CAF Wings Over Dallas

[likeitfast55]

So that was part of the resto and not just for revenue flights?

Not sure, I do know they removed most all of the armor and gun sites and systems to lighten the bird up. Part of that was the heavy pressurization lines and valves.

[CJ]

So that was part of the resto and not just for revenue flights?

I don't think any of the B29's can be pressurized. I think it's something to do with the air frame certification.

[likeitfast55]

I don't think any of the B29's can be pressurized. I think it's something to do with the air frame certification.

There are only two that are airworthy. FiFi and Doc. FiFi is the only one that will allow paid rides. On 17 July 2016, Doc flew for the first time since 1956.
The main reason they have no pressurization is because the turbo's were removed. That limits the motors to about 10 to 12k feet. No need to pressurize .

Originally the air for pressurization came from the inboard turbos on #2 and #3.

[46Tbird]

turbosuperchargers

If I had a favorite word, that would be it.

[aggie97]

turbosuperchargers

If I had a favorite word, that would be it.

yeah...turbosuperchargers is an awesome word! The world needs moar of them.

[Grimpala]

There are only two that are airworthy. FiFi and Doc. FiFi is the only one that will allow paid rides. On 17 July 2016, Doc flew for the first time since 1956.
The main reason they have no pressurization is because the turbo's were removed. That limits the motors to about 10 to 12k feet. No need to pressurize .

Originally the air for pressurization came from the inboard turbos on #2 and #3.

Why were the turbos removed?

[likeitfast55]

Why were the turbos removed?

Called one of my buds on the FiFi crew. He said that the maintenance required vs the need was the factor. It was built as a high altitude bomber. Since that is no longer necessary, the decision was made to remove them and keep the flight plans under fl100.

[LANTIRN]

There are only two that are airworthy. FiFi and Doc. FiFi is the only one that will allow paid rides. On 17 July 2016, Doc flew for the first time since 1956.
The main reason they have no pressurization is because the turbo's were removed. That limits the motors to about 10 to 12k feet. No need to pressurize .

Originally the air for pressurization came from the inboard turbos on #2 and #3.

I had no idea another B-29 was airworthy again. That is fucking awesome!

One day I need fo pay for a ride on a WW2 era plane. Always wanted to do it and have never forked over the money.

[46Tbird]

I had no idea another B-29 was airworthy again. That is fucking awesome!

One day I need fo pay for a ride on a WW2 era plane. Always wanted to do it and have never forked over the money.

DO IT.

It is fun of course. You are supporting people that are passionate about keeping them in the air. And there will be a day when the parts, skills, and money to keep them flying will be gone. Sad but true. I'm flying in one per year until I get to fly in them all.

[Grimpala]

Called one of my buds on the FiFi crew. He said that the maintenance required vs the need was the factor. It was built as a high altitude bomber. Since that is no longer necessary, the decision was made to remove them and keep the flight plans under fl100.

Thanks

[Strychnine]

Yes sir. You're welcome to join us if you haven't already had your fill of warbirds.

And here's our hero preparing for his flight

[46Tbird]

Ha, right on! Thanks for making it out.

After we landed, and the pilot pulled the canopy back, I took off my headset during the taxi back to the hangar. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes to soak in the lope of that big Merlin, the wind from the prop, the avgas from the exhaust. It's hard to articulate how sweet that was.