount of aileron input initially required to get the thing turning. Handfulls of it. That landing, superb, just the slightest zephyr of tyre smoke on touch down.
Incredible footage! It's great to see high quality footage of flights like these. As they all get older, they're getting much closer to their final flights so it's important to have records for the future.
My hope is that when we run out of these aircraft for good someone will take the original plans and start building brand new replicas, down to the wire for accuracy. Helping the legends live on and all that.
@@stephenbrecht1696.... There's a 3rd in restoration, now... last I saw about a year ago on Ytube. Could have been 4... and nearly was, with the "Kiwi Bird"... what a tragic & heartbreaking loss that was... all due to a simple, small oversight, and especially with the loss of one of the crew who died during the course of resurrecting it to flying status in the frigid temps of the arctic... made me cry.
I cannot thank you enough for having filmed the execution of all the various POVs, and the preparatory and landing protocols / check list, etc., patiently attended to.. Much appreciated.
Not only a gorgeous airplane but a great crew and hearing all the checklists was really cool..thanks guys for the experience and great camera work..excellent video really gave me the sens of flying with you.. My dad was a studying pilot when he died. so i have a found interest in aviation from him. I build classic cars and bikes and thrilled to see you preserving these great airplanes. fantastic job!
Great to see this! I worked with the CAF in Harlingen while FiFi was parked most of the time. I got to crawl all through it, and stood by with extinguishers during run-ups that spattered all the buildings behind in fine droplets of oil!
Outstanding! I was fortunate enough to ride in Fifi when she was in Reno at the National Air Races back in the late '90s. My dad was a mechanic during World War II worked on b-29's b17s p-51's pretty much anything with a propeller. He was thrilled that I had the opportunity to ride in one of the big birds! We flew in formation with the B-24 for about 45 minutes over Reno and Lake Tahoe! One of the Thrills of my life!
I was able to ride in FiFi when CAF was in Augusta over Memorial Day weekend. It was an awesome experience. It's neat watching your video after the ride!
Watching this on a 170" UHD cinema projector..theatre surround, full volume.. its beautiful, and sounds like FREEDOM. My grandfather was an Airforce Academy General, and my mother and father were both Airforce. I am so overwhelmed and so glad to see this video! Thank you to everyone in service to our country! GO AIRFORCE!
What a great video. Outstanding quality. Never seen such a detailed video of crew operations on the B-29. Gives me some insight as to what my Father did as a B-29 test pilot during WWII. We lived in Birmingham, AL. & the flight test facility was Bechtel-McComb at the BHM airport. We heard many stories of their activities & delemmas during test flights. I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much.
Wow, Wow, Wow!! What a treat to find this today! I saw "Fifi" at an event years ago at the Long Beach Airport, CA. I'm a huge WWII airplane buff and love everything "B-29". Your treatment of having so many cams all over the plane gives some spectacular views....and the quality is just awesome. Thanks much for posting this. Two thumbs up!! 👍👍
The photography is amazing. I used to hang around Red Bird 60 years ago and was not aware it had changed so much. I have to go to. Thank you for posting ...goose bumps.
FiFi is looking great. It's always a pleasure to see her fly. And one thing I would like to mention, a few years back I did have a chance to step inside FiFi, what an experience to step in history. These beautiful planes deserves respect. Thanks for the video
Watching from the U.K. in awe , wow , excellent footage, well edited and just the sounds of the engines and pilots gives me goosebumps ….P51 escort as well , thanks 🙏Go Fifi !
This is a wonderful video for me. My father was a B17 and B29 driver out of Victorville, CA as a 2nd. Lieutenant for the Army Airforce. He ended up ferrying bombardiers and Generals around the western US during WWII. This is my very 1st look at what it took to fly these beasts. I'm 67.
Fully enjoyable as it shows the near surgical precision of takeoff order.... going through the checkoff list.... the clear manner of communication of exactly what is to occur and when.... it certainly shows the complexity of flying such a large aircraft....
All I can say is FABULOUS flight! What a thrill to see this airplane flying. My only wish is if my father could have seen this plane flying! A big thank you to all those that have kept our history alive!
What an utterly stunning and incredible video! THIS is what UA-cam should be all about! This Englishman is ever so slightly leaking in the eye department, thank you for such a great film.
150 years from now, someone's going to be babying a B-52 just like you're caring for Fifi. We can only hope someone doing the same for a B-36, and all the other historic birds. History deserves to LIVE.
