Doc’s Friends to Host C-47 ‘Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber’ at Open House June 29/30

Doc’s Friends, the group which restored, maintains and operates the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc, has announced a special open house at their facility in Wichita, Kansas over the weekend of June 29/30. The event will see the Douglas C-47B Skytrain 43-48608 nicknamed Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber paying a visit on her way back from celebrating the D-Day 75th Anniversary celebrations in Europe to her home with the Gooney Bird Group in Paso Robles, California. The press release continues below with the details…

Warbird and aviation enthusiasts in Wichita will get an exclusive look at one of the restored C-47 aircraft that made the trip earlier this month to Europe to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

The C-47 known as “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber” will make a stop at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita on its way back from Europe Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 The open house event will feature cockpit tours of the C-47, along with cockpit tours and B-29 Flight Experiences on B-29 Doc. North American T-6 Texan rides will also be available during the two-day event.

“Having three World War II-era aircraft in Wichita at the same time is a special treat for warbird and aviation enthusiasts,” said Josh Wells, Doc’s Friends executive director and general manager. “Partnering with another group whose mission matches our mission of honoring the Greatest Generation, while educating future generations, is core to the overall objective of keeping warbirds like Doc and Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber airworthy and flying for generations to come. It will be a unique and one-of-a-kind event that will provide up-close access to three of the most unique World War II aircraft still flying today.”

Based in Paso Robles, California, Betsy is one of the lowest flight time, most authentically restored, airworthy Skytrains. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain operated from every continent and participated in every major battle during World War II. It served in numerous roles, including hauling cargo, transporting troops, dropping paratroopers and towing gliders.

Doors will open both days at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Admission will be $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Admission fee includes cockpit tour access to both aircraft, as well as access to the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center. B-29 Doc Flight Experience tickets, as well as T-6 Texan Flight Experience tickets can be purchased online at www.b29doc.com/rides, or purchased in person the day of the event. Questions about the event can be directed to [email protected].

Richard Mallory Allnutt (Chief Editor)

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Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.

After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.

Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.

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