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