THIS, Erik Johnston, is an EXCEPTIONAL filming of a great old lady of the sky and the dedicated men who keep her alive!!! LOVE your many camera angles and capturing the grand audio story of it all. Academy Awards stuff right here!!! ;o) Thanks!!
B-29 FIFI is one gorgeous girl. The engines run perfectly and clean. The appearance is pristine. She flies like a dream. I hope that whoever is going to take care of her continues to keep her in top flying condition.
A few years ago I was washing my car outside my apartment in Frisco when I heard a low drone off in the distance. I thought "That's not normal." Within a few seconds FiFi flew directly overhead at about 3000 feet on her way to the Kavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. I'll never forget the sound those motors made, all perfectly synchronized and flying low. It was tremendous!
Fantastic video Erik, thanks for taking us along for the ride! Loved the great camera angels and excellent audio. Sad she's not going to be based at Vintage Flying Museum anymore but at least Red Bird, uh Executive, isn't too far away. Hoping you were also able to get get some video of Doc this weekend!!
Thankyou for this upload, you just made this 50 yr old man from Staffordshire UK giddy as a kid, great to see proper pilots, hands on all the way, she a big beautiful girl,...can you imagine the sound of 20-30 of these big belles droning overhead....intimidated before they even opened their bomb-bay doors.
I love that two white-haired guys are flying this beautiful B-29, "Fifi!" But I can't help thinking it was our young boys sometimes under age 20 that flew in WWII! (Engines are started port to starboard so if you are flying a four-engine bomber, you'd start port-side far left as engine one, then the 2nd engine portside, then the 3rd engine, first engine on the right side, then the outside starboard engine, #4 on the far right.) What a treat to see this beauty in action again. I guess no gun turrets on this bird, but I love the sound of those engines. Keep the blue up and tail-winds to you and bring 'er home safe!
You can see two gun turrets on the top of the aircraft every time there is a shot from the tail mounted camera. Closest is a two gun rig, the forward one is four guns. They are the same color as the skin, not clear like B-17 etc, because they were controlled from interior positions by remote control. At 9:40 you can clearly see both.
@@antigonish63 Okay, thank you! I clearly see the center one now and i guess those are two guns close to the fuselage pointing aft? And i see the one over the flight deck also with 4 gun holes and maybe one gun on the left?!. Didn't recognize them at first. Anyway, it is a beautifully-kept aircraft! I guess I was more used to the B-17's turrets, especially the rotating one on the belly but they are both truly the warrior bombers of our past! I visited the Air and Space Museum years ago, but would love to go again and see the Enola Gay B--29 there!
I have hiked to the crash site of the B29 Overexposed on Higher Shelf Stones, which is in The Peak District National Park England UK. It is a sombre place where I pay my respects to those who lost their lives. The Stars and Stripes are there, too, along with a dedicated plaque. This was an awesome video showing us what it was like being in such a beautiful aircraft. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish I lived Stateside as I would definitely purchase a ticket for a flight. Again, thank you from England UK.
I saved up for months and got my dad and I a ride in Fifi on May 22, out of Brunswick GA. Then I put my dad up in "Gunfighter," the Mustang flying escort in this video. Very expensive Sunday, but seeing my dad lose the power of speech when he realized what the day held is something I'll cherish my entire life.
i luv paying for old timers (HERO'S) that served in ww11 on these and other planes .
I flew out of there many times . I use to work At FLETC It use to be a navy base during WWII I was told by a P-80 pilot from there.
👏DouglasThompson Bravo! your gift was great one. How I wish before mine passed I had these opportunities, but not sure what was avail
The P-51 in this video is not "Gunfighter". That's their P-51C called "Tuskegee Airmen", not only a different Mustang but also a different model and livery as well.
@@Skinflaps_Meatslapper oops, watched it on phone and didn't pay close enough attention, just assumed it was "Gunfighter."
Thank you from the 76 yr old daughter of a B 29 FLIGHT ENGINEER IN WWII...HE FLEW THE HUMP IN CHINA AND MANY TIMES TO ENGLAND...THIS IS 2ND VIDEO I HAVE SEEN...I LIVE IN EAST DFW METROPLEX...VERY EMOTIONAL FOR I HAVE BLACKBAND WHITE PHOTOS OF FLIGHT CREW IN FRONT OF PLANE...ALWAYS WONDERED HOW LONG IT TOOK TO FLY TO ENGLAND AND INDIA TO FLY THE HUMP....THE VIDEO I SAW BASICALLY WAS FLIGHT ENGINEER'S JOB DURING..BEFORE AND AFTER FLIGHT...COULD NOT GET OFF GROUND WITHOUT FLIGHT ENGINEER...MY DADDY WAS OLDER...HE PASSED IN 93' AT 89 AND WOULD HAVE BEEN 115 YRS OLD JUST LAST MONTH...HE SERVED 25 YRS IN USAF....STILL UNBELIEVABLE WHAT OUR GREAT COUNTRY DID TO SECURE FREEDOM THEN AND NOW....NEVER FORGET THEIR BRAVERY AND COMMITMENT TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY...THANK YOU FOR FULL COCKPIT FOOTAGE...FOREVER FLY WITH GOD...I AM BLESSED WITH GREAT MEMORIES...GOD SPEED.
