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Classic Wings Magazine WWII Naval Aviation Research Pacific Luftwaffe Resource Center
When Hollywood Ruled The Skies - Volumes 1 through 4 by Bruce Oriss


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retroaviation
 Post subject: FIFI Flies!!!
PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:58 am 
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After 19 months and right at 15,000 hours of labor, FIFI took to the air. We ended up having two seperate flights, putting a total of just over three hours on her. We only had two minor discrepancies to address after the first flight, which took only about an hour to resolve. We hope to be on tour next week, starting in Atlanta.

Gary Austin
Crew Chief, B-29/B-24 Squadron
Commemorative Air Force
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APG85
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:05 am 
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Awesome!!!!!!!! :D
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B-29 Super Fort
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:05 am 
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Congrats. Glad to see FiFi will be back on the show circuit soon.
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Dan K
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:42 am 
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Congrats, Gary and the entire maintenance crew!

Fair skies, tailwinds, cold beer, etc.

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Planebeach
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:33 am 
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Great news :D
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warbirdguy
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:53 pm 
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Fantastic News :D Can't wait to see them at Indianapolis!!

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Alan Brooks
 Post subject: Fifi!
PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:28 pm 
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GO BABY GO!
Alan

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TimAPNY
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:38 am 
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Great job, I can't wait to see it!

Tim

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Former Member
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:16 pm 
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GREAT NEWS...can't wait to see her this summer at EAA Airventure!!!!

John
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systemofadown1162
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:25 pm 
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Hooah and congradulations! :D

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Robbie Stuart
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:14 am 
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Gary this is great news. Due to a prior commetment, it does not look like I will be at the Dobbins/NAS Atlanta show this weekend. :( We had made plans many months ago to be at Road Atlanta for The Walter Mitty Historic Races. If you happen to make a stop over at PDK I will try & look you up. Its good to know that FiFi has returned to the sky. A job well done to ya. Guys like you make it happen! :D
My Best Regards :partyman:
Robbie

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wendovertom
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:49 pm 
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My understanding is that on this maiden flight TWO engines developed issues and FIFI is grounded pending a complete rebuild of at least two engines and potentially all four :cry: I was told this by a member of the FIFI crew in Midland.

Tom P.
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retroaviation
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:04 pm 
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wendovertom wrote:
My understanding is that on this maiden flight TWO engines developed issues and FIFI is grounded pending a complete rebuild of at least two engines and potentially all four :cry: I was told this by a member of the FIFI crew in Midland.

Tom P.



I can't possibly imagine which crew member would have told you that information! The maiden flight for FIFI went VERY well, with only two very small discrepancies that were repaired within an hour. It was after about the sixth hour of flying that we developed engine troubles. It was the #2 and #3 engines that have given us our worries, not the other two as of right now.

I take great pride in my work and have tried very hard to give those interested in FIFI honest and accurate updates regarding what is going on with her. Unfortunately, rumors such as "two engines developing troubles on FIFI's maiden flight" sort of sting a little. I have enough worry and grief regarding this airplane and am working excruciatingly long hours trying to get her back into safe flying condition.

Please understand that I am not yelling at you, but at the same time, I would hope that you would trust me with my updates and that I am giving all of you accurate news regarding FIFI's fate.

Thank you,
Gary Austin
Crew Chief, B-29/B-24 Squadron
Commemorative Air Force
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Jase
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 11:20 pm 
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Posts: 360
Location: Northern VA
Gary:

I think I speak for a LOT of folks when I give you a heart-felt THANK YOU SIR!! for the hellish long hours you've put in. As I said on the voicemail I left you earlier today, "Keep the faith". I know y'all will overcome this hurdle like you've overcome the other hurdles up to this point. FiFi looked 1000% better than I've ever seen her when you took us through her at MidWinter Staff. You are the right man for the job...

Thanks again, and please continue with the posts!

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Jase
www.b26marauder.com
"I'm having a BLAST!!" 2007 CAF Wing Staff Conference

RIP Gary Austin..always in our hearts
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mrhenniger
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 7:22 am 
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Gary,

I am sure Tom meant nothing negative by it.

I really must thank-you for your regular updates. You are giving everyone who reads WIX an most excellant insight into the maintenance and operation of a B-29. It is very much appreciated.

I hope you, the crew and the B-29 have blue skies ahead, and that a doner is forthcoming.

Mike

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