Thurs. 1315 hrs PDT California time. I just heard the sound of multi radial engines and walked outside and a B-29 Superfortress flew over my home probably around 3,500 feet altitude. The B-29 was following the I-210 west bound in the San Gabriel Valley. Must be an air show somewhere in So-Cal this weekend. Anyone else in the IE, L.A. County or OC observe the B-29 ?
I remember seeing these old planes at airshows as a kid in the late 80s and through the 90s. I'm amazed there are still some around that aren't just in one piece, but are actually air worthy. Jets are more impressive to watch, but there's something to be admired and respected about the craftsmanship that went into these(especially since they were likely produced at a very quick pace to meet the needs of the war) as well as the love and attention the surviving ones have been given to remain in the condition they are.
Yea, it was here in Norcal recently (or is coming up here soon - not sure). It is part of a "roaming" air show, making appearances at airports so people can see or ride in it. I looked into it after I got a memo about it. Was something like $65 to just go up and see the plane, $500 for a 1 hour ride. Yea, for that they can pound sand.
That's awesome! Being about 40 miles from Ellington Field which does a big air show each year, I sometimes see old war planes flying over my house. Also see modern stuff every now and then. Very cool About 3 years ago, I gladly paid the price to fly in "Texas Raiders," a restored B-17. Yes, it was expensive, but the money is used to keep her flying - was well worth it. I rode in the bombardier seat right in the front. My wife was in the navigator's seat just behind me. Great experience. I am in awe of those young men who flew in those planes in WWII.
Your correct Mushroom. The B-29 I saw just over an hour ago has probably already landed at Van Nuys Airport. Van Nuys & Los Angeles, CA: B-29 Doc Flight Experience & Ground Tours September 20 - September 23 B-29 Doc will be hosted by Clay Lacy Aviation (7435 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406), Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 22. Gates will open Friday, Sept. 20 for static ground and flight deck tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ground and flight deck tours will also be available Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., following morning ride flights. Admission for the static display event and flight deck tours will be $10 per person. The flight schedule for the B-29 Doc Flight Experience is 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22. BOOK YOUR SEAT ON DOC TODAY! Click here to purchase tickets NOW! Visitors can enter the event in Van Nuys at Clay Lacy Aviation (7435 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406). Tickets for static ground and flight deck tours can be purchased at the event. https://www.b29doc.com/event/van-nuys-los-angeles-ca-b-29-doc-flight-experience-ground-tours/
Yea, that is the group that just left Chico. Tickets for a ride this time, $600-1,500. For a 30 minute flight. Not just no, but hell no. I know it costs money to put this on, but that seems highly excessive.
Maybe the reason it cost so much is that California is taxing the B-29 ? Wouldn't surprise me. $10. just to walk through the B-29 !!!!