My grandfather flew the hump in C47s. They would take beer along and by the time they landed it was cold!
Your Dad and his Mates helped save the Entire World (so did my Uncle Harry & Uncle Rowan RAF & RNZAF), God Bless them All! Love, a very Grateful Kiwi that knows what they did & went through.
@@susanbutler2498 Susan..from 1957 -1960, when I was 11 yrs old until 14 we as a family were stationed at 2 American bases in England..1st was Greenham Common in Herefordshire...base housing but lived in cottage in Upper Buckleberry and it had a name. My sister and I attended an American school rented by the landowner. It was a country manor house that each bedroom was a grade. The lunchroom was in basement...yes we also went down the servants stairs to reach...playground in an enclosed copse od woods. We were not suppose to go through...but as kids will do..we did...there was a Gardo or real gypsy wagon yellow and red...well, it appeared that the landowner let them stay at certain times..uh..told our parents and the next time we ckd. It was gone...2nd base still below London was High Wycombe in Hartfordshire. We lived off base again until opening for on base..small base housing. The school busses all English and with in a 1 or 11/2hr of Bushey Hall American School for all bases in radius. 9-12 had to board at Bushey Park in London...not good for kids..many sent back to states to relatives. At the time..since my daddy's side was all military Air Force..but 1 Army. The other cousins at Lakenheath above London...clothes bought at South Ryslip AFB. cousins in Ramstein, Germany..all at same time..my daddy was not flying then. All decommissioned in 80'S. Did not realize at time as kids that the war had only been over 12 yrs. We took tons of field trips from school to all London famous places...palaces...rode red double decker busses. Well..kids from each different base had to get home...by the steam engine trains..they had window straps notched to lower and raise...bullet train later..never rode on. Thatched roof cottages we saw men reroofing....of all the things kids did that parents did not know....the thing that is memorable is: in 12 yrs...everywhere we went....there was not a bombed house...bldg...OR nothing in London...amazing....many memories still vivid...the rain...and FOG.
PRAY OUR 2 COUNTRIES GET THROUGH SUCH TIMES AD THIS IS...WE WILL...BE BLESSED AND KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE...GOD ALWAYS WINS.
CHERYL B.
0
My dad was a B-29 engineer based on Tinian island during WW2. This video brought me to tears because for the first time ever, I got to experience on video what he experienced so many times in real life. He told many many stories about how he trained for and flew this plane. Thank you guys so much !!!
Me too ! Just could not stop! My Grandsons will get to see this magnificent Aircraft! 🇺🇸🦅
My uncle was a navigator out of Tinian. As a small child I saw his B & W of the aircraft. I waited 2 years to get my other uncle's document(s) from St. Louis and all I got was his DD214. Other records were destroyed in the 1973 fire.
Apparently they weren't quite as spectacular as how they are perceived. I heard they had a number of issues.
I feel ya man dad was an engineer on a 29 based on Guam we would always look at the photos he took over there I wished I have been there with him but he made me feel like I was there with his stories when I saw the photo of him taking off in a P 51 that must have been so awesome. This is the best video I've seen with a B 29
@@richardkroll2269😂
I will never forget while mowing my lawn in Corpus Christi Tx in the early 80’s Fifi flew right over me and sprinkled her oil on me. What an honor! I was flying on a Coast Guard C-131A at the time.
