MIDLAND, TEXAS (March 10, 2011) – The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will land at the Legends Over the Colorado Fly-In on April 9-10 at Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona. The tour celebrates America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of the world’s only flying B-29 Superfortress.
The CAF’s B-29 will arrive Thursday, April 7 to participate in the fly-in throughout the weekend. On Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m., Aaron Tippin will take to the stage at the nearby Aquarius Casino Resort Outdoor Amphitheater for a unique performance of such songs as Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly, You’ve Got to Stand for Something, and Kiss This. The concert will begin with a fly-over of the CAF’s B-29 FIFI and other rare warbirds. Tickets are on sale now at www.aquariuscasinoresort.com.FIFI will be available for guided tours (small donation requested) and the public will also have an opportunity to purchase a ride in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress! Rides will be available beginning the afternoon of Thurs., April 7, through Sun. April 10, and can be purchased in advance by visiting www.cafb29b24.org."In our second year of Legends Over the Colorado we have added some of the most historic aircraft of the World War II era. To be able to say that the only flying B-29 in the world will be attending is a benchmark to say the least! From there we have added a collection of planes to complement FIFI that could only be described as AMAZING! We have a TBM Avenger, a Supermarine Spitfire, an authentic Japanese Zero, a P-51 Mustang, and the Flying Formation group out of Arizona,” said James Templeton, General Manager of Landmark Aviation at Laughlin-Bullhead Airport. “The fact that FIFI is flying today along with these other aircraft rich in history is a testament to the dedication of all involved who strive to maintain public awareness and appreciation for our history, our veterans and the aircraft that made it possible for us to be where we are today."
“The Commemorative Air Force is unique, we aren’t like other museums,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “We start our engines, we fly our airplanes and we get loud, taking history to the public, not waiting for them to come to us. The Red, White and Loud Tour is an exciting opportunity for the CAF to continue doing what we do best, educating and reminding Americans of the cost of our freedom.”
About Legends Over the Colorado:
In addition to the planes, the event offers: photo opportunities with the Pinup Patriettes, Veterans Tribute Recording Studio, American Heroes Museum Exhibit, Food and Beverage and more. Free shuttle service is available from designated free parking areas near the airport and some casinos offer shuttles, too.
Information and tickets for Legends Over the Colorado are available at www.lotcflyin.org, the Laughlin Tourism Commission and the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and under age 5 are free.
About Aaron Tippin:
A highly experienced airman himself, Aaron soloed on his 16th birthday. He became a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and is also helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J3 Cub and 1959 Helio Curior -- all in flying condition.
Over the past two decades, platinum recording artist Aaron Tippin has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music. With 13 recorded CD’s to his name and more than 30 charted singles, he performs nearly 200 dates each year. For more, visit www.aarontippin.com.About the CAF’s B-29 Superfortress:
Late in 1974, the CAF's B-29 was christened FIFI and joined the other World War II fighters and bombers to preserve the memories and teach lessons of mankind's greatest war. In 2006, the B-29 was grounded by the CAF due to recurring engine trouble and after four grueling years of work by volunteer-members, FIFI returned to the skies in late 2010 with a new lease on life. She has been refitted with new custom built engines that are a combination of the R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD engines. The re-engine project and subsequent return to flight is due in large part to the generosity of Jim Cavanaugh, founder of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas. For more information visit www.cafb29b24.org.About the CAF:
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.
