Hennessy rescues WWII 'fly-in' in Tenn.

SMYRNA, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2013) — World War II history buffs have Hennessy Industries Inc. to thank for rescuing a WWII-era "fly in" over the July 4 holiday at Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.

"Hennessy saved the weekend," said John Black, executive director of Smyrna Airport, referring to a team of Hennessy engineers who responded to a call from Mr. Black for help in changing tires on "Fifi," a B-29 Superfortress bomber that was making an appearance at the airport as part of the Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) national Air Power History Tour.

Flat tires on the bomber threatened to dampen the weekend's festivities, but Steven Davis, an engineering technician at Hennessy, used a Coats HIT 5000 tire changer to change the plane's oversized (5 foot tall) tires. 

"The weekend activities we had planned with the plane continued on schedule," Mr. Black said. "Thousands of people were able to walk through and tour the plane the next day, with nearly 100 participating in four flights in the aircraft."

According to Leslie Morgan, Hennessy's material flow supervisor, tire maintenance of this nature can take up to 10 or 12 hours, but Mr. Davis was able to complete the job in just six hours. 

"Every now and then, planes need quick servicing due to unforeseen circumstances," Mr. Black said.

The CAF presumed it would be difficult to find someone to service the tires, he said, especially because it was a holiday weekend with "no advance notice"—but "Hennessy really stepped up."

Fifi, the flagship of the CAF's fleet, is one of only three B-29 bombers still in existence and the only one still flying. Accompanying her on the tour were several other aircraft of the CAF, as well as museum displays showcasing the history of the planes.

Mr. Black presented LaVergne, Tenn.-based Hennessy with a framed, professional photo of Fifi.

"It's a privilege for Hennessy to have been involved in the upkeep of Fifi," said Hennessy President Sanjay Chowbey. "The quick work of our employees reflects our company's service mindset and showcases the reliability and durability of our products."