I lived in cc in the 80 I was born 1976 .I where did on airline and I was born on April 18 😂 Ocean Drive
I flew in the group commander’s plane, Refueling group from the Chicago, Ohare Field, military side, on a hop, back to Frankfurt, West Germany, back in October of 1974, … it was a gas, … got to retract the fuel cable, after refueling a fighter jet, on the way over, … that was the most exciting flight I’ve ever had, … even though the “luxuries” of a commercial flight were more, & better, … I never got bored while on that plane, … I was a E-4 Spc4, and was outranked by everyone on board, … the lowest ranking of their crew, was 4 ranks above mine, … lmbo, still makes me smile, remembering that flight, … there was one flight though that I will also never forget, flying back stateside on the hop, to get to the states, … but this was on a C-111 flying “boxcar” troop jump plane, … had theater seats that would fold into the upright position, if you stood up, … I was the “only” passenger, … and it was an almost 14 hour flight, if I remember correctly, … there were a number of times that I was told when we reached the pnr, or point of no return, … and I was told that I was privileged by being one of the 1st MAC flights to Europe, on a 747, on September 30th of 1972, by not having to wait on a ship to come in, … I had missed the last ship by 4 days, … and I had 4 different buildings to choose from, and all of the bunks in each building, so whichever 1 I chose, they had turned the heat on in that building only, … it got cool in the late night/early mornings, there at Fort Dix, (and it was at the end of September, … for Pete’s sake, … I was only there for 3 days, … but Germany was much colder, … especially just north of Frankfurt, … about 35 clicks, … as a young man of 14, I got to visit a WW2 airplane bone yard, … a Baka Bomb, a Catalina flying boat, and a B-17 & a B-24, in sections, and while there were not much left of them, except for the shells of those hulks, my imagination soared as if I could see how the souls of the flights these pieces of scrap had used them, … only one plane had any of the tail numbers left on them, … and only the Catalina, had the side “observation” windows left in them, … and the guy also had the gull wings from a Corsair, there too, … been quite a long time since I was 14 years old, … now I’m kinda beaten up, with old age starting to get the best of me, but I cannot say that I didn’t enjoy the ride, …
My great grandfather was an aeronautical engineer for Boeing, and was a huge part of designing the B17 and B29 during the war, and later the B47. Always been proud of his legacy.
Both very impressive, gorgeous, and amazingly strong aircraft. He did well.
Majestic. What a ride. The roaring engine sound is addictive. Great immersive video. Many thanks to the people who keep and preserve the bird in such a pristine condition.
It is not bird. It is aircraft. Bird living thing. Aircraft dead thing. Do not confuse.
@@Collateralcoffee I know it's an aircraft, a plane, a flying machine. Yet, you can call these machines a "bird".
@@Collateralcoffee some pilots also call their birds "ships".
@@tonerotonero1375 Aviators know that aircraft may be machines on the ground but they wake as the air begins to flow over their wings. Becoming living beings, responding to their pilots' touch.
The more smoothly one flies, the more sensitive the aircraft becomes. Reacting in real time to one's input, until human and machine become a single entity. And when one lands, the aircraft goes dormant once it is shut down. Resting rather than dead, waiting for the touch on her controls, urging her skyward again.
I had forgotten what airports sounded like. It was that same sound - compelling for a child - still so now - Totally addictive.
Gentlemen, I want to say how glorious it was to see this gorgeous beast a few years back flying over Fayetteville, AR. I do hope to see this fine lady in person up close. As a child, and even now as an adult, these war birds still make my heart stop.
Great video. My great uncle was a B-29 instructor pilot and I am so impressed with the skill level of these pilots. This video brings a level of appreciation that I would not otherwise experience. A shout-out to my grandfather and great uncles, who are the greatest generation.
Wife and I had the honor to ride on the B17 Nine O Nine….it was the best airplane ride we have ever taken. RIP to those who were involved in its crash.
I have been on the ramp, inside and on the radio with this beautiful lady. My father was a tail gunner, my grandmother retired working for Boeing working this plane. I have trained with hours in my logbook, on the T-6 who used to be in the same squadron. Seeing my father's AF wings on this plane inspired me to earn my own wings. It is a bucket list item in my life to fly tail gunner on this beautiful, magnificent, beautiful girl.
Very nice video, I am more than impressed.
Good video! I was privileged to ride in Fifi once in honor of my father, a B-29 crewman. Rode behind the pilot. Memorable.
Greetings from across the pond from a Brit who's spent the last 40 yrs in defence aerospace.
Dad was Sgt Pilot on Lancasters so I feel a definite kinship with the B29, a model I built and suspended from my bedroom ceiling as a boy.
Great professionalism, superbly photographed.
I lived San Benito, TX near the CAF when I was growing up. I went to the CAF air show many times. One of the marshalling stations was over our house. I loved to watch the planes fly over as they waited their turn. Fifi was always the queen of the air show.
A truly beautiful machine. I appreciate ALL of the volunteers who keep this bird in the air.
