Aug. 14—The guttural thrumming of engines could be occasionally heard as World War II aircraft took off from MBS International Airport this weekend. The Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) AirPower History Tour made a stop in the region, staying from Aug. 11-14.
The show featured four planes from the World War II era: a B-29 Superfortress, B-24 Liberator, T-6 Texan and PT-13 Stearman. Visitors had a chance to tour the planes while a select few had the opportunity to take them for a flight.
The goal of the CAF was to save one type of each aircraft that served in World War II. The CAF AirPower History Tour takes place April through November; its next stop is set for Aug. 17-21 in Toledo, Ohio. For more information about the tour, visit airpowersquadron.org.
While the CAF is based out of Dallas, Texas, it recruits pilots from across the country to fly their historic planes. Steve Zimmerman of Kansas has flown with the CAF for many years, rotating from aircraft to aircraft. For the MBS show, he piloted the B-29, which is nicknamed "Fifi."
"These were just surplus scrap after World War II. They were just trashing them and cutting them up," Zimmerman said.
After the war, "Fifi" was sent to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California to be used as a target on a gunnery range. The plane, along with another B-29, never made it to the range and were able to be preserved; they are now the only two B-29s that fly today, according to Zimmerman. Restoration is an ongoing process, Zimmerman said, with improvements and repairs made every year during the winter.
"They may have some bullet holes, but they weren't destroyed," Zimmerman said.
The aircraft on the tour represent different classes of planes. Zimmerman explained that pilots started their basic flying lessons in PTs — primary trainers — like the Stearman. They would then progress to BTs — basic trainers — and then the ATs — advance trainers — including the Texan. Pilots could then be assigned on a warplane like the Mustang or a bomber like the Superfortress or Liberator.
For Zimmerman, the tour is a way to educate the public about World War II as well as honor those who served. He has seen World War II veterans who come to the tour become emotional, even open up about their experiences for the first time in years. Some have even talked with other guests, sharing their knowledge.
"It's amazing what they did," he said. "They were 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids flying these things. The sacrifices they made are the reason why we still have the freedoms we have today."
Carolyn Rottiers of Saginaw Township heard the B-29 fly over her house earlier this week. Fascinated, she went outside to get a better look.
"We didn't know where it was going, what was happening," Rottiers said. "Then I luckily had the radio station on and found out about the show."
Rottiers brought her family along, as well as her dad. Together, they got an up-close look inside the B-29.
Among those who flew in the PT-13 Stearman on Friday was 12-year-old Isaac Sulfridge of Freeland. The flight was a birthday present.
"It was fun. I actually got to fly it a little bit," Sulfridge said.
An interest in aviation runs in the family. Sulfridge's great-grandpa used to fly a Stinson. Sulfridge and his grandpa build and collect model planes.
"We'll probably add that biplane to his collection," said Sue Sulfridge of Freeland, his grandma.
The CAF AirPower History Tour takes place April through November; its next stop is set for Aug. 17-21 in Toledo, Ohio. For more information about the tour, visit airpowersquadron.org.
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