Hear that roar? A rare WWII bomber enters Columbia airspace

A deep rumbling sound is expected to be heard over Columbia for a few days in May. It’s not thunder but a rare World War II bomber. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress will be flying around the city as it returns to the Midlands for the first time in years.

Residents might find the thundering noise unusual. But for some war veterans, the preserved bomber may sound just as they remember.

The deep, unmistakable growl of the B-29 — one of the last surviving bombers from World War II — is expected to be heard over Columbia Metropolitan Airport in May as the Commemorative Air Force’s AirPower History Tour arrives in South Carolina.

The aircraft, known as “FIFI,” is one of only two airworthy B-29 bombers left in the world. Its four radial engines offer veterans a rare chance to experience a sound not heard over Columbia in years – for some, not since wartime service more than 80 years ago.

The B-29 will be open for public tours and rides from May 13-17 at the Eagle Aviation Metropolitan FBO ramp in West Columbia.

Long before jet engines became common, the B-29 represented the peak of American wartime aviation technology.

Powered by four Wright R-3350 radial piston engines, the bomber produces a heavy rolling rumble unlike modern aircraft.

Aviation historians often describe the sound as deeper and more mechanical than today’s jets — a layered growl that can be felt as much as heard. Past visitors said the ground will sometimes shake under the noise.

South Carolina was a meaningful aviation hub during World War II, when thousands of residents became familiar with the sound of bombers at training bases, factories and at airfields across the state. For World War II veterans, the sound was once a part of daily life.

Now, it is increasingly rare.

Most piston-engine military bombers disappeared decades ago, and the number of surviving World War II veterans continues to decline. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates only a small fraction of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II are still living.

The AirPower History Tour will also include several other historic aircraft, including a T-6 Texan trainer, a PT-13 Stearman biplane and the RC-45J SNB “Big Oily Beast.”

Also, present is the L-26B Commander known as “Ike’s Bird,” an aircraft that once served President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Richard Nixon and other White House staff.

The event will run daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13-17.

Visitors will be able to purchase rides and tours. Admission to the ramp where the aircraft are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under.

Parking and aircraft are located at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 2861 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170.

The T-6, the PT-13, the RC-45J and the L-26B will be offering rides each day. The B-29 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-29 will be available each day beginning at 9:00 a.m., except on Saturday and Sunday when they will begin at noon.

Additional information is available at airpowertour.org.