Having had the privilege of working on EC-121D Super Connies in the USAF and participating in both the 6 hour pre-flight prep and ground crew launch operations, I can tell you there is nothing more awe inspiring than watching one of these big, beautiful radial engine warbirds from the initial engine start-up to the take off. The sound, and the sheer thrill of being part of it is something you will never forget.
It’s amazing our grandfathers did this in combat conditions day after day. Great job guys!
Absolutely outstanding!! Camera angles and editing makes you feel like you were there in the cockpit!!
Thanks man! Glad you liked it! I’ve been talking to the CAF about making one in the B-24 and B-17
@@ErikJohnston no by by
the subwoofer is making the floor viberate too ;) LOL could be imagination but prolly not! :)
The sound of the four Wright Cyclone roaring... 🎶💙
That is history in motion. This video is so deeply soul satisfying. Just a terrific honor watching this beautiful plane in the skies. The P51 is icing on the cake. I've been to very large airshows several times, but never seen these birds at one. I think if I was at one my mouth would split time between hanging open and wearing a huge constant grin. I am so happy to see these gorgeous planes sitting all together.
I've saved this video to two play lists, History and Great Planes. Thanks you for publishing this flight.
Every time I see these I think of the very young men we put in charge of these massive airplanes and sent them and their crew off to do a mission. I cannot imagine what that must have been like. God bless them for the jobs they did.
It's because of those young men that we're enjoying the freedom we have today. Let's remember that many of the guys aboard those bombers never returned to their families to continue the lives they put on hold while fighting for freedom.
Thank God, for the A-Bombs ending the war so not another aircrew, soldier or sailor was killed!
@@HDnatureTV So glad we had it. So sorry we had to use it.
I used to live a couple blocks from the CAF HQ when they were in Harlingen (circa 1975) and used to hang out there a lot. I was all of 14 and the Old Timers used to let me into planes-including Fifi. Though I never got to ride in any of them. 😢 The airshows back then we’re awesome. Sadly, we moved away in late ‘75 and only time I saw any of the planes from CAF after that was at the airshows at Ellington Field, Houston. Which is where I live these days.
@News Now Community You probably remember all the aircraft they had on static display behind the hangars. Used to be able to climb all over them. Some pretty cool and rare aircraft.
Different times back then. Family friend told me a story about an airshow he saw in Corpus. Heard a huge rumble outside his hotel room and went to the balcony. He was on the 12th floor and was looking down at the top of the aircraft as a bomber flew by straddling the shoreline. He said it was a B-29, but who knows. Little more safety in the shows now for spectators and history's sake.
So they changed the name of the CAF. I wonder why?
@@wfdix1 from Confederate to Civil. Political climate is what i would think the name change was about.
Beautiful pictures Erik Johnston! One of my best days as a photographer in my 25 year career was flying with this crew in 1998. Long live FiFi!
This was a great video of 'FIFI' and the flight crew.I live in Wichita,Ks. and have seen 'Doc' fly several times,another beautiful B-29.The sound of these overhead is incredible.I was a licensed A&P mech for 40 years in Wichita,and got my love of aircraft from my dad who was a Corsair mech in the USMC in VMF-222.Thanks for this awesome video!
Thank you so much for making and posting this video. Hats off to the camera crew and the crew of FiFi.
I wanted to get my dad Lloyd D. Yingling, to see this aircraft again in his later years but unfortunately he passed away in August of 2020 at the age of 96. I’m very proud of him for serving in WW II and flying on the B-29’s.
I’m also very proud and humbled by the hospitality of the FiFi crew for inviting him on board many times and the “flyover” his house when leaving the Reading, PA air show.
Once again, thank you to Erik Johnston for the superb video and the crew of FiFi for the video and their dedication to keeping her flying.
Sincerely, Donald G. Yingling
Proud son of SSGT Lloyd D. Yingling, WWII Army Air Corps
My father was a B-29 navigator 1944-45. He died in 2016 at 94 years. I still have his original flight jacket. My (then 15 yo) son and I visited FIFI while she at Boire Field in Nashua NH in July 2018. Beautiful airplane. We are also Friends of Doc.
I am so happy to see that this aircraft has been finished and is flying. Back in the early 2000's, I was on a business trip to Big Spring, and flew into Midland/Odessa airport. I had time before my flight home, so I stopped in to see the CAF museum there. They were working on Fifi, and needed help with a wing panel on the bottom of the starboard wing. They asked for volunteers, and I jumped at the chance. I literally had a hand in the restoration of this glorious old warbird - albeit is was just to support a 2'x3' aluminum panel while the guys that knew what they were doing fastened it back in place. The great part was that once that was done, I got a personal tour of the whole aircraft guided by an old gent who flew in them at the end of the war (WWII) as radar gunner. It was a very special hour for me. I live in the DFW area, so I definitely need to go see her again.
