B-29 "FIFI" about ready to fly!

Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:04 pm

Hi everyone,
"FIFI" is about ready to fly. Wings are attached and scheduled flight should take place Monday March 13th. Taxi test should be done that weekend. "FIFI" will then be touring the east coast.

Stephen

Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:05 pm

Thanks for the update and I can't wait to see FiFI and Diamond Lil this year.

Tim

Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:16 pm

I didn't realize Bob Odegaard's crew was responsible for recreating the wing ribs for Fifi's new's wing sections. One of the guys at the shop walked me through the process of how they made new molds for the individual ribs that enabled them to crank out new examples. Kind of cool to know that new molds and tooling like this are being reproduced and will now be around indefinitely to aid future projects if needed.

Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:06 am

Steve,
Do you have a time frame for the taxi test and flight? I just moved to Midland and am working right out by the airport, so needless to say I have no excuse to miss this.

Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:45 pm

I talked with Steve Rister again on Thursday.... Taxi tests were supposed to be on Saturday/Sunday.... if all goes well, then test flying on Monday...... You can go right up to the fence and shoot pics etc from the west side of the airport........ Or better yet, IF you are a CAF member, it costs you nothing to go inside the front door and you can be right on the ramp!

Alan

Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:30 pm

Rob M, I take it that you finally made it up to the Fargo area, oh yaw? Did the guys in the shop try to put you to work like they did to me? (if I had more time I would have gladly put the work gloves on!) Super nice folks up there.

Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:00 am

Just had a pic that i thought would fit in here pretty well. This was taken in Midland last year.

Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:12 pm

Looks like "FIFI" will fly later in the week. Gary Austin indicated there are still minor details to take care of. Perhaps she will fly Thursday.

Stephen