aviation

Walking around the big Boeing was
similarly awe-inspiring. The fuselage
towered over my head, as did the four
Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engines
(used in the Douglas A-1 Skyraider;
more reliable than the B-29’s original
powerplants) and the quartet of Hamilton
Standard four-blade propellers.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

My knowledgeable and friendly guide was

Canadian tour manager Don Boccaccio.

He belongs to a team of volunteers who

accompany, service and expertly pilot FIFI

throughout her annual North American

airshow tours; a fund-raising necessity that

provides the money to keep the B-29A

airworthy. “We consider ourselves a  ying

museum,” said Boccaccio. “We bring the

aircraft to you.” And what’s more, these

CAF volunteers do this entirely at their own

expense. All the CAF provides are the rooms

to stay in. Still, Boccaccio doesn’t mind the

cost: “My wife refers to my FIFI tours as

‘summer camp for adults’,” he joked.

http://www.aviation-news.co.uk 31

The graceful lines of B-29A

Superfortress FIFI (NX529B) in the

air. AirTeamImages/Simon Willson

Above: FIFI during its stay in Gatineau, Canada. James Careless

Left: Canadian tour manager Don Boccaccio illustrates how tight the clearance

is between the undercarriage and the leading wheel door. James Careless