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B-29 Doc Takes Flight

Doc approaches for a landing during the restored B-29's first flight in more than half a century. YouTube/Doc's Friends
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The B-29 Superfortress "Doc" completed its first flight in 60 years after an extensive restoration effort in Wichita, Kansas.
  • Despite an engine light cutting the flight short, the crew reported it as an "overall successful first flight" with no major issues.
  • "Doc" is now only the second flying B-29 Superfortress in the world, a testament to years of work by "Doc's Friends" volunteers who salvaged and restored the aircraft.
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For the first time in 60 years, the B-29 Superfortress named Doc, which has been in restoration in Wichita, Kansas, for many years, took flight once again. There were emotional tears in the crowds of Doc’s Friends volunteers and supporters who watched the massive, shiny all-aluminum World War II bomber lift off from McConnell Air Force Base early Sunday morning.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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