AirPower History Tour coming to the Tri-Cities

Published 2:31 pm Friday, May 19, 2023

The distinctive rumble of radial engines from two of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”, will be heard in the skies over Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City when they visit Tri-Cities Airport as part of the AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force. The two bombers are to be accompanied by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman,  and a RC-45J Expeditor. The P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” will also be making an appearance.

The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the ramp will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the B-29 and B-24 cockpits when the aircraft are not flying.

The aircraft will arrive at noon on Thursday, May 25. The aircraft will be staged at the Tri-City Aviation FBO ramp located at Tri-Cities Airport, 350 Aviation Dr., Blountville, TN 37617.

 The event will be open to the public Friday through Sunday, May 26-28 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Access to the ramp where the warbirds are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under. The T-6, PT-13, RC-45J and P-51D will be offering rides each day. The B-29 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  The B-24 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-29 and B-24 will be available Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m., and on Saturday and Sunday when the aircraft are done flying.

 Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found.