Enthralling ! A priviledge to be allowed on board . You realise the awesome skills and discipline required to fly this irreplaceable piece of history . I marvel at the designers , engineers and factories who built this staggering aircraft over 80 years ago ! Thankyou .
Thanks for the experience. 2 see "Fi Fi" in the air is exhilarating! an amazing crew...an amazing production...You made many get Goose bumps...again, thanks.
Thank you leaving in the pre start check list. Thats my favorite part. This is some of your best footage to date, Erik. Thanks for sharing.
Probably said a thousand times, but this is stupendous. The aircraft is spotless. Take the time to consider how bleeding edge this aircraft's technology was for the era that produced it... you'll be even more stunned. Thanks for the share!
Imagine hundreds of B-29s firing up at the same time in the predawn hours on Tinian. Imagine all the work it took to put them there. Incredible.
Talk about a greaser! What ease! I pray those men know just how privileged they are. Well done gentleman!
Thank you for putting this together. Top quality work. I’ve watched Them preflight from the ramp before but you put us right on the flight deck! Great documentary to show the team work it takes to fly her. Awesome.
As the former OV-10 Bronco (USMC)mechanic, I have a deep appreciation for what you guys do. It’s great to see flying history! Thanks for the outstanding video!
One of the highlights in my life was getting to meet Paul Tibbets and watching this video just made me wish he was still with us to see this. God bless all the people who made this possible. The heroes who gave all. Thank you.
When the old Confederate Air Force HQ was here in Midland, Texas, it was the home base of Fifi. Several years ago before the start of our annual AirSho, I was in my parents’ backyard and looked up to see Fifi flying in slow, lazy circles. I found out later that evening that Neil Armstrong and Chuck Yeager were the pilot and co-pilot! Had I known that, I would have rushed over to the airport to meet them and get their autographs.
As would any proud American!!!!
Great videography. Thanks for doing that. It was as close as I will ever get to flying in one of these beauties. Awesome job and teamwork by the crew as well. I would fly with these guys any day. Pure professionals.
What a privilege to be able to see a piece of history brought to life by dedicated people. Thank you to those who made it happen.
Wow! From the UK.
Cracking photography.
Amazed at the amount of aileron input initially required to get the thing turning. Handfulls of it.
That landing, superb, just the slightest zephyr of tyre smoke on touch down.
Incredible footage! It's great to see high quality footage of flights like these. As they all get older, they're getting much closer to their final flights so it's important to have records for the future.
My hope is that when we run out of these aircraft for good someone will take the original plans and start building brand new replicas, down to the wire for accuracy. Helping the legends live on and all that.
just saw "Doc" another B29 at Minden airport in Nevada 2 weeks ago what a privilege to see these wonderful planes still flying
Shame that of almost 4000 built, only 2 remain in flying condition
.
@@stephenbrecht1696.... There's a 3rd in restoration, now... last I saw about a year ago on Ytube. Could have been 4... and nearly was, with the "Kiwi Bird"... what a tragic & heartbreaking loss that was... all due to a simple, small oversight, and especially with the loss of one of the crew who died during the course of resurrecting it to flying status in the frigid temps of the arctic... made me cry.
I cannot thank you enough for having filmed the execution of all the various POVs, and the preparatory and landing protocols / check list, etc., patiently attended to.. Much appreciated.
Not only a gorgeous airplane but a great crew and hearing all the checklists was really cool..thanks guys for the experience and great camera work..excellent video really gave me the sens of flying with you.. My dad was a studying pilot when he died. so i have a found interest in aviation from him. I build classic cars and bikes and thrilled to see you preserving these great airplanes. fantastic job!
Great to see this! I worked with the CAF in Harlingen while FiFi was parked most of the time. I got to crawl all through it, and stood by with extinguishers during run-ups that spattered all the buildings behind in fine droplets of oil!
What a terrific ride! Thanks for sharing. It takes a lot of coordination to fly one of those old birds, it was a pleasure to watch.
Outstanding! I was fortunate enough to ride in Fifi when she was in Reno at the National Air Races back in the late '90s. My dad was a mechanic during World War II worked on b-29's b17s p-51's pretty much anything with a propeller. He was thrilled that I had the opportunity to ride in one of the big birds! We flew in formation with the B-24 for about 45 minutes over Reno and Lake Tahoe! One of the Thrills of my life!
