B-29 DOC Schedule Update: Florida Tour Paused for Maintenance

Due to unscheduled aircraft maintenance, B-29 DOC will not arrive at FIAS or Punta Gorda as scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 30. DOC was scheduled to be on static display during the air show on Nov. 1-2.

“The safe operation of B-29 DOC is our top priority,” said Josh Wells, B-29 DOC executive director. “While in Panama City, FL, this week, during routine inspection following a flight on Sunday, our maintenance team identified a mechanical matter that will need to be addressed before we can continue DOC’s tour in Florida. Unfortunately, that means we will have to cancel our appearance at the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda this weekend.”

So far this year, DOC has made tour stops in 28 cities across 18 states, logging more than 175 flight hours over 241 flight sorties, including 161 B-29 DOC Flight Experience rides.

“While we are certainly disappointed that we will not be able to attend the air show in Punta Gorda, we are fully committed to ensuring the sustainability of DOC for years to come,” Wells continued. “In aviation, maintenance drives operations, and when our airplane is not 100% healthy, we simply stand down and work to find out why. I’m very proud of our maintenance team for recognizing this matter  and for identifying the need to stop and address it before pressing on.”

B-29 DOC will remain in Panama City, FL, through the weekend for maintenance operations. The intent is to return the historic aircraft to service early next week and transition the airplane from Panama City to Vero Beach and Stuart, FL, to wrap up the 2025 tour season. While the aircraft is in Panama City, there will be no public access available.