VIDEO: Engine run and flight preparations

The restoration and volunteer maintenance crew for B-29 Doc successfully ran all four of the historic warbird’s engines this week in preparation for Doc’s first flight in 2017.

With the winter maintenance program now complete,  the team is making final plans for the required maintenance flight which could take place as soon as this weekend, Saturday, April 8.


Weather permitting, Doc’s flights can be tracked via the warbird’s tail number N69972 via FlightAware.

Additionally, Doc’s Friends, Inc., continues to plan for the 2017 tour season. Last month, the first half of the B-29 Doc 2017 tour schedule was announced. The first tour stop will be in Wichita for a public open house event April 22. That event will include a limited number of cockpit tours with lunch provided for a $20 entry fee. Those who wish to participate in a cockpit tour must be able to climb a six foot ladder into and out of the airplane on their own. More details on the April 22 event at Yingling Aviation will be released soon via the Events and Tour page.

Doc in the Air over Kansas

Doc in the Air Over Kansas: Authentic Boeing 737 window cutout manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts continue to build Doc a permanent home in Wichita, Kan., on the grounds at Eisenhower National Airport. Details on the exact location will be revealed soon. The public can still purchase 737 window cutouts with authentic B-29 Doc licensed photos printed on them for $150 each. All proceeds from the sale of the window cutouts benefit the hangar fundraising fund. Click here to learn more.