SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Commemorative Air Force touched down at Syracuse Hancock Airport in special aircraft.
With vintage World War II planes, the AirPower History Tour commenced on Wednesday with the goal of honoring the veteran pilots and their families.
For 13-year-old Ben Conde, there was one plane that he was most looking forward to.
“I’m most excited to see the B-29,” Conde said. “That is a humongous aircraft, and it would hold over eight bombs. It’s so interesting.”
The B-29 was the largest and most technically advanced aircraft of its time. “Fifi” is one of only two B-29s still flying in the world currently. As someone who gets to fly on Fifi, tour guide Dave Perkins loves showing off the bomb bay and the cockpit.
“I have seen old men climb into that bomber and immediately change into their mind when they were young,” Perkins said.
For the Air Force members who piloted these planes, Perkins said they get the V.I.P. treatment.
However, tour leader Jacques Robitaille sees the importance of preserving the World War II bombers for the next generation.
“One of the biggest changes is that we don’t see as many World War II veterans out here as we used to,” Robitaille said. “We have a lot of folks that come out now and say that was my father or my grandfather that flew in these airplanes.”
Ben Conde’s great-grandfather was in the Air Force during World War II. For Ben’s father Samuel Conde, the AirPower History Tour is a great bonding experience.
“I’ve always had a fascination with aviation,” Samuel Conde said. “Especially with my son too, now he enjoys it just as much as I do, so it’s nice to share it with him.”
For people interested in visiting, the AirPower History Tour is in Syracuse until Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 11-17. Children 10 and under are free. Parking is $10 with all proceeds going to support the Syracuse Airport Military Courtesy Room.
The Commemorative Air Force is a nonprofit organization. For more information, visit AirPowerTour.org
