On Thursday May 4th, 2017, the fully restored Boeing B-29 Superfortress, known to us all as “Doc”, logged a successful maintenance flight, clearing the way for the iconic warbird’s first air show stop this weekend at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana for the Defenders of Liberty Air Show.
“The airplane performed perfectly,” said Jim Murphy, Doc’s Friends Program Director. “Our flight today was significant because it was the last step of our winter maintenance program that has been delayed by weather for the past month. We were able to confirm what we’ve know for several weeks: “Doc” is ready to kickoff the 2017 tour schedule.”
The crew reported that the aircraft performed normally, with no concerns during flight operations. Today, “Doc” will make her way to Barksdale Air Force Base. This is a significant moment for the aircraft, and the restoration team, as it was at Barksdale, more than seventy years ago, where Boeing officially delivered the bomber to the U.S. Army Air Corp. “Returning to Barksdale for this weekend’s air show will be memorable and full of emotion,” Murphy continued. “It’s the first travel milestone of our mission of operating Doc as a flying museum to honor the men and women who built, maintained and flew these majestic warbirds to protect our nation. Hundreds of volunteers have poured their heart and soul into this airplane since it was pulled from the desert nearly 20 years ago. This weekend’s mission to Barksdale celebrates their hard work and dedication.”
Doc will participate in multiple air show formation and demonstration flights during the Defenders of Liberty Air Show in Louisiana before returning home to Wichita on Sunday. More information will be released to the public via the Doc’s website at www.b-29doc.com as well as Doc’s social media channels during and following the show.
Outstanding will Doc ever come to the EAST COAST like Maryland ?