Fantastic! Very immersive, thanks for putting it together. Just goes to show how much crew cooperation goes into operating something like this.
Thank you, I could so see my father in this, he trained on B-29's to eventually fly KC-97's. He would have enjoyed seeing this.
I grew up watching her fly at the then Confederate Air Force in Harlingen Texas in the 70’s. Went every year. Always loved to see her fly.
This is legit one of the coolest things I've seen in my life. Amazing shots - something I wish I could experience IRL
I was able to ride in FiFi when CAF was in Augusta over Memorial Day weekend. It was an awesome experience. It's neat watching your video after the ride!
Awesome video..Great camera angles everywhere..especially like view of Little Friend flying along side...
Watching this on a 170" UHD cinema projector..theatre surround, full volume.. its beautiful, and sounds like FREEDOM. My grandfather was an Airforce Academy General, and my mother and father were both Airforce. I am so overwhelmed and so glad to see this video! Thank you to everyone in service to our country! GO AIRFORCE!
I bet that looks awesome!!
What a great video. Outstanding quality. Never seen such a detailed video of crew operations on the B-29. Gives me some insight as to what my Father did as a B-29 test pilot during WWII. We lived in Birmingham, AL. & the flight test facility was Bechtel-McComb at the BHM airport. We heard many stories of their activities & delemmas during test flights. I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much.
So very proud of all who made this video. Tears and Goosebumps!
Thank you so much for getting this footage and posting. Incredible!!
Outstanding!! I cannot imagine the noise a flight of a few hundred. That grand ole bird is proud.
Wow, Wow, Wow!! What a treat to find this today! I saw "Fifi" at an event years ago at the Long Beach Airport, CA. I'm a huge WWII airplane buff and love everything "B-29". Your treatment of having so many cams all over the plane gives some spectacular views....and the quality is just awesome. Thanks much for posting this. Two thumbs up!! 👍👍
Imagine the pilots in the bizjet waiting for clearance to take off and seeing FiFi rolling up behind!! Excellent video.
The photography is amazing. I used to hang around Red Bird 60 years ago and was not aware it had changed so much. I have to go to. Thank you for posting ...goose bumps.
That was awesome 👍🏻 I saw Fifi yesterday in Reading PA did a very nice flyby with Diamond Lil everyone was in awe when they flew by.
Was about to say the same! I went Saturday and man was it a good day for an airshow!
I was there as well on Saturday, love going every year to see Fifi fly
@@krakenAS12172 Truly an amazing aircraft
Once again... Awesome video!!! The various cameras were place perfectly. Thanks for the video!
Wow! Absolutely beautiful video. What angles! Thank you, great work.
FiFi is looking great. It's always a pleasure to see her fly. And one thing I would like to mention, a few years back I did have a chance to step inside FiFi, what an experience to step in history. These beautiful planes deserves respect. Thanks for the video
The camera from the vertical stabilizer shows an absolutely beautiful paint job.
Watching from the U.K. in awe , wow , excellent footage, well edited and just the sounds of the engines and pilots gives me goosebumps ….P51 escort as well , thanks 🙏Go Fifi !
This is a wonderful video for me. My father was a B17 and B29 driver out of Victorville, CA as a 2nd. Lieutenant for the Army Airforce. He ended up ferrying bombardiers and Generals around the western US during WWII. This is my very 1st look at what it took to fly these beasts. I'm 67.
Bloody BREATH TAKING vid ta Erik!!!!! The sheer intense FOCUS of the Crew to Fly this BEAST!
I was breathing hard just watching, very intense!
The B-29 was one of the big factors in victory over the Empire of Japan in WW2. Great job in getting and keeping this one runing.
Fully enjoyable as it shows the near surgical precision of takeoff order.... going through the checkoff list.... the clear manner of communication of exactly what is to occur and when.... it certainly shows the complexity of flying such a large aircraft....
Wonderful flight viewing and best video work I've ever seen!
Fantastic job with some insanely great video! Thank you for sharing with all of us !!!!
Was a pleasure seeing you visit Daytona Beach back in May. Fifi is such a beautiful aircraft up close
When the Mustang came into view on the right, I got chills. Excellent video.
Great video of this B-29 flight. I loved seeing the P-51 Mustang flying along the starboard side!
