• Editor’s Note: This article and the feature photo were submitted by Al Benson of Aurora.

Aurora resident James Carson, 89, realized a lifelong dream Monday morning, July 18.

He buckled up for a 30-minute ride in “Fifi,” a vintage World War II Boeing B29 Superfortress bomber at Aurora Airport in Sugar Grove.

Carson was among 10 passengers and a crew of six that took off at 9 a.m.

To celebrate his 90th birthday on Aug. 21, his family purchased the $1,700 ride ticket.

In 1944, Carson spent 14 weeks training to fly the B29 at an Army Air Corps base in Amarillo, TX.

However, the war ended before he could fly so he played clarinet in the Corps band.

The B29 was among historic war planes showcased at Sugar Grove for viewing and rides during a Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour last weekend.

Fifi was joined by the world’s only flying SB2C Helldiver, “The Beast;” a P-51 Mustang, “Gunfighter;” C-45 Expiditor, “Bucket of Bolts;” a T-6 Texan and a PT-17 Stearman.

Feature Photo Caption

Aurora resident Jim Carson, 89, fulfilled a lifelong dream Monday morning: a ride in “Fifi,” a vintage World War II Boeing B29 Superfortress bomber. In 1944, Carson spent 14 weeks training to fly the B29 at an Army Air Corps base in Amarillo, TX. However, the war ended before he could fly so he played clarinet in the Corps band. (Al Benson photo)