Luke Bryan Reigns At Spring Break Panama City

AARON TIPPIN AND COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

LAUNCH RED, WHITE & LOUD TOUR IN DENVER

CAF’S B-24 Ol’ 927 Replaces Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 17, 2010)--This weekend marks the launch of a historical tour; CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America’s freedom through song and the return of the world’s most famous war bird, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FIFI.  

Platinum country recording artist Aaron Tippin and FIFI were initially scheduled to launch the music and aviation tour in Denver at the Colorado Sport International Air Show on Sunday, August 28, 2010 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. FIFI was to arrive with Tippin onboard; mechanical difficulties, however, have grounded the B-29.

Due to mechanical issues discovered during flight-testing over the weekend, the CAF’s Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI will not take flight to Denver for the first show of the tour. A distributor malfunction in one of her engines resulted in pre-ignition, damaging some of the cylinders.

Despite the unfortunate news, as they say in the music industry, “The show must go on.” The tour goes on as planned. The Commemorative Air ForceRed, White & Loud Tour (Starring Aaron Tippin) will be uplifted by a stand-in, a CAF Consolidated B-24A Liberator Ol’ 927. Joining the country music entertainer and CAF spokesman, Aaron Tippin, for the first stop of the CAF’s Red White & Loud Tour, the Ol’ 927 will make a special appearance along with Tippin as scheduled at the Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Fly-In on Aug. 28-29, 2010.

“Although we were excited about FIFI returning to flight, we are equally excited about the B-24 kicking off the Red, White & Loud Tour,” said CAF President and CEO, Stephan Brown. “Ol’ 927 is one of only two B-24’s flying in the world and she is an impressive heavy bomber. We anticipate the crowd at the Colorado Sport International Air Show will enjoy seeing her as the backdrop in Aaron Tippin’s patriotic performance.”

Attendees can purchase tickets to tour the CAF’s B-24 Ol’ 927; the public will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets to ride in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator at the Colorado Sport International Air Show. Rides can be purchased in advance by visiting www.cafb29b24.org.

For Aaron Tippin, serving as CAF Spokesman and taking to the skies with Ol’ 927 and, soon, FIFI, is a dream come true.“While this is history in the making, for me, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to bring aviators and country fans together,”Tippin said. “My kind of country music is patriotic and all-American, so my involvement with CAF and the Red, White & Loud Tour is on target to generate excitement with both aviation and country music enthusiasts.”

The CAF anticipates FIFI will be repaired in time to appear at the 2010 CAF Air Show at Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas in early October. In 2011, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress will rejoin the tour to costar with Aaron Tippin on the Red, White & Loud Tour.

About Aaron Tippin:  

A highly experienced airman himself, Aaron soloed on his 16th birthday.  He became a commercial multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and is also helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J3 Cub and 1959 Helio Curior--all in flying condition. 

Over the past two decades, platinum recording artist Aaron Tippin has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music. With 13 recorded CD’s to his name and more than 30 charted singles, he performs nearly 200 dates each year. For more information, visit www.aarontippin.com.

About the CAF: 

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.