MIDLAND, TEXAS (Aug. 16, 2010) – The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Consolidated B-24A Liberator Ol’ 927 will be joining country music star and CAF Spokesman, Aaron Tippin, for the first stop of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour at the Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Fly-In Aug. 28-29, 2010. Due to mechanical issues discovered during flight-testing, the CAF’s Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI will not be ready to fly to Denver, Colo. in time for the show. A distributor malfunction in engine number two resulted in pre-ignition, damaging some of the cylinders. The engine has been removed and will be shipped to Anderson Aeromotive for repairs. The CAF expects the engine to be repaired and the B-29 to return to flight in time for the 2010 CAF AIRSHO, Oct. 9-10 at Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.
“Although we were excited about FIFI returning to flight, we are equally excited about the B-24 kicking off the Red, White & Loud Tour,” said CAF President and CEO, Stephan Brown. “Ol’ 927 is one of only two B-24’s flying in the world and she is an impressive heavy bomber. We expect the crowd at the Colorado Sport International Air Show to enjoy seeing her provide the backdrop to Aaron Tippin’s patriotic concert.”
“Our excitement over FIFI was more than just her return to the skies. It is what she and the other CAF aircraft represent to our community. We are losing thousands of our World War II hero's each day,” said Colorado Sport International Air Show Director, Scott McMillan. “Soon they will be gone, but these wonderful pieces of history will live on in their place to remind us about those who fought for our freedom and the sacrifices they made. We welcome Ol’ 927 with open arms. I'm glad that we are able to be a part of the CAF mission to bring these flying pieces of history to so many.”
One of only two flight-worthy Consolidated B-24 Liberators, Ol’ 927 and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will launch the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of one of the world’s most famous warbirds. In 2011, the CAF’s Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI will return to costar with Aaron Tippin on the Red, White & Loud Tour.
The CAF’s B-24 Ol’ 927 will be available for guided tours and the public will also have an opportunity to purchase a ride in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator at the Colorado Sport International Air Show! Rides can be purchased in advance by visiting www.cafb29b24.org.
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-24A Liberator:
This aircraft, built in May 1941, is the 25th B-24 produced by Consolidated Aircraft at their San Diego facility. The British and French had ordered a large number of the aircraft in 1939 and 1940 before the Army Air Corps had taken delivery of any production aircraft. With the fall of France to Germany, the British picked up the French order of six LB-30A’s. These aircraft were diverted from the YB-24 service test program leaving one YB-24 for a test aircraft.
The next 20 B-24A aircraft were produced for the Army Air Corps, but were diverted to the British and redesignated the LB-30B, also called the Liberator 1. AM-927 (Army Air Corps serial number 40-2366) is the 18th aircraft of that order of 20.
On a training flight from Eagles Nest Airport, N.M., prior to its delivery to England, AM-927 experienced a landing accident. The damage was major enough that the aircraft had to be returned to San Diego for repairs. The plane was deleted from the order to be shipped to England and was converted to a transport aircraft. This was to be the prototype for the C-87 transport and AM-927 served as a flying test bed for further development of important B-24 features, such as modifying the control surfaces to help with lighter control forces for the pilots.
During the war Ol’ 927, as she was known by her crews, flew scheduled runs between San Diego, Fort Worth, New York and Washington D.C. For six months she served Consolidated by carrying critically needed parts between San Diego and the Fort Worth plant. She carried various American and foreign dignitaries within the U.S.
In 1969 the aircraft was purchased by the CAF and,
in 1971, she was painted in the colors and markings of the 98th Bomb Group, Pyramiders of the 9th Air Force in North Africa, and was named Diamond Lil. A major conversion project began in 2006, to restore her to her original 1941 B-24A bomber configuration; plus factory camouflage paint scheme and new Ol' 927 nose art.
For more information visit www.cafb29b24.org.
For more information visit www.cafb29b24.org.
About Colorado Sport Aviation, Inc.:
Colorado Sport Aviation, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to Inspire the Pilots of Tomorrow. The organization serves and promotes recreational aviation by hosting an annual regional air show and fly-in. The air show and fly-in has a 30-year history of bringing the fun and fascination of general aviation to the Colorado Front Range. Recreational aviation encompasses: fun, families, building, restoring, flying, exploring and learning. CSA's mission places an emphasis on providing at-risk and gifted and talented children access to general aviation opportunities through education, introductory flight experience (EAA’s Young Eagles Program), hands-on construction/technology seminars and Flight Training Scholarships. Individuals, organizations, vendors and sponsors interested in becoming involved with CSA, the air show and fly-in are encouraged to visit their web site at www.COSportAviation.org. Additional information on the 2010 air show and fly-in will be posted as it becomes available.
About the CAF:
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