An unexpected adventure with the B-29 Superfortress.
We went to watch Doc, the B-29 superfortress, start her engines while it was in Albuquerque. My sister and I taking photos, my niece and Dad standing under the aviation center awning out of the rain. We didn’t have the money to take a ride, but it was still great to watch the plane get the engines going and taxi down the runway.
My Dad then showed Josh, the team’s ground control member, photos of my grandfather working on a B-29 and explained that my grandfather had actually test flew Doc in Wichita, Kansas. The day it rolled off the assembly line, my grandfather, a test flight engineer in 1945, helped test the airplane, report the squawks (problems), and make sure it was ready for delivery to the Army Air Corps.
The Surprise
Josh turned to my Dad, “I just happen to have 4 empty seats on the second flight this morning. I’d like to put you all on it. Roland, I can put you up front and the girls will have seats in the back. Is that okay?”
We all said yes pretty calmly. Inside we were so excited! Especially because we had all just talked about how we couldn’t afford to buy a flight.
Next thing I know, I’m sitting in one of the gunner seats, wearing a headset, listening to the team do their preflight checklist.
Imagining Him Here
I’m imagining my grandfather here. He had been a young man with no college education but plenty of willingness to learn and a penchant for mechanical things. As a test flight engineer he had to know everything about these planes.
I know he would have been quick with a joke but serious when it came down to work.
During the flight, they let us walk around, look out of the side gunner and rear gunner positions. The views were amazing!
Because the gunner positions are basically bubbles, you can look straight down.
To get to the rear gunner window, I had to get down and crawl back, but it was so worth it!
Once we landed, we could crawl through the tunnel that runs from the back to the cockpit, and of course I jumped at the chance, every move thinking that my grandfather had done the same thing.
I’m so lucky, happy that I said yes to this jaunt with my family. When you have opportunity, say yes! And follow your instinct for those opportunities for adventure.
I’m Sonja Dewing. I’m an award winning creative writer, a published author of Toy of the Gods (an adventure in the Amazon with top reviews) and other stories available on Amazon and I’m always seeking adventure. I’m a Social Media Manager and consult with writers on creativity and social media.