By Troy Turner
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Commemorative Air Force, which restores, flies and displays vintage World War II-era aircraft, will be bringing its tour and flight opportunities to Montgomery, including its iconic B-29 Superfortress bomber “FIFI” and B-24 Liberator bomber “Diamond Lil.”
The visit is scheduled to take place with guest access from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29-May 3 at Montgomery Regional Airport on the Selma Highway.
The list of aircraft slated to participate in the tour stop include:
– B-29 Superfortress – FIFI
– B-24 Liberator – Diamond Lil
– PT-13 Stearman
– AT-6 Texan – Nella
– RC-45J SNB – Big Oily Beast (BOB)
General admission to view the aircraft as static displays will be $20/adults, $10/children, free/10 and under, and can be purchased online.
B-29 Superfortress
Rides aboard the aircraft are available in a limited number of reservations, ranging from $1,375 to $1,995 for the B-29 Superfortress, and $725/seat for the B-24 Liberator.
B-24 Liberator
AT-6 Texan
Rides aboard the two-seater AT-6 are available for $475/20 minutes and $895/40 minutes.
PT-13 Stearman
The PT-13 Stearman biplane will offer 20-minute rides for $375, and rides aboard the RC-45J SNB twin-engine transport plane range from $150 in the cabin, $295 in the co-pilot seat, to $800 to reserve the full plane.
RC-45-J
The Commemorative Air Force was originally known as the Confederate Air Force. Following a membership vote in 2001 and made effective on January 1, 2002, the organization is now called the Commemorative Air Force. The name was changed to better reflect the mission of the organization, according to CAF materials.
Collecting aircraft for nearly a half a century, the CAF now ranks as one of the largest air forces in the world. Today the CAF has approximately 13,000 members and a fleet of more than 175 aircraft representing more than 60 different types—including planes from several foreign countries and other military conflicts since World War II.
The Headquarters of the CAF is located in Dallas. CAF members live in every state and 28 foreign countries. In 26 states and four foreign countries, its members have joined together and formed units to foster camaraderie and, in many cases, actively support one or more of the classic military aircraft operated by the CAF.
Additional tour information:
- All tickets are purchased on-site on the day of the event
- General admission include B-29 & B-24 cockpit tours when aircraft are available (the B29 & B24 may not be at all tour stops)
- Complimentary admission for riders who purchase a ride flight experience online. Riders who purchase online also receive “one” complimentary admission for a single friend or family member
- Attending aircraft and availability are subject to change
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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