Pilot Savannah Weaver levels the propellor on a T-6 Texan after landing in Springfield. The plane, known as the "Pilotmaker”, was an advanced flight trainer that introduced new pilots to an aircraft with speed of over 200-plus miles per hour, to prepare them for the planes they would fly in combat in World War II. The T-6 was designed for an instructor and student, and had a closed cockpit. This T-6 is one of the planes that will be available for flights by the public. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Co-pilot Pat Clayton lets his hand hang out of a cockpit window after “FIFI” landed. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

Visitors to the ramp will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the cockpits when the aircraft are not flying. The best way to access the event is from the east side of the airport near Expedia's offices at 5000 West Kearney Street.

The event will be open to the public Aug. 30–Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Access to the ramp where the warbirds are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under.

The B-29, “FIFI,” flies on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 9 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m.

“FIFI” touches down at Springfield-Branson-National Airport on Monday, Aug. 28. Cockpit tours will be available during the air show, which opens on Wednesday, beginning at 9:00 a.m., and on Saturday, Sunday and Monday when the aircraft is done flying. Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found.

The AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force arrives at the Springfield-Branson National Airport on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Three World War II vintage aircraft, a B-29 Superfortress, a T-6 Texan and a PT-13 Stearman, are parked on the far side of the airport for a public show beginning Wednesday, Aug. 30, running through Sept. 4. Information about the show can be found at https://www.airpowersquadron.org
(Photo by Jym Wilson for Hauxeda)
A view from the pilot's seat out the cockpit window of the B-29. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
The AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force arrives at Roy Blunt Airport in Springfield, MO on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Three World War II vintage aircraft, a B-29 Superfortress, a T-6 Texan and a PT-13 Stearman, are parked on the far side of the airport for a public show. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
Allison Albright, front, a B-29 left scanner trainee, and scanner Susan Bancroft, clean oil from the engines of the B-29 after Monday’s flight from outside of St. Louis. Scanners view the aircraft’s surroundings from the rear of the plane. (Photo by Jym Wilson)


Jym Wilson

Jym Wilson is a veteran photojournalist who has covered a multitude of topics throughout his career. He’s a Vermont native who began his career at the Burlington (VT) Free Press. He worked as a photo editor at USA Today for 18 years, specializing in entertainment coverage. His work has appeared in the Hauxeda since the day of its launch in 2022.
Email: jymwil@gmail.com More by Jym Wilson