Rare World War II bombers visit Tulsa museum to inspire visitors

Two rare historic military planes landed in Tulsa over the weekend for public viewing. The stop gives local visitors a chance to see working aviation history up close. Guests learned about the lasting impact of the aircraft.

The Commemorative Air Force brought FIFI, a B-29 Superfortress, to town. The group also brought Diamond Lil, a B-24 Liberator, to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Both planes can still fly safely.

Left scanner Jonna Whetsel serves aboard FIFI. She explained how uncommon the aircraft are today.

“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. The group works to educate the public, honor veterans and inspire future generations.

Volunteer pilot Jeremy Lashbrook works with the organization. He described the nature of their flight tours.

“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.”

Whetsel first got involved by visiting Tulsa to photograph FIFI. She spoke with volunteers during that trip. She learned she could attend ground school and train for the crew.

Whetsel now monitors the aircraft and communicates with the pilot. She noted that people do not need a pilot background to join.

“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 comes as aerospace expands across the state. A recent state study found the industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity. The sector also supports more than 250,000 jobs.

Lashbrook said seeing young people interested in the planes brings hope. Youth interest helps support the future of the field.

“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.

The Commemorative Air Force preserves historic military aircraft across the United States. Its members fly these planes to educate communities about aviation history.

Lashbrook said the group hopes to inspire future pilots and mechanics. The organization aims to keep historic aircraft flying in Tulsa and beyond.