All I can say is FABULOUS flight! What a thrill to see this airplane flying. My only wish is if my father could have seen this plane flying! A big thank you to all those that have kept our history alive!
That was a really great video!
Very much enjoyed it here in Holland!
The quiet craftsmanship of the crew tells it all..
Superb! Very rare camera work! Brilliant! Very professional Pilots and crew! Love from the UK.
enjoyed every second of that, thank you. What a professional crew. Beautiful aircraft too.
Teamwork and discipline. Outstanding!
What an utterly stunning and incredible video! THIS is what UA-cam should be all about!
This Englishman is ever so slightly leaking in the eye department, thank you for such a great film.
150 years from now, someone's going to be babying a B-52 just like you're caring for Fifi. We can only hope someone doing the same for a B-36, and all the other historic birds. History deserves to LIVE.
what a magnificent video, thank you very much, loved every second and every angle
THIS, Erik Johnston, is an EXCEPTIONAL filming of a great old lady of the sky and the dedicated men who keep her alive!!! LOVE your many camera angles and capturing the grand audio story of it all. Academy Awards stuff right here!!! ;o) Thanks!!
Beautiful day, beautiful flight, perfect landing. Magnificent!
Thank you so much for the ride along. The B-29 was my favorite aircraft as a child. Though it was not in person, it was a dream come through. 😊
B-29 FIFI is one gorgeous girl. The engines run perfectly and clean. The appearance is pristine. She flies like a dream. I hope that whoever is going to take care of her continues to keep her in top flying condition.
It was so great to see this aircraft last summer and go through it. These guys were great to talk with also. Childhood dream come true.
A few years ago I was washing my car outside my apartment in Frisco when I heard a low drone off in the distance. I thought "That's not normal." Within a few seconds FiFi flew directly overhead at about 3000 feet on her way to the Kavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. I'll never forget the sound those motors made, all perfectly synchronized and flying low. It was tremendous!
Great video, Your new Pup is trip love watching him learn new things .Love all that you show us. Stay safe in your trip.
just beautiful. thanks. what a mountain of work goes into this.
Fantastic video Erik, thanks for taking us along for the ride! Loved the great camera angels and excellent audio. Sad she's not going to be based at Vintage Flying Museum anymore but at least Red Bird, uh Executive, isn't too far away. Hoping you were also able to get get some video of Doc this weekend!!
Thankyou for this upload, you just made this 50 yr old man from Staffordshire UK giddy as a kid, great to see proper pilots, hands on all the way, she a big beautiful girl,...can you imagine the sound of 20-30 of these big belles droning overhead....intimidated before they even opened their bomb-bay doors.
I love that two white-haired guys are flying this beautiful B-29, "Fifi!" But I can't help thinking it was our young boys sometimes under age 20 that flew in WWII! (Engines are started port to starboard so if you are flying a four-engine bomber, you'd start port-side far left as engine one, then the 2nd engine portside, then the 3rd engine, first engine on the right side, then the outside starboard engine, #4 on the far right.) What a treat to see this beauty in action again. I guess no gun turrets on this bird, but I love the sound of those engines. Keep the blue up and tail-winds to you and bring 'er home safe!
You can see two gun turrets on the top of the aircraft every time there is a shot from the tail mounted camera. Closest is a two gun rig, the forward one is four guns. They are the same color as the skin, not clear like B-17 etc, because they were controlled from interior positions by remote control. At 9:40 you can clearly see both.
@@antigonish63 Okay, thank you! I clearly see the center one now and i guess those are two guns close to the fuselage pointing aft? And i see the one over the flight deck also with 4 gun holes and maybe one gun on the left?!. Didn't recognize them at first. Anyway, it is a beautifully-kept aircraft! I guess I was more used to the B-17's turrets, especially the rotating one on the belly but they are both truly the warrior bombers of our past! I visited the Air and Space Museum years ago, but would love to go again and see the Enola Gay B--29 there!
I have hiked to the crash site of the B29 Overexposed on Higher Shelf Stones, which is in The Peak District National Park England UK. It is a sombre place where I pay my respects to those who lost their lives. The Stars and Stripes are there, too, along with a dedicated plaque. This was an awesome video showing us what it was like being in such a beautiful aircraft. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish I lived Stateside as I would definitely purchase a ticket for a flight. Again, thank you from England UK.
That was a really really good video. I watched every second!
Great video coverage. Showed all the intricacies of a flight in a B29. Great job.
What an absolutely gorgeous view!
What an incredible girl! It must have been so exciting to fly this piece of history again. Beautiful.💗💗💗