After bringing the historic Boeing B-29 Superfortress, “Doc,” to stellar flying condition through decades of challenging physical labor, the volunteers at Doc’s Friends will not let a pandemic stand in the way of showing off their pride and joy. Along with the Commemorative Air Force’s “Fifi,” “Doc” became the second flying Superfortress in the world when it took flight in July 2016. While you might not be able to visit one of your regularly attended air shows this year, you can see the beautifully restored B-29 and even book a flight on “Doc” at four events in September.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to our operations for 2020 just like every other business and warbird operator in the nation,” said Josh Wells, executive director and general manager of Doc’s Friends. “In these challenging times, we remain faced with fixed costs to maintain our historic B-29 regardless of the current environment. That’s why we have made the decision to resume our ride flight program to help fund our continued mission of operating B-29 ‘Doc’ and preserving history for generations to come. We have demonstrated our ability to safely execute ride flights during the pandemic, while taking all of the reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.”
The B-29 Doc Flight Experience Tour will start in Branson, Missouri, at the Branson Jet Center, on September 3 and 4. From there, the Superfortress will fly to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where an event will be held at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum at Drake Field on September 5 and 6. A third event was recently added on September 19 and 20 at Lunken Airport’s Signature Flight Support South, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Finally, warbird enthusiasts in Terre Haute, Indiana, will have a chance to experience Doc on September 26 and 27. The details for this event have not been finalized.
Each daily event will offer two slots to experience the historic bomber in flight. You can book your slot here. Ticket prices range from $600 to $1,500 depending on the location inside the airplane. To mitigate the threat of COVID-19, all contact surfaces inside and outside the airplane will be sanitized and everyone onboard must wear a mask, Wells said.
In addition to the B-29 Flight Experience Tour stops, “Doc” will participate in the Arsenal of Democracy events over Washington, D.C., on September 20 through 25. You can also visit the airplane in B-29 Doc’s Hangar & Education Center at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport in Wichita, Kansas. Hours of operation for the center vary depending on the travel schedule of the bomber. Open days are posted at the B-29 Doc website. Masks or other face coverings are required, social distancing is mandatory, and additional cleaning procedures are in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would like to experience this historic treasure, but need to stay home for health reasons, this live video stream will give you a glimpse into the special beauty and history that “Doc” provides.
