B-29 Doc Extends Annual Maintenance Block And Delays Tour Season

PRESS RELEASE

B-29 Doc will spend an additional month in its annual maintenance block early this spring, which means a delayed start to the 2024 tour season for the historic warbird.

“During our annual inspection and winter maintenance block, our team discovered a few additional items that will require more time to address to ensure the safe operation of B-29 Doc,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “While these maintenance items are not major, they must be addressed before the aircraft can be returned to flight in 2024.”

The tour stops impacted by the extended maintenance period are Lawrenceville, GA, Sarasota, FL, and the Tampa Bay AirFest in Tampa, FL. All B-29 Doc Flight Experience ticket holders will be contacted and provided with options for ticket rebooking or refunds.

“Needless to say, we are disappointed that these matters have led to a change in our plans for March and early April for the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour,” Wells continued. “But the fact of the matter is we are 100% committed to the long-term safe operation of Doc. That means when the aircraft is not ready to fly due to maintenance, we pause and get it right. I’m proud of our maintenance team and the work they’ve done since last November, and for the work our team will wrap up soon so we can continue Doc’s mission.”

B-29 Doc, one of 1,644 B-29 Superfortress aircraft built by the Boeing Company in Wichita during World War II and one of only two B-29 bombers still airworthy and flying today.

The tour schedule changes being announced for Georgia and Florida will not impact events scheduled at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center during the same period. In addition, the remaining tour schedule for B-29 Doc for 2024 remains intact and additional tour stops in May and June will be announced soon.

Live Stream: Inside the B-29 Doc Hangar

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.

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