Commemorative Air Force’s Dallas Air Show 2022
Story and photos by Roland Dansereau
On the 12th of November, 2022, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) had their seventh annual airshow at Dallas Executive Airfield, their home base. Dallas Executive is where the CAF houses the almighty B-29 Stratofortress “Fifi”. The CAF executes the airshow to educate, inspire and honor – through flight and history experiences. The airshow had been planned for Friday as well, but due to bad weather, there was no flying.
Founded in 1957, the CAF has amassed approximately 180 World War II aircraft–the largest collection of flying vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 12,000 volunteers across 85 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling hands-on access to history.
This highly recommended airshow features flying demos, battle reenactments, veterans appearances and interviews, living history encampments, hands-on family and educational activities oriented towards STEM and aviation, cockpit tours, ground tours and more.
The airshow features more than thirty World War II-era aircraft–including bombers, fighters, and support airplanes participating in the airshow.
Aircraft featured this year include the B-29 Superfortress FIFI, B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, C-47 That’s All, Brother, P-51 Mustang Tuskegee Airmen. You can really get involved by flying in a JRB-6 (twin prop) aircraft for as little as $100!
As the hired flying was going on, you could hear Voices of Veterans near one of the main tents as interviewees included Col Joe McPhail (F-4U pilot) and Chuck Yeager’s wife Victoria Yeager. Ladies for Liberty also sang the National Anthem.
On the grounds, there were also WWII military vehicles on display. Tora always gives an impressive display with nine aircraft tearing up the sky with powerful pyrotechnics performed by the group Blastards. The P-36 breaks off and does a nice aerobatic display.
There was additional excellent flying given by the Trojan Phylers flying the T-28Bs piloted by Mr. Chip Lamb and Robert Johnson.
It was a real treat to see a number of classic warbirds dominating the sky. The airshow concluded a little bit early due to an unfortunate accident.
