SALT LAKE CITY – A historic aircraft is taking to the skies over Salt Lake City and giving Utahns a unique chance to experience a piece of World War II history.
The B-29 Superfortress bomber is known as “Fifi”, and the Utah wing of the Commemorative Air Force was in Salt Lake City and Provo this week to showcase the aircraft.
The iconic plane first flew in 1942, and it is best known for flying missions over Japan during WWII. The plane also saw service during the Korean War. Aircraft Commander David Oliver said taking the tour is a trip to the past.
“The B29 is an awesome experience to get to fly in it,” he said. “It's a little bit like flying your grandpa's '57 Chevy, or driving his '57 Chevy, cuz there is no power steering. It’s made in a different era, and it gives you a different feel. It’s a time machine for sure.”
Oliver said bringing the aircraft out like this is a way to preserve what he calls our American heritage.
“If we forget where we come from, if we forget the technology and the hard work that we poured into aviation during the 1940s and 50s, then we’ve lost something and it’s hard to go forward with the next generation,” he said. “It’s integral to our American culture in order to keep this airplane going and share it with people all across the country for many years to come.”
Visitors can tour the plane and even take a flight. Ben Rogers spoke about the experience.
“One of a kind and I highly recommend it,” he said. “Flying is awesome.”
The Airpower History Tour is still going, and Fifi will be at Salt Lake City International Airport Sunday. For more information about tours and flights, click here.
