B-29 Superfortress Edges Close to Its First Flight in More Than 60 Years

Volunteers with Doc’s Friends have now installed the flaps on the B-29. The flaps were the last major structural items left to go on the Superfortress, and over thirty people helped with the process. “It has been incredible to witness the dedication of all the volunteers supporting Doc’s Friends throughout this journey. Taking the time out of their own week to work on this aircraft just shows the unified passion we all share to get this warbird back in the air,” said TJ Norman, Doc’s Friends operations manager. Duplicating the original methods used in the Boeing factory during WWII, only human hands, rather than machines, lifted the flaps into position, and tightened them home. Volunteers have also made progress with the other remaining key components, including fuel cells, avionics, wiring etc. So far everything is advancing smoothly. The last major leap forwards came in June, when Doc received the final installation of her engines and propellers. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Doc could be flying again in the next few months. The B-29 will then begin her three-pronged mission – to honor, educate and connect – by serving as a flying museum.

Please click HERE to see WarbirdsNews previous stories on Doc.

Please visit Doc’s Friends website HERE to see how you can help get this mighty aircraft flying again!

About Doc’s Friends

Formed by a group of Wichita business leaders in 2013, Doc’s Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation completing the full restoration of B-29 Superfortress “Doc” to flying condition. Doc’s permanent home base will be Wichita, but it will ultimately serve as a traveling museum and exhibition. For more information about Doc’s Friends, or to follow Doc’s progress, visit www.b-29Doc.com. Doc’s Friends can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.