Rare World War II Bombers Visit Tulsa, Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation
TULSA, Okla. — Two rare World War II bombers brought aviation history to life in Tulsa over the weekend, giving visitors a chance to see the historic aircraft up close and learn about their lasting impact.
The Commemorative Air Force brought FIFI, a B-29 Superfortress, and Diamond Lil, a B-24 Liberator, to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Both aircraft are still airworthy, making the opportunity to see them together especially rare.
“Diamond Lil, our B-24, is the only B-24 left airworthy. And Fifi is one of only two left airworthy,” said Jonna Whetsel, a left scanner aboard FIFI. “So, they’re very rare planes and even rarer to have them sitting this close to each other.”
The Commemorative Air Force operates vintage military aircraft, often called warbirds, with a mission to educate the public, honor veterans and inspire future generations.
“We’re basically a flying museum,” said Jeremy Lashbrook, a volunteer pilot with the organization. “People can go to a museum and see aircraft sitting static, but it’s a different experience when you can hear the aircraft and see the aircraft fly and with us even go for a ride on the aircraft.”
For Whetsel, getting involved with the organization started with a visit to Tulsa to photograph FIFI. After speaking with volunteers, she learned she could attend ground school and train to become part of the aircraft’s crew.
Whetsel now serves as a left scanner, helping monitor the aircraft and communicate with the pilot. Her experience also highlights how people can get involved in aviation without having a background as a pilot.
“I think a lot of people like myself just assumed you had to have a special background or be a pilot or something to get involved, and you absolutely don’t have to,” Whetsel said.
The visit also offered a look at the future of aviation as Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry continues to grow. A recent state study found the industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs.
Lashbrook said seeing young people interested in the aircraft gives him hope for the industry’s future.
“We’ve seen a lot of young folks out here today, a lot of kids that are working on their pilot’s licenses or pilot certificates, a lot of young kids that have been coming out to see the airplane,” he said.
He said the Commemorative Air Force hopes to encourage young people to pursue careers as pilots and aviation mechanics while helping keep historic aircraft flying for years to come.