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A few days ago Palm Springs had a visit from the only certified flying B-29 Super Fortress remaining in the world and one of two crews certified to fly her. The B-29 was built by Boeing in Seattle when a need to have a heavy duty bomber became very apparent to the Army Air Force during WW II. An airplane like this one delivered the two atomic bombs that we dropped on Japan effectively ending the war then and there.
Along with the B-29 came 6 fighter planes from the same era and fought with or against these bombers. They too are in perfect condition and are flown by highly qualified pilots now. Palm Springs has a very large air museum devoted primarily to WW II aircraft and some newer planes also. All of these planes fly very regularly so we get to see them frequently. However, the B-29 was on tour from Oklahoma and only stayed a few days.
I only had a moment to run in the house grab my camera with the lens that was attached and go out the front door to snap the pictures. I took about 20 high speed pictures in all together but these were the most representative of the lot. The Bomber was at about 12,000 feet when I first snapped her and was descending to make its final turn for landing. The fighter panes were right behind her about 5 miles back. In all they were beautiful but noisy as can be.
Carol and I enjoyed watching the B-29 and hope that it can come back again one day. But, at $2,800.00 dollars an hour to fly her, it may not be anytime too soon.
Click here to see the pictures.
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