Over the weekend the Tulsa Air and Space Museum welcomed two of the nation’s rarest flying warbirds: the B‑29 Superfortress known as “FIFI” and the B‑24 Liberator called “Diamond Lil.” Both aircraft are maintained in flying condition by the Commemorative Air Force, a volunteer organization that operates vintage military planes as a traveling, living museum.
Historic aircraft, rare together
“Diamond Lil is the only airworthy B‑24 left in the world, and FIFI is one of only two airworthy B‑29s,” explained Jonna Whetsel, a left‑scanner aboard FIFI. “They’re very rare planes, and it’s even rarer to have them side by side.” The opportunity to see the two bombers together drew crowds of aviation enthusiasts, families, and school groups eager to hear the roar of the engines and walk the decks of these historic machines.
Volunteer pilots turn the museum into a flying classroom
Jeremy Lashbrook, a volunteer pilot with the Commemorative Air Force, described the organization’s mission: “We’re basically a flying museum. People can visit a static exhibit, but hearing the aircraft and seeing it in flight is a completely different experience. We even let qualified visitors take a short ride.”
Whetsel’s own path into aviation began with a simple photo assignment. After photographing FIFI during a prior visit, she spoke with volunteers and learned she could enroll in ground school, eventually earning a spot as a left‑scanner. “I thought you had to be a pilot or have a special background to get involved,” she said. “You absolutely don’t have to.” Her story underscores how the organization welcomes anyone with a passion for flight, regardless of prior experience.
Inspiring the next generation
The event highlighted a surge of interest among local youth. “We’ve seen a lot of young folks today—kids working on pilot licenses, teens curious about aircraft,” Lashbrook noted. The Commemorative Air Force hopes these encounters will translate into future careers as pilots, aviation mechanics, or aerospace engineers, helping sustain the industry’s growth.
Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sector is already booming. A recent state‑wide study reported the industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs. By exposing students and families to living history, the museum and its partners aim to feed that pipeline of talent.
Community impact and future events
Beyond the excitement of the bombers themselves, the visit reinforced Tulsa’s reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation. Local schools are planning field trips, and the museum is scheduling additional flight demonstrations throughout the year. Volunteers like Whetsel and Lashbrook continue to recruit new members, ensuring the warbirds remain airborne for generations to come.
For families looking for a hands‑on educational outing, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum offers a unique blend of history, technology, and community spirit—an experience that honors veterans, celebrates American ingenuity, and lights the spark of curiosity in the next generation of aviators.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
