Awe Striking From 70 Years Ago
It is not everyday that you see a B-29 Superfortress start up and taxi out. But you can in the video here. Mostly known for being the airplanes that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there was actually in some ways a more ominous part they played in ending of the War with Japan and the end of World War II. Flying in darkness at low altitudes, on March 10, 1945, over 300 B-29’s dropped almost a quarter of a million incendiary bombs on Tokyo itself. Can you imagine air fields filled with these giant bombers all starting up to fly a mission. And then hundreds of them overhead! Seventy years later, you can go this last remaining still flying B-29, for it’s visit today at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
The Bombardier Over Salton Sea
My buddy Hunter Johnson about to take off this morning in the Bombardier seat in the B-29 Superfortress “FiFi”. It is the only still flying B-29 in the world. This was especially historical because out of the Palm Springs Air Museum the flight was over the Salton Sea. During 1944-1945, Lt. Col. Paul Tibbets led the 393rd Heavy Bombardment Squadron in classified missions dropping dummy atomic bombs over the Satlon Sea. Then on August 6th, 1945 by Tibbets’ flew the B-29 Enola Gay to drop the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan. You can go see the B-29 “FiFi” at the Palm Springs Air Museum tomorrow Sunday and perhaps there might still be a seat available for you too! Check it out! http://psam.org
“Bucket Of Bolts” And More!
Tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday at the Palm Springs Air Museum you can see the only remaining still flying B-29 Superfortress “FiFi”. Bring your camera like I did and will be doing. You can tour the interior, watch her fly and even take a flight! Other planes will be out there too, like “Bucket Of Bolts” a C-45 WWII Military Transport. You can fly on “Bucket Of Botls” for as little as $75! Anyway I am just really big on this because it is one of those “once in a lifetime” opportunities and just believe people should take advantage of it when it comes your way. Especially if you live right here in the Palm Springs area. Check out the Palm Springs Air Museum Facebook page and website at http://psam.org for more info.
‘What’s Up Doc?”
The C-47 World War II Transport “What’s Up Doc?” doing some qualifying air time flying overhead yesterday. The tail section and wings are marked with the D-Day Invasion Stripes that identified Allied aircraft. Out of the Palm Springs Air Museum and on the way to the Air Show in El Centro California for this coming weekend.
Bored And Sipping On Your Frothy Coffee
Just imagine sitting over there in the passenger terminal waiting for your flight, slightly bored, sipping on your frothy coffee when you see this come in for a landing! Just WOW! The World’s only still flying B-29 coming in to the Palm Springs Air Museum. I really urge you not to miss the opportunity to go see “FiFi”! You can tour the interior, watch her fly or even fly on board. One of those “once in a lifetime”!
“FiFi” Ain’t No Dame!
“FiFi” is the World’s only still flying B-29 Superfortress. Flown at the end of World War II, it was B-29’s that dropped the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There were 3,970 built and “FiFi” is the only one still flying as you can see in my photographs with her coming in to the Palm Springs Air Museum yesterday. You can go see this immense historic aircraft yourself through Sunday. Not only can you just go and look but you can tour the interior or even book a flight. But do not miss the opportunity to see this incredible part of history!
Fly By Backyard
I will confess to just hanging around poolside in my backyard for some of yesterday. It was bright and sunny and 86 degrees. So I amused myself by photographing a few friends as they dropped by.
Bunny And Escorts
Bunny flew in yesterday with two of her friends. Bunny is the P-51 Mustang completely restored and dedicated to the famed Red Tails of the Tuskegee Airmen. A one and half year project of the Palm Springs Air Museum, yesterday a fly in and fly by of Bunny and two P-51 escorts. Truly an exciting sight and sounds!
The Unveiling Of Bunny
Last night at the Palm Springs Air Museum. In honor of the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. A reception for the unveiling of the restored P-51 Mustang fighter plane “Bunny” which they flew into battle becoming among the most decorated and respected heroes in all of the United States Armed Forces.
With an appearance of Tuskegee Airmen welcomed by Air Museum Director Fred Bell and the model for the “Bunny” nose art by famed artist Stan Stokes.
Hellcat, Harriers And Hornets
If you had been at the Palm Springs Air Museum yesterday to see a flying Hellcat you would have had a lot more coming your way. The United States Navy F6F Hellcat was a carrier based plane that destroyed more enemy aircraft during WWII than any other Allied Naval Aircraft. A truly huge and impressive airplane that was plenty to see in flight all by itself. But extra added excitement at the Palm Springs Airport with United States Marine Harriers and United States Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets landing and departing during the day. A very unexpected air show! The Palm Springs Air Museum is a good place to be!

Fouga!
Here is something you will not see everyday. As I was on the ramp at the Palm Springs Air Museum yesterday, this came flying by… The Fouga CM 170 Magister was built as a French two seat jet trainer starting in 1952 and went into production in 1956. A top speed estimated at 444 mph, a range of 575 miles and weight 4,740 lbs. It is 33 ft long and has a wingspan of 40 ft. This one was built in 1963 and all Fougas now are privately owned. Yes this would be my idea of a fun ride!
Taxi Please!
Video I shot of the T-28 on the way out from the Palm Springs Air Museum for a flight demonstration.
T-28 On An SX-70
I had photographed this T-28 in my prior post on the ground a few weeks ago at the Palm Springs Air Museum. However I shot it with a Polaroid SX-70 camera with film from the Impossible Project. Something about this Polaroid print makes it one of my favorites.
Dropping By For A Visit
A United States Navy T-28 trainer dropping past me for a photo opportunity. Lucky for me I was ready and wearing my tall shoes! Yesterday at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Always Fun!
























