B-29 Restoration, “DOC” Enters Final Stage Before Flight

Doc sitting out in the sunshine. (photo by Brett Schauf VLG LLC)
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Doc sitting out in the sunshine. (photo by Brett Schauf VLG LLC)
Doc sitting out in the sunshine. (photo by Brett Schauf VLG LLC)

PRESS RELEASE – Restoration of the B-29 Superfortress known as Doc is now entering its final stage. The countdown to her first flight is steadily approaching, and Doc’s Friends, the organization restoring the vintage bomber, is hopeful that Doc will take to the skies in the next few months.

 Current State of Restoration

·      The aircraft has been partially fueled and checked closely for leaks, with none occurring.

·      The fuel system is currently being fine-tuned prior to pressurization and engine start.

·      Turbocharger casings are now installed on all four engines.

·      Engine exhaust system installations are nearly complete.

·      Final avionics components are ready to install, including the intercoms required for ground and air operations.

·      A Federal Aviation Administration review of the Aircraft Inspection Plan is in progress.

Doc emerging from the hangar. (photo by Brett Schauf VLG LLC)
Doc emerging from the hangar. (photo by Brett Schauf VLG LLC)

 Next Steps

·      Before the B-29 can fly, Doc’s Friends must receive an Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA. Once the certificate is issued, Doc’s Friends will submit an already completed formal application to the U.S. Air Force requesting approval to operate Doc from McConnell Air Force Base during the flight-testing phase.

·      Doc’s Friends is currently evaluating options for the B-29’s permanent home base at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. The organization will operate the aircraft as a flying museum to accomplish its intended mission.

·      Doc’s Friends’ board of directors approved the launch of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to help fund the costs of conducting the flight-testing phase of the program. Additional details will be released at a later date.

About Doc’s Friends

Doc’s Friends is a 501c3 non-profit board managing the restoration of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. The group was formed in 2013 and is led by retired Spirit AeroSystems CEO Jeff Turner along with other Wichita business leaders; Charlie Chandler, Jack Pelton, Steve Clark, Lynn Nichols, Brad Gorsuch, Vic McMullen, Ron Ryan, Tim Buchanan, Jeff Peier, Esq., and Tom Bertels. Doc’s Friends is committed to returning this World War II warbird to the air to honor previous generations, educate current and future generations and connect the world to the rich heritage of aviation. You can find more information about Doc’s Friends at www.b-29doc.com.

15 Comments

  1. Congratulations! What dedication I was fortunate to train as CFC in 1945
    and fly with these beauties for 160 hours. The atom bomb was dropped while we were preparing to leave for Guam

  2. Out of curiosity, after reading about the progress of Doc over the past several months, how long did it take to produce the B-29 as it was in peak production?

  3. Glad Doc is close to flying again. My dad was the AC on a B-29 named Lady be Good in the 468 BS, 792 BG, 58BW and flew missions from Tinian over Japan. He said he was returning from a mission when the Enola Gay took off. Dad and Tom Feraby, Bombardier on Enola Gay, were both from Mocksville, NC. I’m looking forward to seeing Doc on tour.

  4. I was working for Boeing in Wichita when this effort started. I retired in 1995. Great to see that the project is coming to flight. I would like to know when the flight date is so that I can get to Wichita and watch it happen. As an Air Force aviator (Nav/EWO) I love it when these old warbirds fly. The sounds of those engines is music to my ears. Huzzah!

    • Many thanks for writing in James… From what we understand, the first-flight date will not be widely released, so it’s likely it will be done quietly, and then announced after the fact. If we learn otherwise though, we will be sure to make the details known. Don’t worry too much though, as you are bound to get an opportunity to see her fly. Alternatively, if you made a sizable enough donation to the restoration, you would possibly get an invitation to the first flight… but you would have to check with the ‘Doc’s Friends’ to see if that were possible…

  5. I’m looking forward to Doc taking to the air. I am glad to read that they are taking their time to get everything right.

  6. He’s Beautiful Doc’s Come a long way since I climbed up into the cockpit out at LB Target Area. I was part of the Targets Group working with Mr. Sam Ford here at China Lake Ca., We were the first to help get it moving on its way out to Inyokern. Can’t wait to see videos and pictures of him back up in the air where he belongs.
    Good Luck . from One of Many Fans out here in the High Desert

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